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:

• 

  My first hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tom H - May 30 - 3:10 am

  My wife and I decided to down size from our 07 Odyssey. We have 2 small children and arent planning on any more. She is a stay at home mom so that means she drives around a lot evidently. We were not happy with the 18 mpg average of the honda, so we decided to try a hybrid. We love it. It is surprisingly roomy for a small car. It is also quite comfortable. We bought head rest mounted tvs for the boys, and they love the car too. We have been averaging 43 mpg this winter, but expect that to improve this summer. We currently have just over 4K miles. I did the first oil change, that is challenging to say the least, but the oil came out clean and clear at 4K miles. Great car. bargain at $23,000

• 

  8+ years and 111,000 miles and keeps on going - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By dreamer123890 - May 30 - 2:50 am

  I just love my 2005 Highlander. So much so that we cant seem to find a reason to replace it. I bought it used in 2006 with 20k miles and have added 90k+ miles. Getting an average of 25 on highway and about 20 in the city for a v6 is terrific. I have so many memories in this car - we have done lots of roadtrips. Besides the standard 90k maintenance to replace the belts, pump etc. and regular 5k mile maintenance, i have had 1 issue - the fuel cap needed replacing at 108k miles. I guess we will wait another 2 years and then replace it around 150k with either a Lexus Rx or another highlander!

• 

  Very Happy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Richard - May 29 - 2:26 am

  We have owned Toyotas or Lexus for many years. We have a tacoma, 4Runner, Sienna, and now a 2003 Sequoia. I LOVE this vehicle. It handles great for such a large machine. Steering is tight and easy, breaks work smoothly, the interior design is excellent. No complaints! JBL sound system rocks! Smooth over bumpy roads.

• 

  great fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By tck - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got my Sequoia before the Oct fee hike. The car runs like a sedan instead of a full size SUV. Accelerator responds smoothly and the brakes are fantastic. Kids loved the DVD player and all the room in the car.

• 

  beautiful and quiet - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By diannen - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The most fun car Ive ever driven. Never tire of being amazed how unique and quiet the car is in its electrical mode when taking off from being stopped. I love how economic and fuel efficient it is -- the dealership was astounded I traded a loaded GMC Yukon Denali for a Prius...Ha! (I do miss the Yukons adjustable lumbar support and heated seats.) I did add leather seats to class it up even more and to make it easy to clean.

• 

  Celica - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Cs Celica - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The Celicas handling is extremely smooth and agile. The rear bumper is extremely effective in preventing damage when hit at 5mph, (I know this from experience).

• 

  I Love My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By SUSAN - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my 2004 Matrix RXS the other day and I LOVE it. It is bigger than I expected,roomey like a small SUV.Very diferent body style so you dont see yourself coming and going. I got the 6 speed manual trans with the 180 horse power. It handles like a sports car and can really get out of its own way. Reasonably priced and you cant beat a Toyota for reliability.

• 

  Oh! What A Feeling! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Black Butterfly - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and I havent regretted buying it for one minute! It has the sleek sporty look of a sports car with the room of an SUV! The ride is so smooth its almost like youre floating. And the gas mileage! I have to use my car for my job, so I do a lot of inner city driving. I only have to fill up once a week and it doesnt put a dent in my pockets. I never got such great mileage with my Corolla!

• 

  mitch - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By mitch waufle - May 28 - 10:00 am

  best car i have owned

• 

  the 2003 prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By maxine - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ever. It is cute, fun to drive, zippy as any car I have ever owned, including the MG I had in the 70s, and it gets a gzillion miles a gallon of gas! The monthly payments on this car are lower than the cost of gas for my Mercury Mountaineer! Really.