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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  Bigger inside than out - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cosado - January 31 - 8:33 am

  My other vehicle is a Land Cruiser and this is the perfect complement to it. I am constantly thinking of reasons to run errands so that I can drive it. I ordered the liftback without even driving it because of its looks and my confidence in Toyota build quality and it didnt disappoint. Ive driven almost 350 miles and Im still waiting for the gas meter to reach the bottom bar. A very nimble car with good power, whether Im alone or with my wife and kids. By the way, the Yaris was a hugh success with my 8 and 9 year old kids!

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  low gas mileage, nice performance - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By irishdawg - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The Sequoia is a powerful and suprisingly quick vehicle for its size. It does use gas quickly. It can be very difficult to see out of the rear when backing up or pulling out. The interior is spacious and comfortable. Interior is not fancy, just practical. I am happy with it.

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  2002 Toyota Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By allanjay - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Toyota Prius is without a doubt the best car I have owned in terms of quality and reliablity. In the 18 months I have owned the car I have not had even one problem; only returning to the dealer for oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The car is very quite and comfortable even for long trips (Austin to Los Angeles, Austin to Mexico City for example).

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  Excellent Quality and Reliability! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By viraxay sopha - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is driven daily for the last 9 years and it is still running like new. I have changed the tires twice and a battery once as part of normal wear.

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  What an SUV!!! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ace5 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a black Limited 4WD model and have loved all 28000 miles weve put on it. Its traveled cross country and it shines at high speeds. This SUV will creep up to 90MPH so easily its frightening. The interior is great -- get the grey leather -- Climate control is excellent, as is JBL. My only gripe would be make the front seat slide back a bit more for taller drivers. Im 63 and I can find a more comfortable position in my ford expedition or Volvo XC. Also, the steering wheel feels like it was designed for girl hands-- very small, makes my hands cramp up. Those are my only suggestions. We have loved this car and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Happy - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By ncep - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive and handling is good.

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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Dr. D.L.Bercier - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I use it as a farm call truck and it holds up very well, very comfortable ride, and great pulling power. Have pulled trailers, boats, uphill and interstate, very powerful.

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  This is One Tricked Out Pony - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Prosim25 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like a high performance vehicle, but is a practicle utility vehicle. Inside it feels like an SUV its so big. I would recommend this car to anyone who is afraid to "grow up" to a mini-van but actually needs the cargo space and head room. And for anyone who lives around Western Massachusetts, I would HIGHLY recommend Toyota of Greenfield. After all the research that I did for this car, I only ended up paying $500 dollars over the invoice price. -Bill

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  Just Excellent - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By momcat - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Highlander last year. It is more than 22000 now. Great Car, easy to drive, comfortable on the road especailly long trip. Great mileage.

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  I love my Camry! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Anita - January 30 - 6:16 pm

  I used to buy a new car every 3-4 years & owned 3 Accords before trying the Camry. I have loved this car ever since - over 11 years. It has never broken down (which is really important to a single lady), it just goes and goes and goes; is smooth as silk, has plenty of power, is really comfortable and quiet. After 93,000 miles and just routine maintenance (I change the oil every 3000 miles), the only "complaints" I have are that the headlights yellowed and were really expensive to replace ($175 each and half a day to figure out how to do it), and the power antenna has gone out twice. Wont think about a new car until this one forces me into one.