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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  An Update - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By twocruzin - December 1 - 12:36 pm

  This is an update to a previous review. I have had this car for 14 months now and 17000 miles. It still runs as flawlessly as when I bought it and the ride is still as harsh as it was at the beginning. It rides okay on highways or the interstate, but its quite rough on less than ideal city streets. The suspension is quite hard. I mean the car barely moves when I push on the front bumper. I have not had the paint chip problem that many reviewers comment on. I have metallic paint on mine. Im not sure if all models do, but my experience has been that metallic paint holds up much better. Other than the ride, everything has been good - build quality, handling, appearance.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Caroline Gardner - December 1 - 7:56 am

  I have had the Prius for a month and came to love it after the first week of getting accustomed to it. The car has a lot of pick-up; it gets 50mpg most of the time and handles really well. I am hooked and in addition, I feel I am doing something good for Mother Earth. It is also roomy inside. I had a Nissan Altima for 7 years and loved it but the Prius has won me over.

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  This car is awesome! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By J.Jasper - December 1 - 4:03 am

  I bought it a month ago and its phenomenal! Great on gas, I average 36 mpg and thats mostly street driving. This vehicle is so stylish! Great car at an affordable price. I see this vehicle lasting many years. Its fits any liftstyle, Im single with no kids and I think its very stylish, but it also has room for a few car seats should I decide to upgrade in that area soon! If you want a reliable, fun to drive, economical, stylish sedan this is it! I recommend the manual drive!

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  Spunky little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By robbadobba82 - December 1 - 1:27 am

  I bought this car used last year with 118,000 miles on it. It was a one-owner car. Its pretty basic but at least has A/C. I plan on pushing it over 200k miles which should be easy to do. Its a Toyota! A blast to drive with a stick shift. Enough performance to be zippy around town and the MPGs make me smile. Great car for the money. Sometimes I want something with more options but then I realize, this car is what it is. Its simple, no nonsense, it gets me from A to B and I have fun doing it. Gonna be hard to let it go if it ever dies. Love Love Love! Oh, also does great in Michigan Winters!

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  2nd Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Lee Cantrelle - November 30 - 6:47 pm

  This is my second Avalon, first was 2001. This car fits me for size, 62", and still allows comfortable seating in the back. I sold my other one with 140k Miles and the guy drove it to 400k. I have 200k on this 2008. The only issue this car ever gave me was a dead battery. I love the gadgets in this car for laser cruise control and the other creature comforts. I do my regular maintenance as I drive a lot. I am looking at a third one as they have served me well.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Christine - November 30 - 5:56 pm

  My last 9 cars have all been $35+ luxury cars. When my last 2002 Odyssey bit the dust (after 220,000 miles) I decided to buy a car that would pay for itself because of improved gas mileage. After test driving a Civic, I realized I needed something with more interior space and focused on the Corolla instead. I found a great deal on a used 2009 LE, and have enjoyed it ever since. Very spacious inside (important, as I am tall as are my 4 sons) and great gas mileage. I do consistently about 38 miles per gallon on average and as such the car pays for itself (compared to my Honda). I only wish there was a remote trunk release and a horn beep when you remote lock the doors. Overall, rate it A+.

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  A sweet compact car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By a carpenter - November 30 - 2:46 pm

  My Tacoma was getting to be about 8 years old and my commute was averaging around a hundred miles a day. I needed to do something about rising gas prices so i bought this litte car. The MPG is absolutely awesome averaging about 41 mpg. I was concerned about the size of the vehicle but it is surprising how much room is really inside. I even have room for all my tools and equipment after I fold down the back seat. Simply awesome!

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  #1 purchased vehicle on planet - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota Tuff - November 30 - 1:23 pm

  Well if you get down to it, the Corolla is the highest purchased vehicle in the world due to popular demand. 42 MPG, affordable, dependable, sporty, and talk about resale. I drive a Tahoe that I love and we needed a vehicle for my wife and looking at reviews on this car it is the highest rated and most purchased. There are a lot of other vehicles out there cheaper, but when I buy a vehicle I would like it to hold its value so when I trade it in I can get what its worth. Anyone looking to purchase a car need to purchase the Corolla or the Camry.

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  All I expected and more - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carol - November 30 - 7:46 am

  After only two weeks, I love it. Gas mileage about as expected for stop and go - about 23mpg. This is my first 4-cyl, but no problems getting on the highway, etc. More leg room in the second row than my previous car. Easy to park and great to look at. Cant wait to take it on a trip.

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  Heaven - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By G. Baby - November 30 - 2:00 am

  We owned a 2001 Yukon XL 1500 before this and it could not compare to toyota quality.