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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  Quite a car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike W - February 10 - 9:10 pm

  Basically very good. I love the hatchback design and under floor storage in hatch. Interior materials seem cheap in Prius II. They grab every speck of anything not attached. The plastic dash top marred very easily until I used a nourishing treatment on it. Steering wheel has nice feel. Variable ratio steering is easy at highway speeds but requires lots of turning at first around town. Eventually turns very sharp. This model has no lumbar support adjustment, and I miss it. There are grab handles above door openings, but they are so far back, I find them worthless. The parking brake pad will not stay on - it seems to be the wrong one. Tie down loops in the hatch are a good safety feature.

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  Love My 05 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Laurie C - February 10 - 8:23 pm

  I love my Prius. Ive had it for just under a month and the mileage gets better every week. The first we we averaged 45mpg and am up to 48mpg. I drive mostly highway and am impressed with performance. People are amazed at how roomy and comfortable the car is, how smoothly it rides and how quiet. Our Prius is as quiet on the highway as our Chrysler Town & Country. The controls took a little getting used to and I still turn on the wipers by accident occasionally but thats okay. I have not found anything about this car that I dont love. I would recommend the Prius to anyone looking for a fun and stylish car to drive. I went from $35/week to $15/week on gas. This vehicle is well worth the wait

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  A great car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By schmidbo - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Im headed to 200,000 miles with the XLE. Usual stuff has been replaced (brakes, timing belt, radiator etc) and the car just keeps on going. A great smooth ride.

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  5 speed shot after only 73,000 miles! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By NJmike1234 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Well just as the 70,000 mile warrenty ran out so did the 5 speed on the car. Dealer no help-3,300 for new trans- local repair shop fixed it for 900.00 Do Not get the 5 speed

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  fun celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Eryc - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car, at first I bought an 2000 Acura Integra Type-R but I didnt like it despite its pure performance, I had bought my mom a 02 Celica GT-S Panasonic Edition and it felt so much better just to ride in that car and it had some good features. I do enjoy my 03 GT-S quite a bit, superb handling which is really important, unique look, great interior design and comfy fitting seats. It is an overpriced vehicle with lacking torque but in balance it has good resale value and reliability which is more important. A downside to this vehicle is the blind spots, I can no way see out of my left rear window..

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  Great little car! - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By eemg6 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  My parents got me this car to drive to college and they have not regretted it. At 5,142 miles, it has plenty of pep-my mother prefers to drive it than her Lexus! The fuel economy is excellent, and the saftey features are also very appreciated. The only problem I have had is the passenger side power window/lock piece springing up-but the dealer replaced it with no charge. It is definately a fun, reliable, and practical car. I would most certainly recommend the Toyota Corolla.

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  Breaking the Corolla Legacy - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By S Leney - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been a big Toyota fan and the reliability of the Corolla speaks for itself. So I was shocked to learn that at 70K miles Im suddenly burning 1L oil/500 miles. My dealer has recognized this as an increasingly common problem with corollas with the aluminum block engine. Botton-line, engine rebuild even earlier than your average Dodge. BEWARE!

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  Great little car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By farrellcsun - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I really like my 2001 Toyota Corolla S. I like it for its great fuel economy and spunky little engine. The styling both inside and out can be a little more adventurous, but you dont become a best-seller on looks alone. THe quality is top notch and i havent had any major problems with it at all (I am a heavy driver). Of course the interior is a little cramped, but its a COMPACT people! If you want something bigger, get a Camry or ACcord! Otherwise, i highly recommend this car.

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  Matrix XRS = Stlylish, Reliable, & Fun - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mike C. - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS close to 10 months now. It has been a great experience day in, day out. The Matrix XRS is a very unique blend of three Toyota models. The front end, suspension, tires, and engine is very similar to, if not exactly the same as Toyotas sporty Celica GT-S. It features the interior of the Corolla S fused with the Rav 4s exterior. This car has great handling, top-end speed, functionality, and comfort. I like making sharp turns and know that the suspension and tires will grip the road with confidence. Overall, the Toyota Matrix XRS is a solid purchase that is sure to please many.

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  2003 Avalon is still noisy - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Mary Payne - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I heard something like wind noise in the front. The salesman, of course, said no, no. He couldnt hear anything. This is a luxury car. The audio system was fabulous. The salesman was talking. I turned off the music. I asked him to be quiet. On surface streets, it was lovely. The fan was blowing when I took it onto the freeway. But after I purchased it and drove it on the freeway all alone and with everything turned off, there is DEFINITELY noise. I still cant pinpoint it or figure out how this can be.