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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  Simply amazing - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JanitorJay - December 14 - 4:40 pm

  The Prius has proven to be a fantastic purchase. My primary reasons for pursuing this particular vehicle were a) the savings on gas and b) the "geek factor". My expectations have been exceeded. At an average of 53 MPG, the car is very near to its EPA rating, especially considering the amount of highway driving I do. The "geek factor" is really what has won me over. Smart Key entry, touch screen controls, futuristic exterior and interior, LCD feedback; the list goes on. Overall, a wonderful buy.

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  Best SUV ever! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyota3309 - December 14 - 3:01 pm

  If you want something that can go anywhere, get a 4runner. Dont even worry about what the weather is like. Snow, rain, mud, doesnt affect the 4runner. I average 24 mpg with some city, but mostly highway. 220,000 miles and nothing has hardly been touched. Plenty of cargo space and even has a back electric roll down window. Do your self a favor and get a 4runner!

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  Love the Matrix! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By suzied2 - December 14 - 12:30 pm

  I never thought Id get a Matrix, but it has rapidly made me decide it is the best and cutest car I ever had. I am only 51" but this car cradles me comfortably. I also have back problems but the seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive. I like the lit up dashboard, lots going on there, makes me feel like Im in a jet LOL. The air vents are nnice too, just flip them in or out. The optional 6-speaker sound system is worth it, as is the moon roof.

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  One hell of a car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Irwin (Irv) Weinberg - December 14 - 10:53 am

  In the years that I have owned this car the most problem I have had is a computer problem with a dash light, fixed in 1/2 hour at the dealer, a tiny bulb replacement and a battery replacement. It is dependable, comfortable and I am still driving it and not yet ready to replace it, and now knowing that it was probably built in the states makes me feel even better. Thank you Mr. Toyota

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  Unbelievable machine!!!! I LOVE IT. - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By AmirS - December 14 - 10:00 am

  As big as an elephant, as smooth as a pillow. It is unbelievable.I did shop around for SUVs past 2 months.Nothing does beat that features,reliability, performance,,,,,,,of this 4700cc car. The power is awsome. Fuel economy might be a problem but, man youre buying such a big car with so many features. In fact compared to other cars same size it has the best fuel economy.

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  Worth the money - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By feartheturtle - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Had it for 30 days/2K miles and very happy thusfar. Good power for a V-6, nicely appointed inside & out, very solid. Nice to have an inventory to choose from, too (unlike the Pilots)! Gas mileage has been pleasantly tolerable (18.5 - 20 mpg). My only complaint is, why do five 4Runners sitting side-by-side on the dealer lot have 5 different makes of tires? I got Dunlops but wanted the Michelins on the almost identical vehicle right next to it. Dealer wouldnt budge "for legal reasons". So far, extremely pleased & would recommend it highly. Unless youre definitely towing something, save yourself some money and dont pay extra for the V-8. The V-6 is plenty.

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  Love it - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Inland Northwest - December 14 - 9:13 am

  Weve had it 4 months and 5000 miles. Its awesome to drive, and has plenty of room for family of four (2 teenagers) and dog to go on vacation. More than that, youd need a car-top carrier for stuff. Third row seat is okay. Our mileage has been pretty good; were averaging 24-25 overall. 28 on highway and 23 or so in town (we live in a small, very hilly town so anywhere we need to go is uphill and less than a mile away. Doesnt help us take advantage of hybrid very well). It drives beautifully. When we need to merge we turn off "econ" and boy, do we zoom. Its more comfortable than any car Ive owned (including other Toyotas).

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  THE CAR TO BUY!!! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By BIG BARGAIN BOB - December 14 - 5:00 am

  Starting in 1975 when we bought our first Corolla and up to now we have owned 4 of them. This is the best ever plenty of power, unless your a race car driver at Daytona. We have had the car 1 week along with our 2000 Toyota Echo, so I cant speak about mileage yet! But I can say the car is great in every respect, Good body fit, quiet ride, interior design could not be better. Of course the bottom line is Corolla quality, its gas miser appetite, and consistent high resale value!!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By RAFFY - December 13 - 7:43 pm

  Im writing this review for all the people who are debating on getting a Camry. Hey, dont mess around and wind up with a piece of junk that youll hate driving and paying an arm and a leg for it. Go buy a Camry, they are reasonably priced, they ride so smooth and they are fun to drive. I bought two, one for me and one for my wife... Ive made a smart move when I purchased the Camry(s).

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  Great ride - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - December 13 - 3:10 pm

  I am really happy with the value, reliability, performance, and comfort of this vehicle. I do wish it had some fancier options like heated seats (still cloth), home-link for a programmable garage door opener, and compass in the rear view mirror. But kudos to Toyota for building a long-lasting tough vehicle. I also own a 1985 4Runner that runs great and the body looks brand new.