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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  I STILL LOVE THIS CAR! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By SueRad1030 - April 3 - 10:48 pm

  This is the best car I ever had! I gave it to my son. I bought it new when he was 8 and he is now 23. I never imagined I would be able to pass it off to him This SUV still looks great and runs great!!! We had very few problems with this car. I recently bought a 2015 Toyota Camry and hope the Camry can live up to the 4Runner. This car is still running like a champ in 2018; no major problems or repairs ever on this car!

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  Now I get it... - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By dr1105 - April 3 - 4:06 pm

  Every Prius owner I spoke to while doing car research loves their Prius. After 2000 miles with mine, I get it. If you want great gas mileage, easy park-ability, great tech features--this car is it. Along with Prius c, I was considering the Hyundai Veloster, Subaru Impreza, Mazda3. I drove each car multiple times (car sales people love me). The Prius c 3 had all the features I required: Bluetooth, Navigation, Keyless entry. I need to transport my 10 year old, drive all over LA and I wanted 35+ mpg. The Mazda3s interior was boring, and adding my required features to Veloster and Impreza pushed both out of my price range. Plus, the owner reviews showed few people achieve the advertised mpg.

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  Just Right - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Mike - April 3 - 12:46 pm

  I was hesitant to trade in my 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara mainly because I didnt want to give up the 4WD capability. Having one kid and another one on the way however, the lack of back seat room was a killer. The Matrix is just right!! Better fuel economy, plenty of room and I get to keep the AWD for those snowy winters here in Chicago. Before the Matrix I looked at the Chevy HHR and the PT Cruiser, neither one offers AWD and the Toyota quality jumps right at you when you compare them, no contest!!!

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  Poor Mans Lexus - A true Toyota - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By XLE lover - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for almost a year now and reads 98,000mi on it with no problems whatsoever. Just replaced the timing belt. there is a whining sound on the wheels that I dont seem to understand. The dealer said that the wheel bearing work fine and I replaced four new tires, and still the whining is still there. I compared it to my wifes Solara and she doesnt has this problem in her car.but like other consumers, engine is very quiet,strong, responsive and similar to the ES300, and the earlier Avalon models, if I am not mistaken. Excellent performance on the freeway. I never get tired of driving this car and I plan to keep this car forever!

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  Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Paula Muse - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Maybe I enjoy it so much since I had a van previously. The 6 speed is high revving with enough pickup. My 16 Year old son and his friends think its awesome. My only complaint is driving in the snow. I will replace the low performance tires with snow tires this winter to see if that helps.

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  So far, so good... - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Stu Cole - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this a couple months ago and loving it. A little pricey for the Sport package, considering its all cosmetic, but it does sharpen the looks quite a bit. Rides and handles almost as comfortably as the 1999 Camry we turned at end-of-lease to buy this. A little bumpier, a little noisier, but the plusses far outweight the few minuses. Love the space and ease, very comfortable, almost feels more like a station wagon than an SUV, but so compact and easy to handle.

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  Fun! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chrfr - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The is by far the best car or truck that I have ever owned. Just driving down the street makes you feel proud to be a 4Runner owner. So smooth and fun to drive. I cant wait for the snow!

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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Chynna - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. Im new to the minivan era and swore I would never get one. Have been an SUV person but was sick of the gas problem and rollover warnings. Love the sleek dash board. Love the steering wheel radio controls. Smooth ride! Although it doesnt take corners like my Jeep. I have already scratched the van trying the park! BUT I FEEL SAFE w/my precious cargo! KIDS LOVE IT!!

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  The best of the best - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aubrey - April 3 - 4:26 am

  I now have over 300,000 miles on this SR5 4x4 and other than regular maintenance, the only problem was the starter. Still shines like new, the ABS works great, all electrical is working and I know it will start every time I want to use it. I have hauled, towed and loaded this truck to the max and it has never let me down. This is my fifth Toyota product and I have yet to have any in the shop which is better on my wallet as well as peace of mind.

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  2007 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Boca Wife - April 3 - 3:20 am

  At first I wasnt very impressed with the car until I drove it. It was great. My husband is over 66" he actually picked out the car first, he was very comfortable seated in it. Both my kids are over 5 feet all and they are between the age of 9 and 11. I am 5 9 " I am sure the son will enjoy this car when he is 16... I hope. Thanks to my husband for introducing the Avalon. Its great.