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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  I actually like this car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Jill - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealership looking for a used car but I mentioned that I just wanted to look at the Echos and I looked at the two door, went on a test drive and didnt even glance at any other cars. I cant really explian why I like it, but I just do. Maybe it is the killer sound system upgrade, I dont know. I dont think the outside is cartoony or really that wierd looking, but I am 20 so that probably makes a difference.

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  Love those Toyotas - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By BWM - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with 12,000 miles. Now has 80,000. Had a computer chip replaced about a year ago. Keep maintenance up to date and I hope to own it 10 years from now. If not, hope I can find a Toyota just like it with a comparable price. GREAT CAR!!

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  Runnemede - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By H. Lyle Jones - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed the response. It is very manuverable in traffic. I switched from a full size Cadillac to the Toyota Solara and from day one I have been very pleased. I do not miss the Cadillac.

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  Could be better - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gurpinder - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Toyota quality is great and they sure use it on this 4Runner. The transmission is great and strong. When the gear shift, you will feel the quality product. This is my third Toyota and every one ran forever.

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  Traded in SUV for Matrix- Love it! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By deerblue - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Matrix XR about 8 days ago. I love it. I use to drive a SUV and I loved its big cargo area and didnt really want to give it up. But Arianna Huffington got to my conscience as well as seeing $1.98 for regular gas. I wanted a small SUV with great gas mileage. People laughed at me. But I have found it in the Matrix. Love the way it looks, great cargo area. But my favorite things are the great pep it has and great gas mileage. Drove it up the California Coast. Without any effort, I was going 90. I got close to 38 per gallon. It is not the fanciest, I sort of miss the leather in my SUV but it is a great car. Love it.

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  Great vehicle for the money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By truthguru - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle with superior build quality. Car does not have any squeaks or rattles and the interior gaps are tight.

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  My Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Luckyned - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Very fun and very comfortable car. My entire family loves it.

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  Best Truck for the Money - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JaxTundra - July 17 - 2:00 am

  When I shopped for a truck, the first thing I considered was proven reliability. That narrowed my shopping quickly. The Tundra has a track record of reliability, and Toyota has built quality vehicles for years, so it was not hard to consider the Tundra. I usually buy Nissan vehicles, but lately their quality has not been what it used to be. I first thought the Tundra would be too big, but when I took the test drive, I fell in love with it. It does not "feel" as big as the Ford F-150 I had driven, and in some ways, it actually feels like driving a very comfortable car, with extra meat. This is a fantastic truck, that is built in Indiana.

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  Best value (for what it is!) - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Vamanos - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Thanks to all you reviewers who helped me decide against the CR-V and for the RAV4. Visually, it was no contest. CR- V may have 15 or so more horses, but it was way too conservative, bland and boring. My 12 year old Saturn had more style. The new Sport model with the Graphite Gray Pearl paint sold me. With gas at $2.00+ a gal., Im pleased with the 4 cyl mileage (so far). Glad I chose the RAV 4 over the Saturn Vue, though for the money it is very close and I will miss the dent-free side panels. My mini RX 300 is functional, sexy, sporty and half the price of the Lexus. Gotta get the moon roof and wider wheels/tires to maximize comfort and handling.

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  A Lexus in Toyota clothing - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rayo - July 17 - 2:00 am

  It is true quality without the fluff. I Think of this truck as a fine wine. It will get better with age.