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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  Great car, great buy - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By lovemymatrix - August 3 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a new Matrix XR, and we love it. Its fun to drive, and has lots of useful space. We also love the fuel economy. We ruled this car out at first because we thought it would be to small, but once we got in it, we knew it was the car for us.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By TW - August 3 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful car. Had been driving 1/2 ton p/u trucks for yrs. I am amazed what I have hauled in this car. Never thought I would not miss my trucks but I dont. Handles great and great pick up too. Never loses speed on long grades. Very comfortable driving on trips.

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  You get what you pay for... - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By chonie - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have read a number of other reviews and was not shocked to read about the fender flare seal problems. Other than that, after a few cross country trips and lots of stop and go traffic; no problems whatsoever. I cannot adequately express how much I love this truck. I think that it is by far the best looking truck in its class and, of course, the quality of a Toyota speaks for itself. Although it is more expensive than the others in its class, I think we all know that you get what you pay for when it comes to trucks and I feel as though I have received every pennys worth when it comes to my Tacoma.

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  I Love My Toyota! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By momohewey - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 SR5 for 3 monthsand its AWESOME!!! I got an SR5 with upgrades and its almost like a limited less the extra $5K. The power and pick- up is GREAT. Very comfortable for 3+ hour roadtrips. My friends like it so much they bought one also last month. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mike2785 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Astounded by the interior fabric and materials, upscale look. The engine is quiet and the acceleration is surprisingly good. Cabin is roomy. Great on highways (just drove to SF for 12 hours one way). So far we LOVE it.

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By JKTaps - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Cant beat it for SUV performance, fuel efficiency, styling and comfort.

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  The best family car anyone can buy - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Hassan - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The camry is truly the best family sedan anyone can buy, becuase it has great etractive design and it is very comfortable on road or highway. And toyotas reliability is outstanding. Sorry honda but your accord just did not get my vote on family sedan. J.D power and associates just named toyota and lexus the best name brands of any car manufacturer. In my eyes and other people the camry beats the accord again.

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  a well designed car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By tom bas - August 3 - 10:00 am

  i owned luxury cars for most of my life. i reluctantly decided to downsize to a toyota camry xle.this car has everything comfort, power,handeling, it performs as well as any car costing twice the price.

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  PingPong - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Lenny - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, but I get pinging when accelerating in hot weather. I cant hear it when the windows are up. I see someone else has the same experiance. Whats up with that?

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  From NEW to Totaled in 1 month - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By MY RUNNER - August 3 - 9:10 am

  I purchased my 4runner in February and finally thought I had the car of my dreams... and I did! Until just last week I was hit broadside by a woman who fell asleep behind the wheel driving @ 60+ miles/hour. My 4runner took the hit like a champ. Every safety feature worked flawlessy, saving my life. I feel there would have been a much more tragic result if I had been driving any other vehicle. The other driver survived as well, but then again she was driving a tank. I plan on buying a brand new 4Runner this weekend and will be a loyal 4Runner owner for life! This is a great buy for many, many reasons. I highly recommend this SUV to anyone with style and safety in mind.