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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  This is a great vehicle - 1998 Toyota T100
  By steve - September 12 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my T100 from an indivdual who obviously took really good care of this truck. My truck now has 256,000+ mile and it still runs like new. The 6 cylinder engine is very strong, transmission is smooth and a really quiet ride. Its the perfect size truck for me. I have towed boats, trailers, and even other vehicles with my truck. It has never let me down. I am very pleased with my T100.

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  Wheres the build quality? - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - September 12 - 1:10 pm

  Ive had my 4Runner for 3 weeks and it drives great, but Im disappointed with squeaks and rattles coming from the back seat and moonroof. The engine also has a disturbing ticking sound when idling. Its going back to the dealership tomorrow so they can try to fix it again.

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  Me & the Camry: Till Death Do Us Part - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By CamryDan - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Been driving this Camry for 4 years now, have put on about 60k miles on it. Very reliable but has had trouble (a handful of times) starting in cold weather. Everything works great. Average gas mileage is 21 or 22mpg. I get a bad smell from the A/C (but Lysol has helped with that). Has better turning radius than Accord. All of this said, this car has not endeared itself to me like the 1987 Acura Legend that it replaced (or 1978 Volvo 245 before that).

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  I love this truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By love my truck - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck thinking it was a 4wd at first sight, when I found out it was 2wd I was slightly disappointed until I drove it. I have had no problems whatsoever out of it. I have replaced the tires @70000, windshield wipers,front brake pads and headlights, thats it. A careless woman struck me and did 6500. in damage to it and now that I am driving a rental I cant stand it, I miss it even more. Only thing I would trade it for would be a 4door model of the same thing.

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  Fib or Fraud? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Don in Reno - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Toyota claims 61 mpg town, 51 hwy. Actual in my 04 Prius after 5K miles is 43 town 49 hwy. A 30% difference on town driving is fraud. The overall mileage is good, but toyo doesnt deliver on their claims. The car is very unstable in a cross wind. Just like a 64 VW. And I have stability control. It can really be scary with big trucks tossing you around. Seats are very uncomfortable after about an hour. Toyo, you can do better. Rear view thru back window is crummy. Engine noise is LOUD when passing or on very steep hill. Sounds like its going to blow up. My wife really likes the car. Just dont expect Toyo to tell the truth.

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  A Mommy Car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Mommy - September 12 - 5:00 am

  This is a great alternative to a big SUV. It has all the room I need to haul all my baby gear and it has the built in car seat hooks. I swore Id never drive anything but a Honda. After my test drive, my mind changed. I find the seats are more comfortable and I love the hatchback- its better than a trunk.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By RIDG3RUNN3R - September 11 - 4:30 pm

  I have put 15k on my matrix already in 5 months. We have been up and down the east coast, including snow in the Adirondacks this November. I have camped out of it on several occasions. This vehicle is a very reliable and versatile machine. I recommend it to anyone. Competes with any Subaru, if it isnt better. I have carried canoes, bikes, kayaks and skis. It handles well even fully loaded.

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  Great Buy For the Money - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By PG - September 10 - 7:36 pm

  I own a 2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan with 62K on it and has been very reliable thus far. I purchased the Yaris when fuel went up to $4.00+ per gallon. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations in regards to reliability and value. This vehicle averages anywhere from 32-34 MPG per tank with normal city/hwy driving. The MPG does drop a bit in colder weather due to fuel additives put into the gas, youll lose around 1-2MPG. If youre doing strictly HWY driving, this model will allow you to drive 370-385 miles per tank before re-filling. The return is 37-38.5 MPG, before the fuel light flashes quickly meaning you have 1.1 gallons of fuel available.

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  2003 Toyota Matrix Base - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By hazelnut323 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I have mixed feelings about my Matrix ... its definately an attention getter(8/10 scale Lexus RX300), somewhat fun to drive, very practical and fuel efficient ... on the other hand its relationship with Pontiac Vibe is rather apparent ... Dash is very tasteful, but its a chore on the sunny day, cheap GM, seats are too soft and covered with something that would look appropriate on inside 1984 Celebrity, not XXI century Toyota.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By mhs - September 10 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2003 silver LE with side airbags and anti-lock brakes in June 2002 direct from factory after waiting ~6-weeks. We paid about ~$17500 including everything. We had compared it to the Civic but the Corolla is much better. It has a smoother ride and much less wind/engine noise inside. After driving for ~ 4500 miles now we constantly get between 37 - 42 mile/gallon fuel economy which is great! Pick-up is just fine and does not cause any problems. At first I wasnt too impressed with the exterior styling but I have gotten used to it.