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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  Simply Irresistable! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By toyota girl - April 26 - 1:46 am

  This is a wonderful car. I bought mine brand new and I now have 79,000 miles on it. It has never needed anything other than a new battery and one new set of tires. I changed my tires to Toyo as I think they handle better. I treat my cars good and have the oil changed every 3,000 miles. It looks great, but better yet it runs great. Thats the thing about Toyotas. They just run. I hate cars that break down constantly on the side of the road, and its never even a consideration with this car. I expect to have some expense around 90,000. Timing chain and anything else it needs. I did have the front brakes done recently. Buy this car! You wont regret it.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By dcook - April 26 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car in lieu of a Hyundai Elantra. The only reason I was drawn to the Corolla was more headroom (Im 6 4"), otherwise the Elantra is more car for less money with a better warranty. We have had one for 3 years and it has performed flawlessly. It came with more standard features, drives better both in the city and on the highway and gets slightly better gas mileage. The CorollaÂ’s style is admittedly more stylish and sporty. Toyota should fire the person that placed the clock it makes me wonder about other engineering decisions, that was plain stupid. The car has been trouble free except twice now the 6 cd changer just started spitting out disc for no good reason... hmm.

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  Stuck on toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tony_sells_R.E. - April 25 - 11:16 pm

  I just bought a 2003 4Runner sport edition with the optional V8, 2WD, and it is amazing. I always wanted a 4Runner, and could finally afford one. It is great. I should have bought it years ago instead of an explorer that blew a head gasket and needed new lifters after 85k miles. I am only 24 years old, and drive hard, and it keeps up with me. Being in real estate, I need a nice car for clients, and a reliable and low maintenance suv that I can fit my familys stuff in when we go out for the weekend. This is an awesome vehicle!!!

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  Pretty Good Car - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Leslie R - April 25 - 4:40 pm

  Ive loved this car, mostly because its just the right size for me. I can pack up half of my belongings and drive across the country (which I have to do occasionally because of my job), but I dont feel like Im driving a tank around the city. I also feel confident that Im not going to be stuck on the side of the road in the desert. The lack of power is a problem. Accelerating onto the freeway can be a little scary. Driving through the Rocky Mountains, Ive felt like I might start rolling backward. Turning radius is amazing, though. My husband, who is very tall, thinks its horribly uncomfortable to either ride or drive, especially over long distances.

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  Great car, could be even better. - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By carlupi - April 25 - 2:50 pm

  This is great car and value for the money. Comfortable overall, quiet, very fuel efficient. With some tweaks to the exterior design and interior layout, could be the best car Toyota makes.

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  The Mileage Ratings are TRUE - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By vioarc - April 25 - 10:13 am

  Upright drivers position and ample knee space make the 07 Camry the most comfortable car in its price range. My May 10 Test drive of the first hybrid in the area was a solid, quiet experience. Almost a month after taking delivery, Im still doing demos for my friends. Consistently matching the sticker mileage ratings has encouraged me to improve my driving skills. In normal driving, the synergy drive is so smooth that is does little to call attention to itself. If I remember to pay attention, I sense engine shut down at full stops. The 4 cylinder note can be heard on long uphills and the regenerative brakes have an inobtrusive, but distinctive sound. The motors torque is powerful!

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  They are not all that great - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By rbgreeves - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Have had ride and tire wear problems since day one. Dealer had me buy new wheel, no improvement. Toyota Customer Service is the absolute pits and there is no way I would ever recommend that anybody ever buy a vehicle from Toyota of Melbourne, FL.

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  From F150 to Matrix and fun drive - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Daniel Foster - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Not only does it look good but it drives good too. Much more fun than the F150 and easier on the pocketbook and easier to park. More room for your things than you could imagine by looking at it. A great week-end flea marketing vehicle and a comfortable ride for 4.The ulitmate shopping car.

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  Magnificant Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By buddyl030 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  With the rear seats down its a cargo van. Seats 4 comfortably but taxes the engine somewhat. I am averaging 33-34 mpg. With the gear shifter in the park position the heater/ac/fan switches are hard to access. Handles like a sports car. Corners flat and precise.

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  Highlander 04 - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Gerome Desulme - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The highlander offers a smooth ride. It drives like a car and feel extremely comfortable. I like the relative small size and easy handling. It fits well in my garage and feels lighter than any minivan alternative.