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 coolest car ever - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By mmmmmmmmm - September 11 - 10:00 am

  you cant find a better car out their

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  LOVE our ECHO! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By sunshinekjc - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 01 Echo in late September of 01 & have loved it since day one! Originally, we were looking at Camrys & Accords but didnt want to fork over $25K+ for a four door sedan. We initially purchased the ECHO because of the reasonable price ($13K) & awesome mileage, but soon fell in love with the all of the storage, cool gauges & overall reliability of the car. Weve owned it for 3+ years now & have not had it in the shop for anything other than an oil change! We always get lots of compliments and questions about it (mileage, cost, etc.) & recommend buying one to anyone who asks! We disagree with the Editors review completely & think you will love your ECHO as much as we do ours!

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  Minimal - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By overcooled - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Every time I go to my car in a parking lot, I look for the coolest car and it has always been my Prius.

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  The best minivan Sienna - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Carmencita - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sienna! I never had any problem, its very reliable like others Toyotas. I recomend this mini van to anyone who like drive a van but feel into a car...

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  2004 Toyota Matrix XRS - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By trdmatrix - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix XRS is a real unique car. Its hard to classify what it is. Is it a car, wagon, or suv? People have called it a cuv, which is crossover utility vehicle. Im really pleased to have purchase this car. I always get compliments from strangers.

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  airbag failed - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By seeitgo - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My daughter had a side impact collision in our 99 Camry. The car held up very well and I credit the exterior design for saving my husbands life. However, I am disapointed with the side airbags. The air bags did not open all the way. The air bag looked like a cloth bag only partialy out. If the air bag would have opened, up my husband would not have been hurt.

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  SIMPLY THE BEST - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By SLATE - September 11 - 10:00 am

  ONE OF THE BEST CARS I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE RIDE IS EXCELLENT, NICE SIZE, HANDLES WELL AND RELIABILITY IS GREAT. IT IS WELL DESIGNED, EVERYTHING IS WHERE IT SHOULD BE. JUST ALL AROUND ITS A GREAT CAR, ITS AN SUV BUT IT RIDES LIKE A CAR. ITS BIG BUT NOT TOO BIG. ITS NICE LOOKING AND ITS A TOYOTA. I HAD A RAV4 BEFORE THIS AND WANTED SOMETHING JUST A LITTLE BIGGER AND THIS IS PERFECT. I HAD A MINOR PROBLEM WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BUT THAT IS IT. WHEN I TRADE IN ILL DEFINITELY GET ANOTHER HIGHLANDER.

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  I love my Highlander! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Militza - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I usually own my vehicles for a minimum of 8 years and I expect this one to go even longer. Not just because of the quality, its a family friendly but also mom-friendly car. I love it. Plenty of horsepower to out maneuvre slow pokes on the road and still feel safe. It also looks great. The console was designed with a layout that does not require me to look to change channels, volume. Its 100% intuitive. All in all, GREAT purchase and not one second of buyers regret.

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  Mackenzie the Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Pine Tree - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and enjoyable to drive, mileage is 19 to 24 around town and 29 plus on the highway. Handles great on the Interstate and Forest Service roads. Only complaint is difficult to read odometer and clock in daylight.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Chan Man - September 11 - 3:43 am

  Very good and functional interior design. Quiet and comfortable ride for its class, almost as good as an RX 350 but 10K cheaper, bigger and with the same mileage rating! There are not many options for base model and Limited is pricey. Sports offers the best compromise in price and features.