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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  vios - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By vios - December 3 - 7:06 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about 3 years now, and so far so good, gas mileage is exceptional considering that here in our country a 1.3 engine is available, power is sufficient for me, since i only do city and highway driving. reliability is also great, i drove it 1300 km going to a secluded beach north of our country and back in 4 days.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By FlowerChild - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I had purchased a 2003 Turbo Beetle in 2002 and was not happy with it because the check engine light started to come on for engine knocking with only 20,000 miles on it! I know I had warrenty on the thingy but buttons were falling off that I never touched and what not. So I had it with the Beetle. I was ready to go buy a Toyota which is what I had before and never had a single problem with it. I was very happy to find the Matrix because it was the perfect car for a college student! I will admit I do miss having my turbocharged engine, but when I found out you can put a supercharger on the Matrix that made me very happy!

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  XRS review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By NJCosmic - December 3 - 10:00 am

  A great car for its price range. I have an RX300 and this car can haul just as much stuff but get twice the gas mileage. The car handles very well and the braking is excellent. Hit 6200 RPM and you get a boost of power that i call "LIFT" which is very addicting. I am an active person and i find this car very versitile. The split 60/40 rear seat feature is nice. I can carry my mountain bike or snowboards in the car with no problem. Add a cold-air intake, lowering springs, front strut brace and rear sway bar and youll have alot more fun than its stock form. I love this car.

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  A great car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By r.berezin - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I just got a 2005 model and i think it is the GREATEST. I have the XR model. It rides GREAT. The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. The back seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. There is plenty of storage space with all kinds of extra pockets. The fit and trim is exclent. The turning radis is GREAT. It drive like a car only better.

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  No other SUV can beat 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Broker - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner and this time, I opted for the top of the line Limited V8. I have now owned this SUV for over six months and it is absolutely a fantastic vehicle in every way, on or off road.I still own a 1998 that just had its first brake change at 133,700 miles, with no other expense except for a water pump last year. Quality and reliability to the max. I intend to keep both trucks for a very long time.

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  4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By rosco sayar - December 3 - 10:00 am

  its agreat feeling getting into that car it rides so smooth i feel like im floating in the air.

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  Its About Time! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rich F. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 Jeep Grand Cherokees and One Jeep Cherokee prior to purchasing this Toyota 4Runner over July 4th Weekend. All that I can say is WOW, What a difference. The build quality, ride, comfort, etc... is head and shoulders above the Jeeps. As much as I enjoyed my Jeeps, I got tired of the warped rotors every 12,000-15,000 miles. So far, So Great with the 4Runner. I expect to keep it for at least 100,000 miles, if not more.

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  Luxury Without the High Price - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By fanatic - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice, comfortable vehicle which handles well in any terrain. Quiet for a truck based SUV. I drive the Ford Expedition also and it is night and day as far as handling, power (yes, Toyotas V6 out does it)and just the overall quality. For example, when you shut the doors on a Ford, it sounds like a tin can. The Toyota sounds solid and sturdy. I recommend this vehicle to any family that needs 7 seats and wants to feel safe.

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  A Honda Man No More - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sirius4 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Civic, CRV and Accord and have always been a devout owner as Hondas have always had outstanding reliability, resale value, and workmanship... After researching into the Pilot and Highlander, I chose Toyota for the first time. Heres why: For the same amount of money heres what you get that Honda doesnt give you: A power moonroof, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, and a true 4x4 drive (Pilot has AWD up to 20 mph, then switches to front wheel which senses spin and then kicks in torque to rear wheels if needed). Toyotas reliablility, quality and resale should be as good as Hondas, from all the research Ive done.

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  04 Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By howardd - December 3 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves it! Does everything a working mom needs and looks sharp doing it. Bought it because of Toyotas reputation of quality autos.