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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  2005 toyota matrix ( caa) - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By clay adams - July 30 - 1:16 am

  Interior road noise, brakes squeak, brake pads wear out. Outside mirrors are a little too small. Seats are a little too low sitting

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  Best Minivan even over 2005 Honda Odysse - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By SteveF - July 29 - 6:10 am

  This minivan rides exceptionally smooth and has horsepower beyond belief. My wife that said she would never be caught dead in a minivan says now that she wouldnt trade it for the world. The van feels like something out of the Lexus line as far as quietness & structure. Everything in this van was carefully thought out from the armrest storage bins to the engine. I personally have not driven a car of this quality ever, and Ive drive a lot of cars. Quick, quiet, and impressive.

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  Love my Rav4! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jackie - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I spent 6 months researching and looking for a 4wd, fuel efficient vehicle. I previously drove a Subaru Outback, which did well in snow, but was too small. When I finally purchased my RAV4, I loved it. As the days and weeks went by, I love it more! Its comfortable, quiet, sporty and just plain fun to drive. I love how it looks. Ive stuffed it full of antiques with roon to spare. On the down side, I agree with another reviewer that the cup holders dont hold any cup I own (no room for handles). I miss my heated mirrors and seats. And I wish I had fog lights. All that being said, have I mentioned I love my Rav4?

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By fcs - July 28 - 3:56 pm

  This has been a great vehicle in the 8 months that I have owned it! The V6 really moves and the fuel economy is great for the power that you get. Its hard to keep your foot out of the gas. :-) The handling in the Sport model is also impressive. Everyone who rides in it likes it. I would buy another one in a second.

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  Saving Gas - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Paul - July 28 - 2:50 pm

  I love everything about it, and only wish I had gotten the fully loaded package with GPS and BlueTooth. I drive about 90% highway (70-80 mph), 10% city. Initially, I was getting only about 43-45 mpg, but the past year has taught me to improve my driving habits in several ways -- most notably, not racing to take advantage of a passing slot. (My driving habits are still a bit overenthusiastic, but less so than before, especially after my insurance company decided that three speeding tickets in three years was a Bad Thing.) The interior is comfortable even for a big guy like me (62", 215 lb, long legs). Plenty of comfort and sufficient oomph even when transporting four ample adults.

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  Get it before its gone!!! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shacojinn - July 28 - 1:40 pm

  Purchased the dark grey on black w/ black top three weeks ago. First convertible ever. Great so far. Dozens of compliments already. The sport trim rocks! Getting 28 and some change on the mpg, mostly hwy. Rides very smooth, a great cruiser, turns lots of heads.

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  still lovin it after 4 years - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By colette - July 28 - 12:03 pm

  the comfort, reliability and reasonable gas mileage (avg. 18 mpg around town) makes this vehicle perfect for a single person or small family. i would not hesitate to by a newer model in say, 8- 10 years!

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  A Great Used Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chris_s_2010 - July 28 - 7:57 am

  This is a great choice as a used car. They arent too expensive, they still look classy and they are very reliable. With the V6, the gas mileage is still decent. I bought this a a second car so I didnt want to spend too much. I bought it for $8500 with 166k km (103k miles) on it. Like (almost all) Camrys these cars last a long time and they have a strong reputation for reliability. Its been about 6 months since I bought it and I have no regrets. This car is comfortable to drive, pretty quiet and has power when you need it. Not a sports car but sportier than your average sedan!

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  Prius is the best - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mjsuss - July 28 - 1:10 am

  This car is fun to look at inside and out. The mileage is terrific and it is great knowing how "clean" the car is. I especially love watching the mileage gauge when it indicates that absolutely no gasoline is being used, that all the power is coming from the battery. The smart key is a pleasure, not having to use a key to open the doors or start the ingnition. The radio and CD player are high quality. The transmission lever is a hoot -- passengers cant believe thats the whole thing. The infinitely variable transmission gives a smooth ride.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 100% Satisfied - July 27 - 11:30 pm

  With the level six package, this car is a lot of fun to drive and exceeds all my performance expectations. I drive 70 miles per day to and from work so gas bills were becoming significant with my previous Avalon. On the highway, I get around 50 miles per gallon when using 93 octane gas. I now fill up once per week with 9-10 gallons of gas. The interior feels the same size as a Camry. Theres plenty of room in the front and back seat. The accessories are great. Level six includes GPS and I use it in my trips out of town. I doubt Ill ever have another car without GPS. In fact, I will probably stay with Hybrids from now on. Pick-up is just as good as the Avalon and Camry.