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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  A Real Head Turner! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By TBarry - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my matrix only two days ago and I am totally impressed with it so far! Its comfortable, roomy for cargo and people and also very stylish. I love the interior chrome finish, and the premium stereo in mine is just great. I have noticed that there are rough edges on the plastic on the doors and center console (as it says in the consumer review), but for the price I think its a very well put together car. I love the looks my solar yellow matrix gets, and its hard to miss in a parking lot! Overall a great value. I cant believe how many extras I got with my xr model, and this car can really pick up speed too!

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dee - November 11 - 11:36 pm

  Its just a fun car. There is a learning curve involved with getting the promised mileage. Once you learn to ease your foot off the gas and trust the electric motor, the gas savings can be impressive.

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  Corolla with no repair bills! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By LauraJWHIT - November 11 - 7:23 pm

  Ive had great luck with my Corolla! I follow the manufacturers guidelines for routine maintenance. Most of the many miles I put on my car are highway miles. Other than oil changes, tuneups and new tires, Ive only replaced the brakes - and that was at 98,500 miles! The mechanic didnt believe they were original. Ive yet to replace a muffler or anything else! What a well built car!

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  Loyal Toyota Owner - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Deb Oliver - November 11 - 2:11 am

  Have owned several Toyota vehicles. Husband recently traded up from 2014 to 2016 Tacoma due to BSM. I traded my 2013 XLE Avalon for a 2016 Highlander Limited. My only gripe is the 2016 Tacoma and 2013 XLE Avalon both have digital speedometers yet the 2016 Limited does NOT.. real bummer as I prefer to "see" my speed digitally displayed. Didnt realize it until after the purchase. Had the same DISP button as the other vehicles so assumed the Highlander Limit had it. Oh well lessons learned

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  Love this truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By truckie124 - November 10 - 6:22 pm

  Bought in 2008 with 18000 miles and have put 30000 on it since then. I used it for 2 years for my carpentry business. Rear sliding window came in handy picking up lumber. My father has a 2004 SR5 and the 2006 rides much more car-like than the 2004. It really feels smooth and is an all around great truck. Used to drive a Chevy but had problems with the transmission at 30K miles and the dealership wouldnt do anything for us (after our family had bought 4 cars from them). Will never go back after driving this truck! I love this thing!

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  2002 ToyCam SE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By G MAN - November 10 - 4:06 pm

  I LOVE IT! Great vehicle overall. Great fuel economy, power, luxury, reliability, and a pleasure to drive.

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  Good Mileage? - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By TwoToyotas - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV. Past expierience was a Surbuban but never felt safe traveling too far from dealers service department. One item this car needs is memory seats and mirrors. I read several users getting 15 plus Miles per gallon?? On board computer is reporing no better than 14.2. Does everyone only go downhill? Alos own a Tundra.....the rocketship of trucks!

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  Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By deserthounds - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has changed my attitude about cars. When I was younger I used to get excited about cars, couldnt wait to see the new models. As I cot older and accumulated experience thru the 70s, 80s, 90s, my passions faded as one car after the other dissapointed me. After going thru a period of buy American and accept mediocrity, I have returned to feeling excited about cars and the Camry is the reason why. I love to drive this car.

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  Good but needs more to compete - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4dr limited 4wd suv - November 10 - 3:40 am

  I love the look of my 4Runner, she rides pretty good. Its a Limited so youd think I would have a lot. On the contrary, no navigation system like other SUVs for that price, the interior lighting is lousy on the doors and it is hard to clear up the truck when it gets foggy, which happens a lot. No iPod hook-up or MP3 player, no bells and whistles so to speak, but I love the outside look.

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  I love it!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Forever - November 9 - 6:00 pm

  Brought new in Fall of 1999. Regular oil changes and brakes, had to replace water pump and timing belt recently. It has been a great purchase use it now in the winter and for trans to work and back. Brought used CTS 2yrs ago, which is okay but I hate to say it. If I had to decide btwn the two I would take my Camry over the CTS although it has twice the mileage. Will probably sell Camry next year, trade in CTS and buy a new Camry if economy improves. The lucky kid that buys this car is going to get a good deal.