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 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ARRA - January 25 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR FUN TO DRIVE EXCELLENT MOTOR VERY FAST CAR. GREAT LOOKIN CAR WILL GET UO AND GO.

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  sienna max - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By m tauber - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I chose a 2wd limited xle,After alot of research I found the Sienna with the best ride and comfort. The gas mileage is better than expected. I had more choice of features and could build one exact to my needs

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike - January 24 - 4:36 pm

  Pound for pound, dollar for dollar there is no better SUV on the market. I consider myself a tough customer and after test driving the Navigator and Escalade, I knew the new Seqouia was best SUV in less than ten seconds. It drives like a dream.

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  Practical but boring - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Eartha - January 24 - 2:33 pm

  I cant really say anything bad about this car other than I find it really boring. I had a Honda CRX for 21 years before buying the Prius. I loved my CRX but find this car just a nice car. When people ask how I like it all I can say is it gets great mileage and is a nice care. I plan on selling it and buying a Civic, Fit or Yaris. At least I will not be losing any money as I can sell it for at least what I bought if for.

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  CE with Cruise - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By 14SC14 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I am not quite sure where people are coming with notion about the CE not having cruise. I have the CE and it came with Cruise standard, along with other features. I love the car so far and would recommend it to anyone that asks.

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  "Simply The Best" - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Dan - January 23 - 10:26 pm

  This is without a doubt the quietest, smoothest riding vehicle I have ever owned. It has excellent power and handling. My daily commute is now a pleasure. I would say this vehicle is comparable to the Lexus LS430 in the aspectd of roominess, ride, quiteness. Appointments, fit & finish are also comparable, but the price is NOT.

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  Two Avalon Family - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Dochurt - January 23 - 3:36 pm

  We own a 2000 Avalon, also. It is the best car we have ever owned, including Mazda, BMW and Mercedes. When time came to buy another second car, there was no question that it would be another Avalon. That Toyota redesigned and refined the 2005 Avalon, just made the decision easier. My only complaint with the 2005 model is that Toyota did not use the multi-sun visor system with extension it used in the original Avalon. The original sun visor with extension is superior to what I have in my 2005. Other than that, the 2005 is the perfect car for the highway and town. I especially like being able to control the sound system and drivers side climate control from the steering wheel.

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  Best ever built - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jimmy - January 23 - 6:56 am

  Bought this Camry new & I gotta say we really really love it, being in the auto body business for 25 years I know what fit & finish really mean & this car for the $$ is well worth the price the safety features & fuel economy aside from the well know for reliability promise the Toyota brand stands for is absolutely a great buy. We plan on keeping this car for a very very long time, been to fla. with it and drives with confidence !

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  Good car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By David Sobel - January 23 - 5:20 am

  This is a very good car. The key to me is that the car has pickup if you want it, but if you can accelerate more slowly you can get really excellent city mileage, better than 50. It is a bit squeaky. It can be a bit too intoxicating to follow moment by moment how you are doing gas mileage wise. Other cars around you will be grumpy if you accelerate slowly enough to maximize your mileage. The car gets less good mileage in cold weather, but this is true of all.

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  Pratical yet fun - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyotalover4eva - January 22 - 10:23 pm

  I recently traded in my 04 4runner sport for this car. During my car hunt, my biggest concern was the mpg so, I searched for a gas saver but didnt want to sacrifice looks and performance. I ended up with two choices, the jetta wolfsburg and the matrix. I ended up with the matrix given it was more reliable, cheaper on insurance and not too pricey to maintain. Overall I am satisfied with my decision. The looks are awesome both inside and out. Im kinda disappointed with such a small fuel tank. I mean, Im saving gas but finding myself filling up more often. I also think the ride is so-so. I dont know if its just me but I feel every bump on the road which can get annoying but I can deal with it