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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  Love the New Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By skd8433 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  First Solara Ive owned. Fun, flirty, elegant, practical and efficient to drive. Good placement of controls. Excellent looking interior and exterior.

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  2003 AWD MATRIX - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Sandy K. - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely thrilled with the 2003 Matrix. It is very comfortable to drive, excellent versatility with the large cargo space, and has more bang for the buck as compared to other 4wd models. Also very impressed with the high quality.

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By petrn - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the car! The ride is smooth and sure. I feel safe and comfortable when driving. The dealership was great although when I went to get the inspection sticker I was told an hour and a half wait was required. In fairness though, when I objected, the car was immediately inspected. I test drove many SUVs before deciding on the Highlander and I made the best choice by far.

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  Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ghamm - November 8 - 11:13 am

  Love it. Gas mileage is 46 combined city/highway. Most driving is suburbs. Did get some paint damage on front from road stones.

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  I LOVE my Yaris! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By pawsplus - November 8 - 9:36 am

  This is my 6th Toyota, and my first- ever NEW one. I have only had it a week, so I cant comment on reliability, but I fully expect to have the car through 300K miles. I have the 5-speed, and its a darn zippy ride! Smooth shifting and peppy. The center odometer/speedometer doesnt bother me a bit and its nice to have the extra glove box so close to the driver. The car is ABSURDLY large inside compared to what you would think--a ton of room for both driver and passengers or cargo. I feel as if its roomier than my Corolla.

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  Fantastic Camry! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By French - November 8 - 9:23 am

  We bought our Camry new. Other than regular maintenance it has been wonderful. We had good luck out of the factory tires, 55k before they needed to be replaced. I will admit I wanted the Altima first because I thought the styling was more sporty but all it took was a test drive and I was sold on the CAMRY! The ride is so quite, plus there is no motor noise. I bought my Camry for fuel economy and Ive never been disappointed. My daily driving is a combo of city/hwy. I average 28-29 mpg. If I hit the hwy on a long road trip it is nothing to hit 36 mpg. We drive the wheels off- great ride, drive, fuel - NO COMPLAINTS! Ive now owned my Camry for 3.5 yrs - I will own another one!

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  my 2004 4 runner 2 time around - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By odie - November 8 - 8:13 am

  this is my 2nd 4 runner, the first was a 2000. never had a problem. best vehicle ive owned.

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  Totally pleased - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Chuck H - November 8 - 7:16 am

  I love this car! It is smooth, fast, and very quiet. I feel wrapped in comfort and luxury. Driving through hazardous conditions on I-80, the car was sure-footed. When I arrived at my destination I was relaxed and rested. It has amazing pick-up and go for a car its size. Back seat passengers are happy with the legroom and comfort provided by its ability to recline. The appearance of both the exterior and interior are well executed. I have had lots of compliments on both. If I had it to do over again, I would buy this car in a downtown minute!

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  If it breaks down i will go buy the SAME CARE AGAIN SAME YR! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By asad9 - November 8 - 5:10 am

  bought it from a used dealer, 137k in 2009. 4yrs later its at 230k. Good on gas, no break downs, just needs gas and oil change. Manage your fluids. Toronto (401 and VP) to niagra on probably 6-7 gas. Friends tell me its ugly, but i tell them there ugly!

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  Better than Professional Reviewers Say. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By CarParker - November 7 - 7:40 pm

  I read a lot of tepid & dismissive reviews before I purchase the Matrix S. Ive driven many of the cars recommended as alternatives. I think the problem is perception. The look of the Matrix is a bit sportier than its performance. But the gap between its main contender, the Fit, is even greater. If you accept that no one really cares what you drive, so dont rely on your car to define your personality, what you get in the Matrix is Balance. I think this balance is what confounds the automag pros. A little sporty, a lot practical, amazingly reliable. Design is Clean & Simple, Driving is Balanced & Poised. Quick & smooth without being completely lifeless. A sport hatch for the pragmatic.