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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  2007 Camry Hybrid - Everything and More! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By MetMan22 - November 23 - 2:26 am

  Just purchased an 07 Camry Hybrid here in Mass. (2nd one sold by the dealer). Traded in my 05 Camry LE for the 07, Barcelona Red w/Moonroof option - delivered w/11 miles direct from the factory. 5 weeks waiting time arrived 2 weeks early! 3 weeks of ownership & this car drives better than advertised & has exceeded all my expectations. Smooth handling, terrific steering, quiet, comfortable interior, great sound system, keyless electric start, good visual displays, great new eye-catching exterior design & best of all, its fun to drive. My advice... if you can afford the added cost of the Hybrid over the regular model, run to your dealer & order one... NOW. You wont be disappointed!

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  Still loving it - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Ed - November 22 - 11:00 pm

  Had my Matrix for almost 3 yrs. and still loving it. Do it yourself maintenance its easy on it. Wife loves the AWD cause it kicks on Chicagos snowy streets. All around room and versatility also great. Very reliable, car feels as solid as it did on day one.

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  After a year - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By marphylous - November 22 - 1:50 pm

  The Highlander has been a pleasure to drive this past year. The vehicle has outstanding build quality and solidity. It is very quiet and easy to drive. Comfort for rear seat passengers is good, especially with the reclining rear seats. The size of the vehicle is a good balance that provides adequate hauling capacity while keeping down vehicle weight. I was able to carry a rolled 9 x 12 carpet inside. Controls are sensibly placed and easy to operate. It took a little while to get used to the brakes. At first they felt a little bit soft, but the vehicle has good stopping distance and control. Turning radius is significantly better than the Lexus RX300.

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  1998 avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By nonfib - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Aside from the road noise, there has not been a complaint about the car in the five years we have owned it.

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  Great Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Elizabeth J. KIkuchi - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car and the most comfortable car we have owned in 50 years.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim Bob T - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned in 40 years. My next cara will be an Avalon by Toyota. I have two friends that have purchased an Avalon after riding in mine.

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  grand slam - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By james sportsman - November 22 - 10:00 am

  this car exceeds my 2001 solara far and away, iwish it got better gas milage but i hardly ever get out of LA CA.I GOT THE CAR IN SEPT OF 2003 AND ONLY HAVE 3000 MILES ON IT

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  2004 Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By cycler48 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Toyota and theyve all been fabulous. 92 Camry LE V6, 97 Corolla DX, 03 Corolla S, 04 Corolla S. My wife and I still drive the 92 Camry and our daughter has the 03 Corolla. Unfortunately, the 97 was totalled last year. As much as we like the Camry, we like the 04 Corolla S even more. Theres nearly as much room in the Corolla. The Corolla rides better in certain conditions and the gas mileage is so much better. Its really a more fun car to drive and it has that certain Toyota feel that it will last forever. We love our Corolla.

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  why my wife and i are on our 10th toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By iamstones - November 22 - 10:00 am

  nothing less than i would expect from toyota-- after 9 cars from corolla to avalon, its still the best car out there and the one that is most consistantly well built and performance perfect.

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  I LOVE MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JHSiess - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I thought I loved my 1996 Camry. Well, I was wrong. I LOVE my 2004 Camry, although I kept my 1996 and still enjoy driving it, too. But the 2004 is much improved, not only in handling, but comfort, mileage, etc. It is quieter and rides even smoother. I adore this car. Even with the a/c running and at speeds up to 80 mph, I get 36 mpg on the freeway. You just cant beat that. It is 100% reliable and great to take along friends, or the kids and their friends because everyone rides comfortably and happily. Well worth the $$. Im quite sure that in a few years I will be purchasing Camry #3!