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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  Toyota 4 door - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyman of San Diego - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned a Toyota and I know I am paying extra for this privilage! Tiyota will last for 150k to 200k miles with just an oil change! They are worth every penny!

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Emma - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Buick for 11yrs, my Highlander has been a real joy. It handle great and gets wonderful gas milage

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  Great Quality - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By elan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Toyota did a very good job at redesigning this vehicle. For the money, I think its the best value out of the compact vehicles.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mariokartmax - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles well and gets great mileage, more then expected. I found it to be of fair quality overall. Its definitly a car I would like to keep for years to come even after I pay it off.

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  Toyota - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Alitote - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is the best Toyota out there

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  no cruise?? - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By dsgoodwin - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I like my Corolla. Its my first corolla, but my third Toyota. However, I was disappointed that my S model didnt have cruise control. Its not the base model, so I dont know why its not there. Rather unfortunate, as Ive gotten two speeding tickets. Variable intermittent wipers would have been nice, but I guess they have to save some features for the highest model. It also seems like I have a harder time seeing out the back when backing. The high rear end may be part of that, as may the rear headrests, but I wonder if the design of the ... what are they called, roof supports? ... may also contribute.

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  Paint Job and Thigh Support / Engine - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Artie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I feel that my legs are half way on the seat and the other half on mid air! Im 510 195 lbs. dads 98 Ford Taurus SE is just as fast Im wondering if the 2003 5-speed automatic transmission is quicker than the 4? Bad paint job/or defective. I have toyoguard double clearcoat sealant, and its chipping off from the hood and on smaller areas around the vehicle. What a bummer! DONT BUY BLACK!!!

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  Reving to go - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By arjam - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been wonderful with my new Camry. I could not asked for a better vehicle. It is roomy and comfortable. It drives so smoothly. Im glad I made this purchase. I will defintely buy again.

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  Prius Rocks - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pmanza - November 3 - 4:20 pm

  Traded in a Lexus RX 300 for the Prius, mostly for better gas mileage. Was shopping Camry Hybrid against Prius, but went with Prius as a better overall value, plus I actually like the hatchback design. While the car isnt as comfortable as a Lexus, or as quiet, it still is very nice and I dont find myself missing my old car at all (well almost). Many complain about the seats in the Prius, but for me they are fine, plenty comfortable and supportive. It also was really nice filling up for the first time after 400 miles and it only cost $24! Even my husband was sold after we drove it home getting 55 mpg on the highway right off the lot.

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  Think I purchased a Lemon! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tori - November 3 - 11:03 am

  Since owning my Matrix Ive put over 1k into fixing it! The calliphers went out, my floor is full of water from the sunroof, the gas mileage is appx 24 mpg, my headlights are cracked, this car is nice looking but poorly built (its a corolla I learned) Ive had no luck with this lemon and wish I never sold my CRV!! My interior is also fading (the silver knobs, etc), For a certified car, my old cheaper cars were much better. I will never buy another Toyota. Im having so many problems with this car I will have to sell it back and pay the diffrence, I dont know what else to do. Lesson learned- "never buy a first year car".