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:

• 

  5 speed Matrix - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By BEADIE - January 30 - 8:30 am

  The Matrix is a Corolla wagon and is very similar to the Dodge Vibe. It has been a fun car to drive. What it lacks in power it makes up for in gas mileage. The interior of the hatch-back trunk is plastic so things can easily slide around. There are nets but we bought a mat that has helped to keep things from sliding around.

• 

  Very Nice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By John Quintana - January 30 - 5:36 am

  This is my second Toyota truck, the first one was a 1992 4wd delux extended cab pickup. Yes it drives like a truck, but guess what... its a truck. Great sound system, runs sooo smooth, and sounds awsome (TRD package). The power in the 5.7 V-8 is incredible! I took it the second week I owned it; it did just fine! I am happy with the purchase!

• 

  One step at a time. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By joe sosa - January 30 - 5:23 am

  We wanted to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. By going hybrid we are trying to take that first step and wonderful things are taking place. People are talking to us about the idea, logistics, etc. The car seems very well thought out and user friendly. Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it(Gandhi) Hopefully our Prius will lead to many good things. I have to give credit to my wife as she really pushed the idea!

• 

  V6 SR5 after 11,500mi. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim Hamilton - January 30 - 5:00 am

  I have 11,500mi. since Feb and Av.18.6mpg city and 22mpg hwy. It is the V6 4L. I have no complaints, the best truck I have owned. I am a contractor and do 97% stop and go driving. The seats are comfortable although I would rec. paying extra for the electric drivers seat. The base model SR5 has no lumbar adjustment, my only complaint other than the rear brakes are drum and not disc. That is pretty cheap! I had the 17" wheels switched from the larger 4dr model to my base 4dr. SR5 model+$650 which look 100% better & would do again. I prefer the 4L V6 VVT to the 15-18mpg V8 gas hog. This is my 5th Toyota Truck & I have had 3 Fords, 2 GMC 3/4 ton pickups but the Tundra is my choice

• 

  Not Bad.... Not Bad at all - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By XRS09 - January 30 - 1:10 am

  I just got the XRS 2.4L and this thing is a sweet little car and looks great in the Dark Grey Metallic. Ive been getting great gas milage and its easy on the wallet at the pump. Its no slouch when I get on it and I feel totally comfortable with the handling and ride of the car. The JBL stereo system with XM is also a nice touch. I cant wait for the aftermarket stuff to come out for this car, hopefully TRD doesnt short change us on that. Overall I love the car so far and I hope that it keeps the Toyota reliability in good faith.

• 

  Confidence - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By handymanron - January 29 - 11:10 am

  Having my drivers license since the 1960s, I grew up with The Big Three, and I always liked American made cars. But when the American automakers dont or wont give you a gas sipper when you ask for it, you look elsewhere. Since 2003 I have bought two new Toyotas and this, almost one year old with only 15,000 miles. I couldnt be happier. Following recommended maintenance schedules, Ive not had one necessary repair or return to the dealership or local mechanic. Theyre well built so you can embark on any trip with a comforting sense of confidence that youll reach your destination without a mechanical failure.

• 

  Awesome!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nick - January 29 - 8:33 am

  Great Truck!! I got the V6 w/ the 6 speed manual transmission and the sport package. It is a little smaller than a late model F-150 but it is not afraid to be a truck. I took it to San Diego for a week and got tons of looks.

• 

  Shes a keeper! 4 cyl, pre-run, access - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Big John - January 29 - 12:30 am

  My first Truck. Researched for 6 months. This truck has been really fun. I dont need 4WD or a V6. I wanted a truck to haul things with but also to get good highway mpg so I went with the 4cyl. The power has been fine since the engine is 2.7L, but only 20mpg. Sticker said Id get 27hwy. I really wanted the Desert Sand but most dealers only had silver. Then I found a store which ordered up the Gold for me, and the build date was 2 days after I ordered! Im 63", 250 and have a ton of room. My anti-truck friends admit they are impressed

• 

  112k miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Cris M. - January 28 - 7:50 pm

  This car is still running strong after 112 thousand miles. Ive driven it across country, to high altitudes, across tough terrain. Other than basic maintenance and one small recall (and a bit of rear end work after an encounter with a sleepy driver), the only thing we needed to have done was an adjustment to the fuel gauge, which read empty prematurely. I love this car, and plan to order another one within the year!

• 

  2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jaxhog - January 28 - 10:26 am

  The Highlander is so much fun to drive. The fuel mileage is great. Its comfortable and handles bumps better than my large SUV.