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:

• 

  Its Been Very Good - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Good Around Town - December 17 - 12:36 pm

  I bought this 2009 1.8 4cyl / auto March 2008. I drive 50 miles a day and it has been good on gas 28-30 in town & 32-35 Hyw. The seats looked cheap so I bought some leather seat covers for $20.00 each and they been very comfortable. I have noticed the Paint is very cheap there are lots of chips on the hood ! A bicycle ran into the front when I was parked and pushed the bumper off to the side about 1/2 inch. I wonder how it would be in a real accident? We took a trip from Tulsa, OK. to Whittier, Ca. 3500 miles and had a very nice trip. The 1.8 cyl ran up over all the mountains with cruise control, on and the air conditioner on, and never slowed or had any problem. Were home safe and loved it.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Elly - December 17 - 10:23 am

  Hard to find this car but well worth the wait and search. Smooth handling, comfortable, excellent fuel economy, super sound system. I have always liked the Solara but this body style was well worth the wait. The dual transmission is fun and keeps you in touch with manual driving as well as giving you the laid back ability to switch back to automatic and cruise control. Convertible roof is easy to use and the car looks good with it up or down.

• 

  Echo Hatchback Imported from Canada - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Locke - December 17 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Echo 5 door hatchback from a dealer in Canada, and imported it to the U.S. Call your nearest Toyota dealer across the border for the "how to do this" details. The warranty is valid in the U.S. The Hatchback is NOT a Scion, and is really not an Echo. It is a European designed car (called the Yaris) that in Europe typically has a smaller engine. For import to Canada they put in the Echo engine. The performance is fabulous. 40MPG all the time in mixed driving. Seats 4 adults in comfort. Its 2 inches longer than a Mini, and has plenty of room in the trunk for carry-on suitcases or grocery bags. Seats fold down for bigger things.

• 

  Toyota 97 4x2 5speed 2.4L Extra cab LX - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By 97toyo - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable vehicle. Has never failed to start since 1997. Routine maintenance has been performed regularly. With 110000 miles it is just starting to use about a quart of oil between oil changes. The gas mileage is 30 miles per gallon consistently. Check engine light came on at 100000, dealer said it was the catalytic converter. One pint of "Sea Foam" gas treatment in half tank of gas and the light went off and stayed off. A very good truck overall. Small and sporty, easy to park, good power from the small four since the truck is light weight.

• 

  Driving Blind - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Waz - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy the Celica for its style and performance, however the visablity is very poor. Their are several blind spots. The rear spoiler is right in the line of sight for the rear view mirror making it difficult to see whats behind you.

• 

  Untouchable - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By xscoobeex - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven nearly every type of pickup before I purchased the Tundra. The Tundra outmatches its competition as long as youre looking for a lightweight pickup. Because Toyota does not offer a 3/4 ton pickup that is the only reason it isnt the best compared in that category.

• 

  Overrated car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By JJooee - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My Camry was a 5-speed, which was the only plus. This car was fairly reliable, never had any probs with it. Of course that is the camrys selling point: reliability. Reliability aside, this car was a piece of crap. It had horrible accelleration (sp?), poor handling, and was a boring ride overall. No power to the engine at all. What a supreme disappointment! The Accord is a much better car-- go with the Accord. I wish i had :(

• 

  Great Trucl - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By amoral63 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  cant really see the clock, hard to reach stereo,

• 

  Good News/Bad News - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chimo - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Came to the 4 Runner after 2 Explorers and a Mountaineer. The big difference is the loss of storage space. Whether it is the loss of the room under the back seat for such things as the umbrella or the sunshade, fire extinguisher etc. or that neat place in the floor at the rear for storing the tow hitch and the adapters for towing the space just isnt there. Fuel economy is running at 18 mpg at an average speed of 24 mph. The camera for reversing is a novelty but we preferred the sensor set-up.The choice of colors is very limited and they are all boring. On the plus side the fit/finish are at least on par with Mercedes.

• 

  Awesome to own, drive and live with! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Champ306 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  The new 4Runner has to be one of the easiest to own vehicles that there is on the market today. You get Toyota quality in and out, marked with a vehicle that is purposeful and stylish. I love the way it looks on the outside, especially the Sport models, the rims and scoop look so much better to me. The interior fits me great, I am 63" and fit no problem, room to haul junk in the back, features and pockets everywhere. The sunroof is quiet, the stereo rocks, the ride is unheard of in an American car or truck, yes, its that good.