Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  High miles, low costs - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By captron2 - October 7 - 11:36 pm

  Swallowed my misgivings and bought this SUV with 118,000 on the odometer. Car now has 190k miles. 4Runners, I learned the hard way, have one generic flaw: rear axle seals. I have had to replace them twice. If theres gear oil in the rear brake drums, plan on spending $1000 to repair. Otherwise, no problems whatsoever. V6 gives decent mileage, too: 20 in city, as much as 26 on highway if you can drive a steady 63 mph.

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  Maxtix Puts Fun into Driving Again - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - October 7 - 11:30 pm

  The Matrix puts fun into driving. Steering wheel feels great, handling more like a sports car. Controls placed perfectly. Love the Chromatic mirror/compass feature and sunroof. All the seats really lay flat. Window controls at an angle more comfortable to operate. I wish my compute was longer - hard to leave vehicle, especially six way driver seat! Gas mileage, room, fun, options, who says you cant have it all. Thanks Toyota.

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  The most refined TLC yet - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By fsung - October 7 - 3:10 pm

  This is my second Toyota Land Cruiser. My was first one was a 1997 Lexus LX450 (a rebadge LC). Over the last 20 years, Land Cruiser has became a luxurious SUV and refined vehicle. While it doesnt have all the bling blings like the its sibling Lexus LX570/range rover/escalade, but I will take simpler suspension system over LX570 and reliability over range rover/escalade. All the new electronics definitely add complexity and cost to repair. However, most of them are safety oriented and are welcomed additions for daily driving and also add a sense security if you choose to venture into the wilderness once a while. For its intent purpose, being an overlanding vehicle, LC is by far in its own category. The only cons is the fuel economy. I dont mind fill up the tank but I wish it had a greater range. You can get out of the wilderness if youre running of gas lol. Update after first 10K. There was only 1 issue over last 10K miles. The factory wireless headsets were defective out of the factory. DS headset worked intermittently, cutting in & out. Toyota quickly replaced with an updated set. The car drove flawlessly over last 10K miles and through 2 snow storms. Factory fitted Dunlop all season tires were sub-par in the snow/ice, will probably change them out for a set of BF KO2 AT tires when next winter rolls around.

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  Nice car but - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Average Joe - October 7 - 2:36 pm

  I drive a lot and own each of the current Corolla, Camry, and Avalon models. To me, the biggest difference between the three is their size. They are all very roomy, comfortable riding and very quiet. The only reason I bought this Avalon was the huge back seat for passengers, otherwise I think the Camry is just as nice. The Corolla is still my favorite. Drive each of these three cars before you choose is my advice.

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  Absolutely Freakin Cool - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tampa FJ - October 7 - 1:03 pm

  Just bought the FJ after waiting for what seems like forever. The ride is great, four-wheels like a goat and is cool as hell. I reviewed it against all others and the FJ beats them all! I cant wait for the weekend so I can get out in the woods. I can see out of the FJ fine.

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  mycar - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By ed343 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has very good ridingcomfort. The local fuel milage is better than I expected

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  What a great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By PriusONE - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I was a little hesitant to buy before the technology was proven, but once I drove the Prius I was sold. Its a great little car that feel much bigger when your driving. I live in the city and the turning radius to grab a parking spot is amazing.

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  Prius 2002 model - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By MSDickerson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great quality - great sound system with CD player option-Super quiet to listen to great sounds - Phenominal gas mileage - excellent acceleration - good pulling ability (small trailer - not recommended though). Cannot do much better.

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  kool car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By jim-bob - October 7 - 2:00 am

  great smooth ride,fast good looking and comfortable.I definatly recommend you test drive or better yet buy one

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  hercar - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ed343 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive although it does net get the gas milage I expected