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:

• 

  elles mr2 review - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By elle mr2 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It may not be the fastest car, however it is the most fun car to drive. It handles supper well and is great for zipping in and out of lanes and around tight corners.

• 

  FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By EMB - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is not a station wagon and anyone wanting to care more than two duffel bags (or a couple bags of groceries) should look elsewhere. But if you are looking for an incredible, fun, vibrant driving machine for about $25,000, look no further. I found one thing in the review of the car by Edmunds that I disagree with, I can raise the roof in less then 20 seconds without getting out of the car.

• 

  My views of the GTS - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Gmoney - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is sweet, great to customize to your own standards!

• 

  SMOKIN - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By BLUE DEVIL - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2002 celica and wrecked it, i bought 2003 action package one. The car is awsome.

• 

  My TRD GT-300 - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Ferdi Laco - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car from Poway Toyota last September 2003, which makes this car just 7 months old. I have already installed Strut Tower Braces on the front upper and lower, and on the rear, Titanium Shifters, race pedals, and an Injen Short Ram Air Intake which added 15 more horses on my stock 143 horses. The car is beautifully designed, and I planned to keep it that way except probably for a 19AXIS Hagen wheels on a Pirelli PZero Tires and APR wide-body kit. And yes, I also replaced that ugly stock FM Antenna that Toyota had on all Celicas with a rubber mounter high-flex high performance racing antenna.

• 

  Toyota Matrix: Only the beginning! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By (V)atrix - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my (V)atrix. I was gonna get the XRS but i dindnt like the front add ons. So i got a black stock matrix. Talk about a roomy car. This car is also great if you are into modifying your car. I lowered my 2004 matrix and it looks like a cross between a corola and a honda hatchback, but better looking.

• 

  Love my Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Tyme - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my Matrix XRS AWD. Ive had it about six and a half months now and have 21,700 miles on it (that is NOT a typo). Its very comfortable and a fun car to drive. Performance wise it lacks in sudden power and stabile turning at speed, but then its not meant to be a performance vehicle. For what it is meant to be, the performance is fine. Its also a very solid vehicle. No rattles, shakes, or vibrations.

• 

  Matrix Rules! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jsbassist - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car one week and I love it. Only complaint I have is body panels are thin, but that is true of any car these days. Two dents already

• 

  My little yellow Matrix--I love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By maryvines - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Although small the car is very roomy. My two teenage sons have plenty of room in the back seat. The wagon is a good size especially when the back seats are down. Gas mileage is great and inexpensive to fill up. It is comfortable and convenient to drive will all controls within reach of the driver. I really like the exterior design and the yellow color is a real eyecatcher. Reliability--its a Toyota-- nuf said!

• 

  My wonderful matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Geetargirl99 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. It is roomier than a Corolla, and even a Camry. You get that sporty look, at an affordable price. I love to store my groceries and things in the back like a van, and it has a cover to hide your valuables in the hatch. It is one of the safest cars out there youll find, with an asphalt layer under the frame.