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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  CA Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Cwgrisier - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a Spyder last year and was in a head-on collision going 60 MPH on freeway into concrete barricade. The car was totaled. The passenger and I walked away with no injuries. Actually the passenger had a bruise on his nose caused by the airbags. I felt so safe, I bought another one.

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  GOOD BUT COULD BE BETTER FOR THE $$$$ - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By joel PI - March 21 - 10:00 am

  BUTTON FOR HEATED SEATS IN POOR LOCATION NO AUTO FOLD SIDE MIRRORS, SEAT SIDE AND BACK SUPPORT JUST OK.

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  04 Sequoia Limited - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By MinMin - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I test drove every SUV on the market and the Sequoia won. It has the most to offer for the money. It has more power than most of its competitors. It has tons of space. I think my hsband loves it more than I do.

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  I love my matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By nyckay - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I researched a lot of other before deciding on the MAtrix. Byut the MAtrix always came out on top in my book, i bought based on the toyoat reputation, and reviews from freinds that have bougght this car in past 2 yrs. I feel so safe in this car it like a mini suv, and its easy to handle w/o complicated gagdets.

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  Traded in JGC for a V6 SR5 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeep24Rnr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had a JGC 5.2L AWD with reliability problems but otherwise OK experience. Traded it in for a new 04 SR5. Compared with the Jeep, it is much more refined, but engin is a bit wimpy. I am suprised by the 0-60 of 8.2s results on the V6 4Rnr. With 1500 miles, so far no big problems. But there are several things that should not have been there: (1) steering wheel felt a bit shaking at 65mph, not consistently present. (2) Plastic casing for the RoofRack that contains the joint to the roof was NOT snapped in => had to snap in myself. (3) Wind noises are a bit more than I expected, there is some hint of hi- pitch wind whistling from pass window, Have not decided to take to the dealers yet.

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  94 Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob Munns - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven a Corolla for over 15 years. My last model was a 2000. The 04 with the new side airbags, larger interier and increased hoursepower not only gives the feeling of safety and comfort,but the belief that I have a quality car that compares very favorably with may of a higher price.

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  fun car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By angier - March 21 - 10:00 am

  for the money its an over all good value.fun to drive nice to ride in, good looks.and we had it for a month before we totled it on the side.so it took a pretty good hit and really held up well and no one was hurt.

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  my Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By DKARRIOLA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Even with a bad back (surgery), I find the Camry very comfortable. I recently drove 2500 miles from PHX to VA. I ran into the storms of hurricane Ivan. The Camry handled exceptionally well on wet roads. The only thing I find a problem is how the defrosters handle moisture. I am temporarily located in a very damp climate. No combination of defrost, air conditioning (which is supposed to take moisture out) or temperature controls seems to solve the problem entirely. The front windshield continues to "steam up" in spots. Especially in the lower middle. Overall it is a great car. Controls are well laid out for easy access by the driver with minimal reaching or taking eyes off the road.

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  Power when needed not there - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jack Seltzer - March 21 - 10:00 am

  In general I like the car very much, this being the first Toyota and first foreign car Ive owned. However, in situations where power is needed (e.g., pulling out of the right hand lane on a highway, hitting the accelerator to move into the left lane because cars are moving up in this lane, power is lacking. There is a big lag between when the accelerator is pressed and the car actually does accelerate. Toyota has advised it takes some getting used to (i.e., as compared to my previous cars which were Pontiacs).

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  Nice so far - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Ronald Sulyma - March 21 - 6:39 am

  I have less than 1000 miles and everything seems to be good so far