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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  Not as good as they used to be - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Russ - November 28 - 4:36 pm

  Ive driven Toyotas forever, but Im afraid this will be my last one. Its not a terrible car by any means, but the quality since they starting building them in America has really slipped. It hasnt broken down on me, but it seems every month theres something new that goes wrong. A panel falls off here, something else falls off over there. Every time I go in for service theres something else they have to replace. Last time it was issues with the steering linkage which still hasnt really been completely fixed. Transmission has a very strange hesitation when shifting. Again, no problems so big it has made the car undriveable, just constant irritations.

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  Matrix Review - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By payultr - November 28 - 3:06 pm

  Comfortable to drive and well laid out on the interior. Very spacious when the back seat is folded down. MPG is excellent, I average 40 mpg on long trips!!

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  Almost the perfect car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rescurik - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If it didnt eat up so much gas, it would be the perfect car.

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  tacoma - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Snoop Dogg - November 28 - 10:00 am

  extremely good truck. have had it forever. would not change a thing with it.

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  i love my car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By genak - November 28 - 10:00 am

  its cute and amazing to drive and im in love with it.

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  Worth it - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By KEC - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several SUVs and this 4Runner is defenitly the best I had. Strongly recomend it.

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  GREAT CAR!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By alex007 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS REALLY A GOOD QUALITY CAR... I DID MY SHOPPING FOR AROUND 4 MONTHS AND THIS IS THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR BUCK. VERY IMPRESSED WITH BUILD QUALITY , SMOOTHNESS, CONFORT, AND IF YOU CAN GET A GOOD PRICE DONT LOOK ANY FUETHER.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.....

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  Boy toy that doubles as family vehicle - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By goatboy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Very well built truck. The pros in my opinion: super reliable, great built quality, very fun to drive, the look of 4x4 without the downsides (bad mileage, maintenance, insurance). A great poser 4x4 look/feel for yuppies wholl never leave concrete. I get up every day and enjoy driving this truck, its just fun to drive. Note: It also has a lot of room in the backseat compared to other extended cab full-size trucks. The cons: short wheel base makes for bouncy ride, its a smaller interior, and pretty spartan inside. Overall Im happy with this truck and it also works for throwing the kiddos in the back- seat.

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  Good looking, Stiff ride, Over Priced - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Motaco - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Good strong V6. Good exterior design, possibly exellent reliability. Overpriced. Seats are cheap and uncomfotable. Designed by midgets. Very uncomfortable for a midsized man. steering wheel, Shift lever, gas and break pedals are not well placed. The ride is too stiff and the seats are not cushioned well, bumpy on freeway. The steering is is too hard + poor positioning making it laboring to turn. Uncomfortable long distance ride. Occational rattling noise in the dash board area (nothing new here). Stupid clock position. High wind noise. Worthless cruise control: bad, bad location and jack up the speed when accelerate.

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  Good - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By SirFragsMore - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Buy it quick before they run out, then you have to go out and find one. :(