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:

• 

  Saved My Life - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bec - March 12 - 5:10 am

  I have always loved my Camry but when I was rear ended and then pushed into another car, I walked out of the car with only my knee banged up. It could have been much worse. My car was a total loss, I was hit by a driver going 30-40 mph. I am replacing my car with another Camry.

• 

  The Future Today In A Prius! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Cullen - March 12 - 5:03 am

  I get giddy when people ask about this amazing hybrid car. It simply delivers like no other car. It does all you ask of it and leaves you with smiles & pride in your selection of a new car. Now with 95K miles after over 5 yrs it stands all the tests that other cars cannot. Now, with only a replacement of an hd lt bulb, I look back and realize what dependability is all about. Ive saved over $10,000 in gas compared to my SUV I once had. Whats even better is that my car looks just like an 09 Prius. This is the car of the future today.

• 

  Good little truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By john in GA - March 11 - 9:36 pm

  Its a great truck for the work commute. About 22mpg. Then, when I need it - hauling furniture, groceries, lumber, propane, gravel, yard work, etc. Theres some room for stuff behind the seat, and while a full car seat would be tight, my 4 year old fits well in a booster seat behind the passenger seat. I was also surprised to find it can haul U-Hauls largest trailer straight on the bumper, just had to buy the ball and lights. Ive kept up with the maintenance schedule and have only had to replace things Ive actually physically broken (advice: dont drop a tree near your truck, it may hurt the paint job.)

• 

  Love my Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ellyn25 - March 11 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had mine about a month. I traded in my Camry when purchasing the Highlander. I was trying to decide between it and the Mazda CX-9. The Highlander won out because of the great reliabiitiy of Toyotas Ive owned vs the unreliable Mazda I also had in the past. I love my 08 Highlander Sport!

• 

  Wow! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Greg - March 11 - 1:33 pm

  My first convertible, and I love it. Errands used to be a pain, now, I volunteer!!! Smooth, comfortable, stylish. I have never recieved so many compliments from people about having a great car! Makes driving fun.

• 

  New owner - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Hotspotter - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Dont bother with the paint protection package grab a bottle of Nu Finish and save yourself the cost. I would not recommend the AWD model unless you are in a northern climate where it can get a workout in the snow.

• 

  Cool Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By lxg - March 10 - 10:00 am

  The car is cool. I love the look. Great headroom, easy to get in and out of, excellent fit and finish & lots of interior space. I recently drove my Matrix from Washington, DC to NYC thru rain storms. Nothing bothered this car and at 80mph with the a/c on the car got over 32mpg. With the 6 disc radio we did not run out of music. Excellent seats and plenty of room.

• 

  Still love it at 60,000 miles! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By NJ Bobbi - March 10 - 10:00 am

  We are seniors--this car is not only for soccer moms. We travel a lot and love the car-like handling and the spacious rear seating for our friends, who all comment with surprise on its versatility and spaciousness. We ADORE reconfiguring it for hauling various items we buy. Only negative: too often were forced to drive socially, since were the only ones who can carry six!

• 

  4 Runner 4 ever - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Canadian Craig - March 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. It looks great, drives great, thrashes around well in the woods and only asks for more fuel in return. I use this truck for your normal highway use but it gets a lot of off road use as well. I have been stuck but its been my fault. As long as the wheels have something to grab, it moves forward. The only complaint would have to be the fuel costs but its better than paying for repairs like the jeep I use to own.

• 

  Best "Car like" SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By LCC - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Highlander for $300 under invoice! Great deal for a lot of car. WOuld like a few more standard features in the base model, but it handles great, looks great, and is fun to drive. Better value compared to Honda Pilot LX, and handles much better. It was hard to find a 4WD 4- cyl, (didnt want the lower gas mileage of the 6) so had to take one fewer options than I would have liked, but it comes with almost everything I would have wanted anyway.