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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  Great car for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By JBP - May 19 - 4:50 am

  Everything I expected, gets more comfortable with use. Fun to drive, lots of toys (nav) or just "think" in a quiet, smooth ride. Sporty to drive and comfortable on long drives.

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  Bought our car a week ago!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Angelique - May 19 - 3:33 am

  We have wanted to buy a toyota for years, but being on a fixed income, and having 2 children, the Yaris is great and affordable for us, and finally, we were able to purchase one. Gas is great with this car and has a lot of nice options.

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  Very happy with purchase - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By terry - May 19 - 2:00 am

  We have had the matrix now for over about 1.5 years and she has performed beautifully. 17k miles and not one trip back to the dealership. Gas mileage is 35 combined. the manual is fun to drive and has good acceleration. I bought this for my wife, but I admit that I enjoy driving it every now and then when I want to give my truck a rest.

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  I didnt get a lemon, no Sir - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Rudy L - May 19 - 1:27 am

  I bought my 6 cylinder camry in 1999 with 57000 miles I still have it unbelievable 258000 miles on it now it runs like the day I bought it I have the timing belt changed when its required and change the oil when required other than that I literally cant believe how smooth it runs this car has been a blessing Iam keeping it I also had it painted the original white very clean car lots of compliments cant say enough about this car Iam amazed Iam afraid if I sell it and buy another car I might get a lemon Iam keeping it.

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  I didnt get a lemon, no Sir - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Rudy L - May 19 - 1:27 am

  I bought my 6 cylinder camry in 1999 with 57000 miles I still have it unbelievable 258000 miles on it now it runs like the day I bought it I have the timing belt changed when its required and change the oil when required other than that I literally cant believe how smooth it runs this car has been a blessing Iam keeping it I also had it painted the original white very clean car lots of compliments cant say enough about this car Iam amazed Iam afraid if I sell it and buy another car I might get a lemon Iam keeping it.

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  Best car to own for fuel and family!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By bnonhof - May 18 - 10:13 pm

  My wife has been driving the Prius back and forth 160 miles a day to work. She puts on 4K a month. She drives 95% highway miles and she has been getting 55-57 mpg when the weather got nice and 47-49 when it is colder. You cant beat that at $3.00 for a gallon of gas! I am a big guy (64", 300 lbs) and I fit just fine in this car. I can even sit in the back if I have to (my hair just brushes the top). Go Toyota!

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  Your best bet! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By wilbret - May 18 - 1:50 pm

  Highly recommended. After owning 3 Chevrolets, a Nissan, and a Mitsubishi, I can say that the Toyota takes the cake. This truck is meant to be a truck. It doesnt have all the frilly features you will find on other brands, but you wont need them, trust me. You are buying a truck. The ride is sturdy, noise kept to a minimum, the seats are comfortable and both front and rear seats have ample leg and headroom. If you are considering a pickup, Tacoma will satisfy your needs even if you are hunting a full-size. I wouldnt recommend it for towing anything over 5,000 lbs, though. It can handle the PULL, its the stopping that becomes tough. This is my first non 4x4, and I can say so far so good.

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  SUV of choice - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Hector Campos - May 18 - 10:16 am

  Previously owner of Range Rover. Performance and reliabilty of the Land Cruiser is far superior. The engine is strong, body has very nice profile and rides very smooth. Bought this vehicle because of outstanding performance & reliability of a new Camry we have and the quick decline of RR.

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  I love my Matrix xr - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By catathome2 - May 18 - 4:36 am

  my matrix handles like a dream, and I feel safe in it. It is not really powerful, but I dont care for a lot of power, it just gets me speeding tickets that i dont need.

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  could be better, but still great - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By 01gts - May 17 - 10:06 pm

  Great handling package, good power