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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  Gets the job done - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Beth - May 21 - 7:10 pm

  I just had my car break down on me, the dealership had it for a week because they couldnt figure out the problem. IT was the VVTI sensor and the oil pan sensor. I was pretty upset considering my car only has 17,000 miles on it. The gas mileage is definitely not right. All in all I have been pretty happy with this car. I love the way it drives.

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  I can recommend 4 runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By P51DMustang - May 21 - 5:16 pm

  Bought this used 02. Its solid and very well built. Fun to drive and trouble free.

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  Little Annoyances - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Little Annoyances - May 21 - 11:26 am

  Just took delivery. Great looking car and wonderful performance. Im told they are not available but it was an officials car and it came with the 18" inch alloy wheels [great looking] but the High Performance tires really transmit the slightest road irregularities. My fault for accepting them. Im used to a trip computer which is not available on this car. The nav system is more complex than my needs, yet there is no "simple" driving compass which my wife and have come to rely on. The mirrors dont fold away, and there is no memory option for the drivers seat positions. Small issues to be sure, but Ive had them on previous cars and Ill be sure they are on my next car.

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  500 miles per week commute - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By rshots2001 - May 21 - 11:10 am

  This is by far the best, most reliable car Ive ever owned. Bought it in 2000 with just 27,000 miles. Now at 248,000. Have only replaced brakes and an AC condenser. Still gets 36-39 mpg on highway. Great in winter with quality directional snows all around. Expect to get at least 350,000 out of this one!

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  A Good Overall Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr. B - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix is a very well thought out vehicle. The electronics and comfort controls inside the vehicle are easy to use and at easy reachand see. The exteior styling is unique and resembles nothing else forged by Toyota. This car is fun to drive and has given me no real problems. The only downside to the vehicle is that it does not perform extremely well in accidents. I was involved in an accident at less than 25 miles an hour and the car did not respond as it should have. All things considered, this is a great car for any driver who likes to have fun with a little dash of function. Also I would recomend getting the XRS model if at all possible.

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  Black Beauty - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jgama - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Handled well on a 500 mile road trip. I wasnt stiff after the drive, I actually relaxed. seats, smoothness,and cruise control excellent. I was never caught between a slow truck and an approaching car. My Camry has guts!

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  Take It For What It Is - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By DCWebGeek - May 21 - 7:43 am

  The 2007 Camry is a great car. It is not meant to be a sports car. It is a sporty sedan. I recommend that you consider getting it in the V6 model because of the cars weight. The 4 cylinder just is not enough power. I love the way my V6 drives. The handling is great. The fuel efficiency of the vehicle is great. I saved so much on gas. If you are looking for a fun sedan, I recommend that you buy it.

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  No Problems and none expected - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By thomasw828 - May 20 - 10:56 pm

  21 months later and 22k on the Camry, we have had no problems and no regrets. Average mileage is 35 in town and up to 41 on road. Another reviewer complained about body dings...Buy the body side moldings (we did)!!! These should be standard. The best time to buy is at the end of the month or in our case the end of the year, got an immediate 8% off sticker and a great $ for Lexus trade- in.

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  LOVE IT! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By TRex - May 20 - 2:26 pm

  This is my second 4Runner, first one was a SR5 Sport, and now the Limited. In over 20K miles in one year the only things Ive replaced are the tires and the oil and filter. This is a real- deal truck/suv, not based on a car unibody design. Being tall makes the seats feel a bit short to me and with a lot of towing Id like more power, but for daily driving, camping, off-road, this thing is the best in its class! Up to MY2003, this is the last class of 4Runner made in Japan. That says something and the new body style is too "edgy." Love the 4Runner!!

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  Disappointed - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By chuck drkae - May 20 - 6:00 am

  After 5 yrs I sold it, the paint was terrible, the gold emblems had all peeled, the interior fake wood trim peeled, the seats looked like a 15 yr old car. Then there was the oil sludge problem, decided to unload it before it died. At 20 grand new it wasnt worth it..