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:

• 

  A Great Car to get use to Hybrids - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JG - February 25 - 4:13 pm

  Overall, I must say this is an amazing car. I drove it almost across country, from Indiana to California, and I could not believe the milage I was getting on that small 11 gallon tank. I was driving with a Lexus RX 470 (the SUV) and we were filling up about the same time and it has 2x the tank size. The only draw back wa sin the mountains you battery is drained really fast and the engine cant handle the steep climbs by itself, but the Brake (B) feature on the gear shift was awesome. Instead of using my brakes alot, I just kicked that on and crused down the other side of the mountain. I also, discovered that if you want to see good mileage, rethink your driving habits, no fast starts.

• 

  What a car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hybrid07 - February 25 - 12:20 pm

  This car is amazing! I vow to buy Toyota hybrids for the rest of my life! Its pretty powerful, very safe, and beautiful, and of course GREAT on gas! There is plenty of rear space, and front space as well, and lots of cubby holes to stash your stuff. The stereo is pretty good. I can go on and on, but I wont because everything I have to say is positive! GO BUY THIS CAR! And today the Brake Assist System prevented me from getting into an accident! Was blinded by the sun, and almost went through an red light, but the brakes just clamped and the car stopped on a dime, honestly! I never stopped in such a short distance with any other car! YAA!

• 

  Love Love Relationship - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By patientmantra72 - February 25 - 7:00 am

  My Tacoma is an all around awsome truck. After driving a huge Chevy Tahoe for years, mileage is definitely much better with the tacoma, and its 4x abilities are awesome. Very solid truck right off the lot.

• 

  Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By bill631 - February 25 - 2:46 am

  This SUV provides a smooth yet powerful drive, even much to my surprise in the mountains of Colorado, which accounts for a least 50% of my driving. No problems whatsoever after over 11,000 miles of driving in all kinds of weather. The AWD seems better than any previous AWD vehicles Ive own in the difficult winter weather driving conditions of Summit County Colorado.

• 

  Dont lose it! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Biggles - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I luv my Sequoia. A real head turner. The seats are great for the children and grandchildren. but BEWARE! I lost the DVD controller and tried some universal ones (all under $10) but none worked, so I had to buy the Toyota DVD controller and, get this .... $133 for a 4x3 inch piece of plastic. Rip off.

• 

  XR Equals ZOOM! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyotabill - February 25 - 2:00 am

  In town and on the road, my Matrix XR is fun to drive and all around affordable. My advice is read the information on the Net, test drive one and then make own decisions. There is so much bias around that you have to do your homework or you will not get the whole story. After downszining from a 1995 Ford Explorer, my feeling is that Ford is toast! Toyotas quality and pound for pound performace is so far superior that it is just amazing. No more overweight, inherantly unsafe American gas guzzlers for me.

• 

  SEQUOIA - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By SALUKI - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I WAS SHOPPING AROUND FOR A NEW VEHICLE. I WAS MOSTLY LOOKING AT AMERICAN SUVS, BUT THIS TRUCK REALY BLEW THEM ALL AOUT OF THE WATER. EXCELENT QUALITY, BUT IT COULD USE MORE HP

• 

  Just Plain Happy - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Jenn_d_whist - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Not much to it -- just plain happy with this SUV. Runs well, is comfy, nice inside, not a huge thing.

• 

  Economy with a Luxury Feel - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By the-wire-guy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Almost bought the Honda EX; I think I made the right choice. Car is roomy, solid, and definately fun to drive. With only 130 horsepower, I thought the car would lug going up hills -- definately not a problem. As the car is breaking in, my gas mileage is going up (started at 30 MPG City/Hwy, now is up to 36 MPG City/Hwy driving). If you want gas mileage without giving up comfort, this is your car. Be aware the cost of insurance is high (replacement parts are high, safety is not a contributor), but the car is worth the extra insurance money.

• 

  Love this car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By aron - February 25 - 12:40 am

  Im a first time car buyer and bought the car with 160,000 miles yes 160,000 miles and when I drove it it felt like a new car and when I bought it in for in oil change the dealer asked if the car reached 50 thousand miles I love the car. It keeps its value if maintained