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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  Sporty car for year-round fun - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By dennyvibes - October 24 - 8:35 am

  I have had my Matrix for 6 years in March 2011. I bought it specifically for the all-wheel drive needed for New England winters. The Matrix never gets stuck in the snow, though the standard tires are slippery and you have to drive slowly to keep from skidding in turns, and make sure not to stop too suddenly. Its possible getting standard all-season tires instead of the sportier ones will remedy that. I LOVE driving my Matrix on beaches, sand dunes, and any off-roading I can get. Its so much fun! It holds its own with any 4X4 truck for any typical rugged fun. I just got into an accident in snow on an unplowed road, at a sharp curve, doing down a steep hill. My Matrix kept me safe and sound!

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  120K and going strong - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Anne - October 24 - 8:26 am

  Bought used 12/03 w/27K miles; now just over 120,000, & though overdue a major check-up & first tune-up, Ive had few problems. Mileage still avgs. 20-21 mpg & might improve a bit once tuned. Except for routine maint., have only had to replace some sort of emissions sensor. Ck engine light came on a few times at first, but once I realized it was always right after oil change, & they werent reconnecting an air hose properly after ckg the air filter, I always warn them about it, & it hasnt happened since. Htg&A/C intermittently switches over to opposite of what its set on. Turning temp. knob over & back resets it so havent fixed since entire panel must be pulled - big $$$, Im told

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  Bought the best - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By 1972ck - October 23 - 11:06 pm

  The new Tundra in my humble opinion is the best fullsized truck on the market. Fantastic power, turning radius, styling and capabilities. Toyota has finally hit the mark w/ this all new Tundra. It drives like a car. Precise handling and whisper quiet.

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  Excellent pick - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By hmntafiel1 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Although this car does not have as much horsepower as the GT-S model, it is still a fun car to drive. Not only that, but the fuel economy of this car is great. I drive on the highway quite a ways since my job is 55 miles one-way and this baby has given me up to 450 miles on a single tank of gas. The ride is not as smooth as lets say- a Lexus, but the suspension is great, especially around those curves. Would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is considering it.

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  Very Happy w/ My 02 Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By 1968 Camaro Conv - October 23 - 10:00 am

  When Toyota first advertised the new 00 Tundra, what interested me was the emphasis placed on the Tundra’s new I-Force V8 engine. After waiting two years and tracking the success of the Tundra, I decided to test drive this truck and immediately knew that this was a well build truck. I’ve driven this truck across the USA with no problems. I also have used this truck to haul wood and for towing. The 4X4 works well both off- road and on wet/snow covered pavement. The anti-locking brakes also works well on icy and gravel roads. I highly recommended the anti-locking brakes. I’m very pleased with this truck and will buy another Tundra.

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  forget the es-300 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By navycommander - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Long story short, I bought a loaded XLE V6 instead of another es-300 and saved about $9K. There is not $9K of difference between the two (maybe about 3 or 4). Get a wood dash kit from exoticwooddash.com (about $175) to complete the OEM wood in the XLE and you have a baby Lexus, only with better pickup and more fun to drive.

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  Awesome Avalon - 2018 Toyota Avalon
  By MaryAnn - October 22 - 10:26 pm

  Fantastic car, luxurious, fun to drive, great design inside and out. Built well, high quality. Love the chrome inside and out. Quiet cabin love XM stereo. Best car I have ever owned.

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  echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By frank - October 22 - 9:13 pm

  We have used for trips and around town. Gets 43 MPG at 75 mph. Wish they still made them. (Stick shift)

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  Bold & Beautiful - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Terery - October 22 - 8:56 pm

  Traded in Odyssey (loved it) to get a SUV that would fit our family of 6 and tow our 4,500lb boat. The Sequoia w\ 5.7L has plenty of power on tap & even more torque. It accelerates better w\ boat in tow than my 2002 Tundra V8 did w\ no boat. Ride is good for a SUV, but definitely not minivan smooth. Ergonomics are pretty good, but cups & controls hard to reach (even w\ my long arms). Like the high ride height & visibility. Middle & back rows easily fit 6+ passengers w\ leg-room to spare. Avg 16-17mpg, which is good for large SUV in town w\ this much power.

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  By far, this is the best SUV ever built. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By spacecowgirl - October 22 - 3:09 pm

  I bought my 03 4Runner with about 80k miles in 2010 after my 2000 Blazer (which gave me nothing but grief, but thats another review) was totalled in an accident. Id always wanted a 4Runner, but had settled for less expensive alternatives. When my Blazer died, I decided that my replacement would be a 4Runner, even if it had to be older. Four years later I am so happy with my decision. It now has over 140,000 miles, and still runs like new. It hasnt seen the inside of a shop for anything other than routine maintenance. Its comfortable, spacious but not too big, and capable in the city, off road and in snow. My only regret is not buying a 4Runner sooner!