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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  Big Little Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bthoop - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe some wrote that this vehicle is slow. I bought the AWD since I live where it snows I was a little put back that I lost 7 hp off the 130 or so HP, but Im on a road trip and had to push the vehicle around semis, I was doing 80 I dropped it out of over drive and hit 100 plus in seconds the top end of this vehicle was very impressive, I will put this up against my V8 hemi at high the end any day. Impressive for a 4 banger..... Im 64" and have basketball buddies who fit comfortably as well....

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  First Toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DaveKP - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Used to be a Honday fan. I never liked the looks of the 4Runners in the past, but the way Toyota has redesigned this SUV is top-notch! I was looking for for a quality, yet affordable mid-size SUV and the new 4Runner is it. Suggestion: unless you absolutly have to have a sunroof, heated seats, adjustable suspension, and few more unneeded options, OPT for the SR5 V8 4X2 OR 4X4. Youll get a great SUV and save $8000.

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  more comfort please - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By more comfort please - December 2 - 2:00 am

  the car feels like a tank...thats how solid it is. only problem with this car is the driver comfort (which is a big concern). i am average height (510"), and there needs to be more leg room under the dash. the seat is all the way back, and i still feel like i need about 5 more inches. that creates another problem, because when you push the seat back all the way, you are now too far away from the steering wheel. this car needs a telescoping wheel, but considering how far the tilt wheel travels (about 2 inches... why bother), the telescope would probably move the same distance, and you would be charged another $200 for the option.

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  2003 Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Karl Stauss - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Quiet ride. Excellent accelaration for a 4 cylinder. Great layout of controls. Solid car. Lots of features for price.

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  Not that Great - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By curt123 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Driven many Camrys and this one is no different. Terrible exterior styling. Mushy Brakes and Steering. Great Headroom, strange dash. Poor choice of materials on the doors(felt?) This is a Toyota Buick. This one stalled many times. ONe word SOUL, this car has none. After getting back from our trip driving this car. My 1995 Buick Riv was so nice, better power, ride, style, brakes, handling, everything.

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  2006 avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By cardocval - December 1 - 7:46 pm

  this vehicle is every bit as nice as driving my ls 400,with the added bennefit of much better mileage.

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  Fun to Drive and More Room - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By BAK-MN - December 1 - 5:20 pm

  I was unhappy with my 2003 Jeep Liberty. I was looking for better gas mileage and more cargo area. I also needed a vehicle that could pull a small boat or a trailer with a couple of ATVs. The new V6 RAV4 has met all of my expectations. The sport edition came with great looking 18" alloy rims. Quick acceleration seems effortless with the smooth 269 HP engine. The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is better than the 2003 I test drove a few years ago in almost every aspect.

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  Good Job Toyota - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By DETROD - December 1 - 5:20 pm

  First of all let me start by saying that the Sienna and the Odyssey are the best minivans on the market today. They both are the most stylish and have the best quality. I looked at both minivans and what swayed me to choose the Sienna was the price. I just found that I could get the same quality, or better, in the Sienna and not pay as much. I do think that the Odyssey is a better looking minivan but the Sienna isnt far behind. I love the Siennas interior features. Its very comfortable for everyone (average for those sitting in the third row). Nontheless, if you purchased the Sienna or the Odyssey you didnt go wrong!

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  My Taxi Cab - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Shari Bankhardt - December 1 - 4:26 pm

  I had a 2004 Sienna, but decided to upgrade to a 2005 because I wanted all the extras like leather seats and a sunroof. I love this car. It is so comfortable and convient. I have a teenage son, who has many friends that have places to go. I can drive them around, they have the DVD player so I can still listen to my own music and not be bothered with their stuff. Sometimes I hate getting out of the car and going into someone elses; since mine is so comfortable. It is fun to drive and a sharp headturner!

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  Love my hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David - December 1 - 3:26 pm

  My hybrid rocks! I average 32.5-36 MPG in mixed driving over numerous foothills. And thats with aggressive, always first off the blocks, fastest on the highway driving. With highway trips, I will easily exceed the max 40 MPG average on the dash readout, especially when I adopt more hybrid-like driving habits, i.e. drafting large trucks, timing stop lights, and not speeding.