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:

• 

  Surprising MPG - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - November 20 - 4:10 pm

  Just purchased a 2003 Tacoma Prerunner 4x2 SR5, 2.47L. I was pleasantly surprised that on a trip from Boise, Idaho to Lompoc, CA I averaged 23.5 mpg using the cruise control as much as possible and the Power ECT on long uphill grades.

• 

  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By ColoradoToy - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  Ive owned virtually nothing but Toyotas in my 25 years of actually owning cars (everything else led to misery) but this has been the best. Eight years old now and Ive had no repairs. No rattles. No vibrations. Still acts like it is brand new. Can barely hear the thing running. Amazing car. I dont see how they can do that. Im not selling it but this sort of quality leads me to buying the new 4Runner (wife/kids).

• 

  Small & Quick - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By SLOJO - November 20 - 12:33 pm

  Its new. Rides great. Maneuvers well. Plenty of get up and go. Has all the bells and whistles. Fit and trim are excellent. First non-"big three" we have owned. Center dash w/navigation/CD combined is too delicate and complex. Steering wheel controls good/dash controls unnecessarily confusing. Owners Manual near useless - WAY TOO LONG. More comfortable than competitors especially for someone over 62" and 250 lbs. Cargo area is good w/3rd seat down.

• 

  Dont miss my Cadillac! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By vinceburns - November 20 - 10:00 am

  More than a year now and the Prius goes humming along. Great seats,comfortable ride and quiet interior are joined by excellent mileage (44 at 70 mph on the highway, and 46 mpg overall).The trunk is plenty big and all useable. The sound system is surprisingly good. Cant believe how much room there is; Im 62"/260 lbs, and I am comfortable in either the front or the rear. !

• 

  Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By nvjohn - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Matrix a little over a month ago. So far I am very pleased. The gas mileage is great - averaging 27 mpg for mostly city driving. The interior is funtional and roomy. The styling is a little different, but overall it is a good looking car (although a little goofy from some angles). Performance is great - especially when the timing changes above 6000 rpm.

• 

  Charcoal canister & sensor - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By parmiller - November 20 - 10:00 am

  At 17000 miles had to replace charcoal canister at cost of $400. Dealer said we were overfilling the fuel tank. This week at 21000 same problem, engine dash light comes on. Now they say we need an air sensor for $261 plus labor.Cause was stated as using Mobil gas, should use Sunoco. $800 in repair bills for fuel related problems. This is rediculus.

• 

  My Camry - Now 4 years old - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AliArman - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This is such a great car. Its like anld dependable friend who comes thru every time. The suspension is a little soft and theres a little bit of this and a little bit of that in the interior but I have driven many other cars and no one comes close to Camry.

• 

  But the Vhevrolet and Save - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Baddeal - November 20 - 10:00 am

  The gas milage is terrible for this SUV. I would have reather bought the Ford or Chevy and got the performance and better milage at a much lower cost. The Toyota cost 9K more than I could have bought the Tahoe LT for. I cannot recommend this SUV.

• 

  wonderful car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By fingersray - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I do a great deal of driving in town, and the fuel economy is fantastic. This vehicle does every thing right, smooth, quiet, very reliable and the perfect size.

• 

  I love my new Highlander!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By brandi - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This drives so much like a car and not an SUV. Believe it or not I chose this over the Lexus RX300 and not because of the price!!!