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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  Love my Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By RM - August 8 - 9:56 pm

  Great performance, so far has been reliable. Ive enjoyed driving this car. Handles great. Headrest is very uncomfortable, causes pain in the neck and back. A little hard on fuel. Other than that I would say Matrix is a great car, I have a S AWD.

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  This is what I dreamed about!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Earl Smith, Jr.` - August 8 - 9:36 pm

  I test drove one of these (Limited & Fully-loaded). Its hot. Way better than the plain models before it. Its got speed, its smooth, and you could practically live in this spacious, and wonderful car. This one came with an awesome sound system and dual dvd head- rest. I passed a maxima (that tried to race me) in flying colors. Toyota really did it this time. I would buy this before the 2005 Lexus GS I feel in love with, plus the 2006 GS is messed up for as exterior styling.

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  This car works for a living. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John L - August 8 - 6:53 pm

  Other than standard maintenance, this car has had zero problems. Performance is considerably better than expected in all categories.

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  GOOD CHOICE BUT ONE QUIRK - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By MikefromAlberta - August 8 - 3:43 pm

  We bought our second hand 07 Matrix XR in April of 07 and had it for almost 3 yrs. It has been very reliable. It has adequate power and is decent on fuel (about 42 miles/imperial gallon).It is extremely versatile and has great interior room. With winter snow tires, traction is excellent and it has no problem handling our Canadian winters. It does have one quirk and Im not sure if our car is unique. It has the standard 1.8 engine and an automatic transmission. I brought it in a couple of times to the dealership and mentioned that it did not upshift smoothly after slowing down in city traffic. They couldnt help but by accident I realize that burning higher octane fuel solved the problem.

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  Great Van - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Stetson McGraw - August 8 - 1:03 pm

  very quiet, comfy, great for taking trips and hauling stuff. Engine is strong enough and always feels like there is power. Brakes are good for such a heavy van but could be improved a little bit to give it even better performance.

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  Solid Economy Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By NYCCT - August 8 - 12:06 pm

  Overall happy with the vehicle. Repeat Toyota buyer, but did switch one vehicle to Honda FIT this year.

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  Wonderful - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Doughh - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, handles well, very high quality.

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  pass it on - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By brishbah - August 8 - 10:00 am

  This is natures best kept secret for feeling younger. Everyone at Toyota who had anything to do with this gem should be very proud of what they have done. If you cant drive a standard shift car do not(repeat:do not) keep yourself from driving this one. It may take you thirty minutes to get the basics of shifting while watching someone (or study it on the computer). Then go out and test drive this 5-speed. I promise you will find it the most fun you had in a very long time. Forget about status, (not a Lexus,Bmw,Mercedes...). Just go for a ride with the top down, no radio, and listen and feel what you have missed for a long time. Enjoy and pass it on.

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  Overall-great! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By steve6586 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehical for 4 years now an have been extremely pleased. It has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. This is what I expected from a Toyota and they delivered.

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  Tacoma Crew Cab 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Humeston - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in July. I have 2080 miles on it. The air conditioner compressor is loud with it on high. The paint appears wrinkled along the lower rocker panels. I have been told this is normal. Clock is no big deal but you cant see it while driving. Came from the factory with one cargo hook missing in the rear, dealer replaced it without any problem. The rear seat folded down provides an unstable platform for carrying much. I do love the ECT switch on this rig and the comfortable front and rear seating is a plus. Picked up 1.5 MPG with the K&N air filter. So far I am satisfied with the vehicle and the dealer.