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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  Good little car. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Stick Shift Driver - January 29 - 9:56 am

  When I turned 16 my parents bought a practical economy car so I could get to school and work. The car rides nice for an economy car, and it rides and sits higher than my Dads Honda Fit. The car is obviously not that fast, but it can swiftly accelerate when it needs to. I really like the center mounted gauges. The car doesnt really have much other than the power package, which I actually didnt want, but it was all the dealer had. The car has a lot of headroom for a tiny car, and the rear seats can fold down to make more cargo room. I originally wanted a truck, but I am happy with 42 on the highway, and Id recommend it to anyone who is looking to buy a practical commuting car.

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  beach car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By beach buggy - January 29 - 9:00 am

  This is a right hand drive driven in Australia. Ive driven the rav in the rain, on the beach, dirt roads and from short trips to over 6 hrs at any time. It will go just about anywhere with great comfort. It has more than enough room and power from the 4 cyl. I can get about 500k from a tank of petrol.

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  2005 Toyota Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By mark_texas_usa - January 28 - 2:10 pm

  I bought 2005 Matrix in July 2005. Battery failed after 20K miles, dealer replaced on warranty. Interior plastic features delaminating if grabbed by hands. Tires (terrible continental) replaced after 15K miles. Cruise control failed after 17K miles. Mileage is not meeting specs criteria? Vehicle garaged, currently Jan 09 24K miles. Summary: very poor quality vehicle. I had 1999 Ford F150 pick-up never a problem. In 10 yrs not even light bulb failed @150.

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  Im going to drive this into the ground - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian Hoeft - January 28 - 12:03 pm

  I would still purchase this car. The only complaint that I have ever heard of for this car is the road and engine noise. I only heard that comment about a year after I purchased it and didnt honestly notice it until then although now I do. A+ for breaking ability. B for acceleration. A+ for forard view. C for rear viewing ability.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Marty G. - January 28 - 10:00 am

  After first test drive would have bought the vehicle right then had the dealer had the color and features available on the lot. Rented one later for the weekend. Fun to drive. Mileage in mix of city and hiway driving around 43 MPG. Am waiting for the 2005 models to come out. Will be buying one.

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  Tundra Test - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Sid Smith - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the basic model of truck. It is very reliable with no mechanical faults to this point.The only thing, which is minor would be the pop-up drink holder stopped working. This seem like a small thing until the Toyota dealership quoted me $170.00 for the replacement part. Overall, I am delighted with the Tundra full size truck. The comfort level over my Nissan truck (the Frontier) is Night and Day.The cupholder upsets me because I am spoiled by the quality and reliablity of my Toyota truck.I would buy another Toyota truck if that time ever comes.Thats just the way it is. Best Regards, Sid Smith

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  Our first Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob & Kate - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Although this is a big vehicle it is easy to drive. The turning radius is excellent.

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  Totally Satisfied - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Trust Me - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Toyota,s since l984 and have found them to be superior cars. I would not own ant other brand.

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  Excellent and a beautiful car. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SEXY CUZ - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE A SOLARA A I LOVE MY CAR THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS I HAVE BOUGHT. I THINK TOYOTA DID A GOOD JOB PUTTING THAT CAR TOGETHER (SMILE). SEXY CUZ

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  Worth the Money - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ATG - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. It is comfortable, quiet, smooth, and fun to drive. I have owned other SUVs and this is by far the best! Fit and trim is fantastic. Toyota has thought of every thing.