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:

• 

  Not too bad.....BUT - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyota Fan - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall a nice car, BUT there is always room for improvements. I learned quick that if you want good Toyota service, you sometimes have to file a complaint! The master cylinder went out at 4000 miles- needless to say we werent too happy and the service department wasnt very kind- but we just called the 1-800 number and had a little talk with Toyota- the problem was then solved correctly AND with a smile! Roomy ride, awesome design, and I love the interior! We did purchase the XR with the smaller engine just because I didnt believe the larger engine to be worth the extra cash. So far, after 8000 miles we are happy with the smaller engine.

• 

  I love my silver S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian O - February 13 - 10:00 am

  It is quick, nimble, easy to drive, and just an overall great looking & driving car. I havent had a single problem with the car only the dealership (on my first oil change they broke the plug and oil leaked all over my new garage floor but caused no damage to the car itself). I think this is a great looking car and I get compliments about it all the time. If you are looking for a nice looking, reliable, dependible, funcional, and just all around great car check one of these out I love it and so will you!

• 

  This car is a Trooper - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By josh_reeves - February 13 - 3:34 am

  I have only good things to say about this car. Excellent mileage; EPA estimates are LOW. I get 35 mpg easily. Small, but the interior is bigger than it looks. Cost only 11K brand new. Speedometer is in the middle, back windows roll all the way down (yea, thats right). I have 190K hard miles on mine, through some rough times, and its still going strong - an absolute trooper.

• 

  I love this car - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By lisa - February 12 - 1:00 pm

  it is everything I want, wish fuel economy was a little better

• 

  Comfortable Car - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Bruce Noel - February 12 - 9:53 am

  I purchased the Highlander last August and have 17,000 mi. on it. It is extremely comfortable and very intuitive to drive. I had a 1999 BMW 328i and was used to power and handling. This vehicle has excellent power and very good handling compared to the BMW. Obviously not as crisp in a corner but it handles exceptionally well. All the controls are intuitive and the steering releases very smoothly in a corner like the BMW. The arm rest is perfeclty positioned for one hand steering. It is very roomy for the passengers in the first two rows. The third seat is tight but it still is OK for two adults. The gas mileage averages around 20mpg. A little less than I would like, but acceptable.

• 

  Why we own two of them! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By sstv - February 11 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my corolla after driving my son around in his for 3 months (broken leg). It was so easy to handle and to park.

• 

  Got YARIS? - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Joanna - February 11 - 4:00 pm

  I just got the car today straight from Japan, and loved it so much inside and outside that I was not able to part from it and went without food for 7 hours. I was chosing between Chevy Aveo, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. After long and careful research, Ive decided that Toyota Yaris is the most economical and best looking option. I got my Yaris absolutely red, with power package, all weather guard package, keyless entry, ABS, automatic transmission, 60/40 split. I originally ordered blue, but aparently those are harder to get, but once I saw the red I never looked back. I am looking forward to the excelent gas mileage!!

• 

  Best Car Ive driven and owned - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By mike_inmid5 - February 11 - 9:54 am

  First off, I have been in sales for 25 years. Many of those years were company supplied vehicles. Ford Taurus, Explorer. Have also owned Dodge Pickup, etc. All typical American vehicles. This Camry is just so much more refined than all those vehicles. Despite it being a 4 cylinder, the vehicle is plenty fast, and can pass at will (unless someone is doing 90 mph, then I wont pass them).Interior is great, I get a lot of compliments believe it or not, with SE the Ice Blue color. I have had zero maintenance problems. NADA ! Just change oil. At 46,000 miles now, and love every minute of it. The engine is bulletproof, and the ride is very comfortable. Ill likely keep it until 250,000 miles.

• 

  Great 4Runner - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By bevobob - February 10 - 1:28 am

  I purchased a new 2014 4Runner SR5 Premium because of the reduced interest rates for this model. I previously had a 2006 4Runner Limited and a 2000 Limited, which I was pleased with. I chose the SR5 Premium because it had everything except fancy wheels and the leather seats and I felt the Limited would not hold up well on my ranch with its smaller tires/larger wheels. The engine is efficient and the vehicle has more ground clearance than the 2006 4x4 Limited I had.

• 

  Very happy new Toyota owner - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Diana - February 9 - 11:40 pm

  Smooth and in control. Easy maneuvering, enjoyable very smooth steering, precise. Braking and acceleration just as great. All driver controls from the steering wheel to the easy no-reach dashboard are wonderful. Turning and cornering feels very stable, safe, and smooth. The gear shift is exactly where it should be, easy to reach, natural. Solid comfort. So easy to "crossover" from an Avalon to my Venza.