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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  excellent small car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Francesca - May 5 - 2:00 pm

  Its been almost 1 year since purchasing my 01 LE - what a wonderful little car - there have been no rattles, squeaks or any other unwanted noises, and no recalls! the gas mileage is great, I get between 31-33 MPG in the city with the 4 speed auto, the ride is smooth and quiet - everything works great - the car starts the first time every time and I have no regrets about chosing the Corolla over the Focus, Civic, Sentra, Beetle and Protege - which are the other cars I had looked at.

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  Nice! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dbiggins - May 5 - 11:20 am

  I chose this car over a Volvo S60 and am very happy. For the cost everything comes with the Camry - sunroof, leather and navigation were the options I selected. My other vehicle is a pick up that gets 16 mpg and week to date the Camry is at 31 mpg. The transition between gas and electric is mildly noticeable - I havent experienced any sort of shudder. The car is very quiet inside and out at highway speeds. I am comparing to a lifted 4x4 truck so anything would seem quite but this is almost surreal. The navigation seems a little tedious with a large menu of options but balance with the 440 watt sound system I am more than pleased. Overall, I am pleased with my first Toyota.

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  The best truck ever built - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Rick Elkins - May 4 - 9:40 pm

  I have owned many Toyotas and finally Toyota has built truly the most incredible truck on the market. The power is incredible and towing is off the charts. If you truly want the most bang for the buck with the best resale value, you must buy Toyota Tundra.

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  You must judge this car from the inside - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By MyNameIsNeo - May 4 - 7:26 am

  Function. The Matrix is superior in every aspect of why you want an affordable 5 door hatchback. Cargo, comfort, driving pleasure wrapped under $17k. Comfort. It simply has the best interior passenger ergonomics in this, or perhaps any, class. Cargo? Perhaps the coolest thing about the car- flat bedliner flooring with tie downs and under flooring cubby holes. Fun. Forget the horsepower numbers. It wont snap you kneck, but it will crack your smile.

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  Love the Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By thyde - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I went from a Ford Expedition getting 11 mpg to the Prius and am saving over $100/mo in gas. Pickup is surprising (its no sports car, but for what it is, it moves better than you might imagine.) Has excellent standard features and the Toyota reliability.

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  Matrix 2004 - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Big Guy 952 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, plenty of get up and go and gets good milage

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  WOW!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Callinectes - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I had been researching this car since about July of this year. Everything I had learned was astonishing, from the features to the hybrid system. I am the type that gets my hopes up in anticipation and usually I am disappointed when I finally get to use the product, but not so with the Prius. It is simply AWESOME. Fun to drive, great head turner, great gas mileage, and Im not hurting the environment as much as the average driver. If you can get your hands on one then do so!!!

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  Tundra Fan - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Alpha Truck - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This 4 DR. truck has nice pickup and rides as smooth as the top of the line Toyota cars. The motor has smooth acceleration and trans shifts smooth. Plenty of room in back for 3 plus the convience of a pickup for hauling whatever.

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  Who says an SUV cant get great mileage? - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By kpb13 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned nothing but Toyota for over 20 years and they just keep getting better. This is the third 4 Runner that I have owned. Im all for American, but first of all, most Toyotas have American parts or are made in America. Also, when American car makers start making them as reliable as Toyota, I may change.

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  cool car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By imabor3ddude - May 4 - 2:00 am

  this car is great to drive. if your a teenager that wants a car to get you too school and trips to the local mall or hangout. this is the car for you.