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 it - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By mvw - March 28 - 11:36 pm

  Bought the 2009 Matrix S a month ago with 10K on it. I love it so far. We traded in 2003 Kia spectra LS, and felt the Kia’s interior is built better with better materials. Some of the interior rattles and feels like cheap plastic. The engine of the 2.4 has great pick up. I am concerned about the paint on the car, it appears to chip fairly easy. This is the first Toyota I have owned so I do not have much to compare it to.

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  2011 XLE V-6 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By LBC - March 28 - 12:06 am

  Replacing a 1998 Accord EX with 97k. Love the quietness, features, and the price. Got it for 28900, including extra value package (heated seats, smart key), spoiler, carpet set, body side molding and mud flaps. Smart key is awesome, Blue Tooth is convenient and easy, awesome JBL, rear sunshade/reclining seats/reading lamps remind passengers of a swanky hotel. Great pickup and passing power with the V-6. Looked at a 2010 Accord (too many buttons, dont care for the styling)and the new Hyundai Sonata. Its about $2,000 less (they are not moving much on the price), some nice features, but IMHO the dash, HVAC and front fender trim are ugly. The Camry is proven and my $278 lease can hardly be beat.

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  sake alive - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By thepop - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Been searching for quite a while for a new car. And became tired of the emphasis on luxury. I wanted a car to make me feel alive when I drive. This car has a great sounding engine and, although power is sacrificed for fuel economy, the rage is there when I want it. Initially, I was wary of the 6 speed, but in my experience, it is a breeze to shift and much tighter than the c230K and saab93. Because of its control I feel much safer in it than my clunky old SUV. This car trades off raw enthusiam when I want with fuel sipping economy while maintaing an excellent poise.

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  I Love my 4Runner! Good Buy! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By etapucu - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were looking a several SUVs from many different manufactures. The 4Runner really caught our eye and hearts. We now have 6000mi and we are completely happy with our choice. The V6 packs quite a punch, the roominess is spectacular, and the 4x4 is awesome. By far the feature, that most impressed us is the GAS milage, we easily get 17- 18MPG in the CITY and about 22-23MPG on the highway. This SUV is definitely a good buy, with no regrets what so ever.

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  One great SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By educator - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my 4Runner and its one of the best purchases Ive ever made. I recently owned a Range Rover and this 4Runner beats the ride in more ways than one. If you considering buying a 2003 4Runner, stop your search here and go test drive one. Youll be driving it home before you leave the dealership.

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  Great Car for the money - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jacknimble - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. Mine is a 5-speed LE with leather, and I cannot believe how much car $15k can buy. obviously, its a small car, but you do not feel you are in an economy car. I was looking for a car at a certain price point, but I would have bought the car on its merits alone.

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By artc - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Camry is a solid family Car and great for commute to work. LE offers simplistic yet functional design; however, it is a bit higher price than domestic… Will I buy a domestic over Camry? No! It’s the reliability kept me an honest Toyota believer. I know you would be too.

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  No fuss, no worry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By ScottN - March 26 - 6:06 pm

  Im very impressed with this car. Quality is top notch, as good as my Jaguar Vanden Plas. Reliability is supurb, much better than the Jaguar. I got the LE model, but wish that Id gotten the SE model. Still a great car.

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  Navigation - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ahmad Ghaderi - March 26 - 3:55 pm

  Besides navigation, it almost perfect.

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  Navigation - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ahmad Ghaderi - March 26 - 3:55 pm

  Besides navigation, it almost perfect.