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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  Best out of 4 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sahil Mehta - June 27 - 5:46 pm

  I have owned three Camrys in the past. All of them I bought brand new. Everyone in my family has one and they all love it. No one can beat Toyotas reliabilty. My last 1999 Vamry drove for 260000 miles until I got into an accident. This new 07 camry is sturdy and has nice safety features. The Camry also has better leg room and more space. I have the LE 4 cyl. It has great performance. I love the tilt telescoping wheel.

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  Coming From Maxima - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sam - June 27 - 1:13 pm

  Great ride, quiet interior, great gas mileage. I went from a Nissan Maxima to the Camry for the gas mileage. Wow what a great car. The seats are very comfortable which also wrap around you. My first tank right now is around 38 mpg and the car also has ok pickup. I love my Bluetooth system, I got fully loaded with spoiler, it looks hot.

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  Fun to drive economy sports family car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By nyedward - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a couple of weeks, but Ive been in love with it since day one. It looks small from outside, but once youre in, its emazing what you can fit into the cargo room thats available. Head room is owesome for all 5 potential passengers. I have a couple of friends that are over 6 tall, and even they found it to be very comfortable. Its not as powerful and sporty as it looks when it comes to speed and performance, not that I was looking to race in it.

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  Driving in the Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By fredtracy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall best car ever owned.

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  I Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Lesterboo - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I first rented this car last summer for 2 weeks and was sad when I had to return it. At that time I decided it would be my next car. It drives like a peppy small car but with the fold down seats it is like a small truck. it carries everything I need for remodeling projects or just fun shopping trips!

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  COLOR ME LEXUS - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CBRADY2001 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a very close friend that has a 2003 Lexus SC430. When my wife and I visited he and his wife in January he took it for a drive and commented that he could have purchased two of the Solars and still had change in his pocket. Thought the quality was of Lexux class. He also drives an LS430. We drove the car from Ohio and stayed in Florida for two months. We averaged 30.8 miles per gallon for the whole trip. The car is magnificent!!!

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  2004 Toyota V6 Dble Cab 4X4 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By RRod - June 27 - 2:00 am

  It is an excellent truck. Very nicely built, ver tough, beautiful from the inside and outside. It looks great. I traded my 99 White Corvette Convertible and honestly, I have not been disappointed. PS. I had previously purchased back in 97 a 97 Tacoma Extra Cab 4X4 and yes, I loved it.

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  Quality - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Edward1 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Quality of toyota is what I was looking for.I love the gold color.

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  Great gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Ed - June 26 - 9:00 pm

  This is a great car - if you want a reliable car that gets great gas mileage this is it - I do not understand why Toyota produced a later model Corolla that does not get as good as gas mileage as the earlier models.

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  Love my 93- 170,000mi and wont quit! - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Janeth - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This Land Cruiser will not quit! I bought it new in 93 and it has not had any work done except its regular service , brake jobs, etc, and some repairs when I ran in through a wall into my house. It has 170,000 miles on it and I would like a new one if this one ever gives o