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:

• 

  Love my Matrix! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Kath - May 9 - 4:10 am

  I bought my 2002/2003 Matrix used with 50,000 miles on it..its still tight and silent. I love the 5 speed (though it does stuggle up the nearby mountain highway.) Lots of room for handbells and gear, as well as a roomy back seat...far bigger than any of the bigger SUVs I looked at (even the Mercedes C- Class and Honda CRV.) The dealer put the same tires on it that he puts on his BMWs so the car hugs the road and handles very well. I removed the back seat head rests since they block my view, but will replace them if I have back seat passengers. The cargo net is in good shape but its use is a mystery. Very heavy duty jumper cables were included...yea, Toyota!

• 

  Great Car and the hybrid is a bonus!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By bikermark - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, lots of features, very high tech, build quality 2nd to none! Traded my 2006 Hyundai Sonata on this and am so glad I did!

• 

  Happy Camper - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By B2900 - May 9 - 1:43 am

  I just feel that I have a truck with great resale value and amazing quality. This is my 4th now Toyota purchase and I am a former big three owner. I love the sonar the big mirrors and the tough looks of the truck itself. It has amazing power speed and throaty rumble when going do the road. Finally it is a work horse and tows my tandem 30 foot trailer with effortless performance

• 

  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By mac240 - May 8 - 6:10 pm

  Very nice truck with an excellent ride. This is my third Tacoma and by far the best. I use my truck mainly for personal transportation and I bet I represent a large number of buyers. With that in mind Toyota should make available more creature comforts, i.e., power seats, heated mirrors, a sunroof, auto temp and leather seats. The tire monitor system is useless, it only indicates you have low tire pressure but doesnt tell you which tire. The system GM uses gives you a readout of the tire pressure in each tire, a much more useful system. Even with the short comings Ill buy this truck again.

• 

  One of the best! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By BIG T, - May 8 - 5:46 pm

  I have owned Toyota trucks, since 1993, nine to be exact. This truck is by far the best one yet! Tons of power, torque and comfort. Nicely laid out int, 381+ hp., pulled an 8,900lb load for 248 miles with out a grunt! Average fuel mileage is 17.8 mpg. Never did I have a problem with any of my other Toyotas either. Trust a loyal Toyota customer. Also have the 2007 FJ cruiser.

• 

  More room then you think - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By maxx1234 - May 8 - 5:06 pm

  I found the 2001 echo to be a great little car to get around, at first one has to get used to driving it. Being more alert around you, not taking ones eyes off the road for too long, space inside is a real plus, head room is very good, well put together

• 

  More than I expected - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stephen - May 8 - 3:55 pm

  The ride is amazing.. its a rugged, classy, and great looking. I dont feel comfortable driving over 80 but I can use my BMW for that. Great around town and it laughs at pot holes so common in the NYC tri-state area.. Over 12K miles now and still runs like the day I bought it.

• 

  What a great vehicle! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Headshaker - May 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought the v-8 primarily as her vehicle. Wow What a great car! Great in the snow, great all- wheel drive, great tow vehicle, and great kid hauler. My son finally talked my wife into selling it to him, so weve now bought a 2011 version. I hope it is as reliable, because we loved the 2003 model!

• 

  You had me at Taco... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Renquest - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my Tacoma yesterday morning. I bought it with 42k miles/1-owner for $21k. It is a blast to drive! This thing climbs hills. In 6th gear @ 50 mph. There is enough power throughout the power band. Shifting is smooth once you get use to the clutch which feels as light as a cars clutch. If you are looking to fill a semi-sports car void without loosing the utility of a truck and have room for the family, test drive a Tacoma. The reliability of a Toyota is undeniable. I plan on taking this truck to 220k.

• 

  2011 SE Road Noise - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By GoHuskers - May 8 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice vehicle for the price. I got mine with the se package, msrp 25,569. Dealer agreed to sell for 22,500, with $1000 Toyota graduate rebate brings it down to $21,500 so I consider it the best deal in the class. Everything is nice, look nice, sporty, handle well, good gas mileage, big trunk, and really roomy inside.