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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  Overall a good basic car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Peyin - November 7 - 3:03 am

  Performance is adequate for a four banger with a 1.8 liter. Economy is excellent, seats are not all comfortable for tall or bigger people, the ride is bouncy, ac feels great, its a pity to say but definitely feels like its made in the USA, at a little less than 30,000 miles, as a 20 yr Toyota owner I can testify that Toyota quality has been compromised .

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  Great, but.... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Florida - November 6 - 9:53 am

  Current mileage just under 91K. All of the vehicles I drive last well over 100k miles. This one has been perfect with under $115 of repairs excluding disposables. $299 tune-up $495 Preventative timing belt change It has however, had the engine shut down at idle twice now. Once, the fuel filter was replaced, and the 2nd time the authorized service center could not duplicate it.

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  2009 Matrix Air Bags Didnt Deploy - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By jeannie - November 4 - 9:10 am

  Just wanted everyone to know that in regards to collisions and air bags, Toyota may not be the safest way to go. I just had a full frontal car accident, where the air bags did not deploy. The impact was received at at least 35 mph and not one air bag deployed. I was able to walk away from the accident with minor pain, the car did not. Rescue crew was puzzled on why the airbags did not deploy. Just glad I was the only one in the car and the kiddies werent there.

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  Just Rolled 200,000 on the Clock - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Road Coot - November 4 - 8:30 am

  Bought my Solara new in 1999 and have had nothing but satisfaction with the vehicle. Regardless I expect to go WAY past 250,000 miles with this car. Just follow the maintenance schedule and take care of it, and itll be the most reliable vehicle youve ever owned. Would I buy another? In a New York Minute. But this time, I will find a better dealer.

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  My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Ricker - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great small wagon. They are hard to find, just keep looking. With the back seat folds down flat, it does as much as a small SUV, but with MUCH better gas milage. Done a lot with it since I lease one back in late Aug. I had one bad strut, that was put one at the factory that is going to be replaced by Toyota, but other then that.. I only had one oil change. I made the right choice.

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  2004 toyota prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By kj jurgen - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive. It is smooth and quiet. The car is just about perfect for everyday driving. The dashboard layout is superb. The car comes standard with almost all the necessities. It offers a different driving experience than its competitors. Easy to drive and great turning radius. Lots of interior space. The hatch style increases cargo room. Plus federal govt and state govt incentives. Reliablity so far seems to be good however I did notice a rattle come and go in the dashboard. Amazing technology for the price.

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  Dash light and cataltic converter - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By c190 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  So far the car handles well and performs all the basic functions for which it was purchased. The paint and appearance is good and the engine responsiveness (6 cyl.),to acceleration is very good. Major components work well.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mariokartmax - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles well and gets great mileage, more then expected. I found it to be of fair quality overall. Its definitly a car I would like to keep for years to come even after I pay it off.

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  no cruise?? - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By dsgoodwin - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I like my Corolla. Its my first corolla, but my third Toyota. However, I was disappointed that my S model didnt have cruise control. Its not the base model, so I dont know why its not there. Rather unfortunate, as Ive gotten two speeding tickets. Variable intermittent wipers would have been nice, but I guess they have to save some features for the highest model. It also seems like I have a harder time seeing out the back when backing. The high rear end may be part of that, as may the rear headrests, but I wonder if the design of the ... what are they called, roof supports? ... may also contribute.

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  Paint Job and Thigh Support / Engine - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Artie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I feel that my legs are half way on the seat and the other half on mid air! Im 510 195 lbs. dads 98 Ford Taurus SE is just as fast Im wondering if the 2003 5-speed automatic transmission is quicker than the 4? Bad paint job/or defective. I have toyoguard double clearcoat sealant, and its chipping off from the hood and on smaller areas around the vehicle. What a bummer! DONT BUY BLACK!!!