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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  New to Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Huxley - July 31 - 1:50 am

  If you want to save on gas but still want to buy something thats has some style to it, this is your car. I loved the redesigned look of the latest Camry when it out, and this new 2009 corolla is like a smaller version of the Camry. The exterior of the S model is beautiful in person, most pictures dont do it justice I think. The interior is nice and there is plenty of room for a family of five. Myself, my wife and our 3 girls (one who is still in a safety-seat). The JBL stereo upgrade is well worth it, it sounds great with plenty of deep bass, and the added Bluetooth support that comes with it is a God sent. We are so glad we chose the Corolla, it fits us just fine!

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  My Jigger bug the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By joanne - July 30 - 5:06 pm

  This car was built for me. I love it. It handles well and go when I need it. My hubby call it the jigger bug because of it size but inside it not so small. It handles well and rides like a dream. Would I buy a second one you betcha.

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  What a great truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By adpinc - July 30 - 10:13 am

  I turned in a leased 2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71. I had discovered that I really didnt need a full sized truck, and with gas prices where they are, I decided to buy a compact pick-up. I needed to have 4x4 and a double-cab design for seating for 4. I wanted reliability, but most importantly higher gas mileage. I quickly discovered that the Tacoma topped the list as far as meeting these minimum requirements. It has the best gas mileage in its class, very comfortable ride, and with the SR5 package, more than enough standard creature comforts. I have never owned a Toyota before, always opting for Hondas, but I have to tell you, I now understand "Toyota loyalty." What a great buy!

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  Toyota Matrix XR - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By michele C - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix XR is a great car. It looks great and fun to drive. The car has good gas milage.The inside is roomy.

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  The most useful tool Ive ever bought - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By kaldingo - July 30 - 10:00 am

  When car shopping, I knew what I wanted. A reliable used truck that looks great, performs well, is safe, large enough to carry 5 people and is fun to modify! In purchasing my 4Runner, I got all of the above and more.

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  My little car. - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Marge McCulloch - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My car is just the car for northern Michigan. I live off the main road about 589 feet and to get to the hwy I have to drive up a pretty good grade. The 4 wheel drive is just great amd gives me a sense of confort. I also like the way the seats fold down for storage and the cover piece that keeps things out of view. The controls are placed very conviently and are easy to use. All in all I really think its a great car.

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  4Runner Sport - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By bsturner - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Plenty of space for glof clubs, bike, and kids. Rugged build, and classy styling. Music system could have been higher grade, but thats only downside. Overall a superb vehicle.

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  TOP DOG - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Roger Whitcomb - July 30 - 10:00 am

  AFTER OWNING SEVEN MERCEDES, ONE VOLVO AND VARIOUS OTHER MAKES THIS IS THE BEST EVER. IT HAS POWER AND COMFORT FOR LONG TRIPS AND UTILITY AS WELL. TOWING A TRAILER OR BOAT IS NO PROBLEM. THE TOYOTA DEALER PROVIDES FIRST CLASS SERVICE AS WELL. THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED WHERE I LIKE IT WELL ENOUGH TO PURCHASE EXTENDED WARRANTY INSURANCE UP TO 100000 MILES.

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  2005 XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Bobbi Hammaker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car after doing extensive research! I LOVE THIS CAR! I bought a 2003 Corolla S in 2003, and when I found out that they were coming out with the XRS for 2005 I had to have it! Well needless to say after waiting for months for my car to arrive (I ordered it in March)I finally took possesion of my vehicle 2 weeks ago, and I have not 1 bad thing to say! It was well worth the money, and I look forward to seeing what they come up with next!!! On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this car an 11! Good job Toyota!

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  Best value for money - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Partha - July 30 - 9:43 am

  With gas prices soaring , this car is ur best bet. I get 41 mpg since I drive at 60-65mph speed. If u drive faster the mpg drps to 38 which is still good. Overall the car is best value for money.A very reliable car.