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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  The green machine - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Arky - January 27 - 5:13 pm

  I enjoy driving this car and especially like features like automatic climate control and the touch screen and steering wheel controls. The Smart start and entry system is neat. The driver seat and position are the most comfortable I have yet driven, especially considering that I have back problems. The audio system is very good.

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  First Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By PhilTitan - January 27 - 11:33 am

  This was my first Toyota after a number of substandard American manufactured cars. Ive been converted. This car has performed spectacularly for over 2 years of driving. It has retained its value better than any other car Ive owned. And its gotten better mileage than even the advertised sticker mileage, even using regular gasoline. I will always look to buy Toyota first from now on.

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  This car should cost $10-20K more. - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By The Squasher - January 27 - 11:03 am

  Could not find a better convertible for the money. Test drove everything under the sun: BMW, Merc, Saab, Volvo, Mustang, Jeep, Sebring nothing comes close for the price. I have never gotten some many comments on a car, everyone loves the style inside and out. The best thing is that you know it will run forever and the regular maintainance will not rob you blind like it would with the European models. Hurry get one before they are all gone.:)

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  Best car for the money you pay - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By ryt - January 27 - 5:13 am

  I already have a 2006 Corolla automatic which we bought new and me and my wife love it. I always like to drive manual and this time I had a chance to shop for a manual transmission car ( my wife does not drive manual). I drove most of the cars in this segment and finally narrow it down to Civic LX, Mazda 3 I Touring and Corolla S. When compared to other two ( Civic and Mazda 3) Corolla S is less in power, but far superior in other categories.

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  Love My Matrix! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Renee - January 27 - 12:06 am

  I have had this car for over 2 years, and I havent had any problems with it. Its fun to drive, handles well, and entertains me when it accelerates faster than other cars that should, by virtue of their purchase price, easily be able to take mine off the line from a traffic light. Its easy to find in any parking lot since I got the gold/orangish color, and the stereo system is awesome as it belts out tunes. Very minor complaints include the mediocre fuel economy. Also, my windshield used to make odd noises from to time but hasnt done that in a while. And if you dont buckle up that seat belt, Matrix will remind you (with 50 fast beeps).

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  Interior comfort and visibility - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dennis - January 26 - 11:13 pm

  Turned in my 2006 Ford Explorer, a great riding vehicle with many features that fell short on interior comfort and visibility. The Highlander is spacious and comfortable with excellent visibility in most areas.

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  my camry - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By klp - January 26 - 10:00 am

  wonderful car.

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  Reliable - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By TomSpeed+ - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I brought this car over 2 years ago, and have had no problems with it whatsoever. I get regular oil changes, and some regular maintainance. It is very dependable.

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  Great economy car ! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tia - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car more every time I drive it. I wish it had a swing down arm rest but other then that I would not change a thing. I tinted the windows dark and put sporty chrome rims on it. Looks great! My kids love Mom driving them to high school now. Its exactly what I was looking for!!

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyo33 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the SUV for almost a year now and I love almost everything about it. The only thing that bothers me is the loud noise when you have the rear windows rolled down. Also more power would be great. Before I bought it I was also looking at the Chevy Tahoe because I have a GM card and get points towards a vehicle but I decided to go with the Sequoia because it is more reliable and its a Toyota. I here people complain that you cant drive over 100 miles per hour, well you shouldnt be driving that fast with such a big vehicle in the first place. Theres never going to be a car that is perfect but this one is close enough.