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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  Not too bad.....BUT - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By toyota fan - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall a nice car, BUT there is always room for improvements. I learned quick that if you want good Toyota service, you sometimes have to file a complaint! The master cylinder went out at 4000 miles- needless to say we werent too happy and the service department wasnt very kind- but we just called the 1-800 number and had a little talk with Toyota- the problem was then solved correctly AND with a smile! Roomy ride, awesome design, and I love the interior! We did purchase the XR with the smaller engine just because I didnt believe the larger engine to be worth the extra cash. So far, after 8000 miles we are happy with the smaller engine.

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  Not too bad.....BUT - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyota Fan - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall a nice car, BUT there is always room for improvements. I learned quick that if you want good Toyota service, you sometimes have to file a complaint! The master cylinder went out at 4000 miles- needless to say we werent too happy and the service department wasnt very kind- but we just called the 1-800 number and had a little talk with Toyota- the problem was then solved correctly AND with a smile! Roomy ride, awesome design, and I love the interior! We did purchase the XR with the smaller engine just because I didnt believe the larger engine to be worth the extra cash. So far, after 8000 miles we are happy with the smaller engine.

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  Yoda - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By dfhdhgdfh - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Very nice truck, needs more power they would not have the option for the blower if it was not a needed option. The various statements about the positioning of the clock is accurate. The only time the clock can be viewed is when your not in the drivers seat with your knee in front of it. Great truck though the clock is a minor detail.

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  I love my silver S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian O - February 13 - 10:00 am

  It is quick, nimble, easy to drive, and just an overall great looking & driving car. I havent had a single problem with the car only the dealership (on my first oil change they broke the plug and oil leaked all over my new garage floor but caused no damage to the car itself). I think this is a great looking car and I get compliments about it all the time. If you are looking for a nice looking, reliable, dependible, funcional, and just all around great car check one of these out I love it and so will you!

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  Saved by a 30 day trial! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sirharper - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I intended to lease this car for my company use and decided to take advantage for a 30 day test drive the local dealer was offering. I had no idea at the start that I would actually pay the $1000 at the end of the month to give it back. This car was a total pig on the road with probably the worst performance Id ever driven and mind you I once owned a Chevette! The interior was neat looking but very uncomfortable.

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  Nice but beware - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By cicero - February 13 - 9:53 am

  Generally nice but would not get DVD or NAV again. NAV system is terrible, hard to use with weak interface and weird quirks, and chooses bad routes (e.g.: business 1 not express 1). NAV and many features cant be adjusted while driving, even by passenger. Wireless headsets dont work well in 3rd row, without headsets answering phone turns off DVD. DVD does not just start movie, you have to pull off the road to change movies. Radio has poor interface in many regards, no way to scan from steering wheel for instance. iPod interface can play audio but not video, so forget downloaded movies.In short, love the car but the electronics get 2 out of 10

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  This car is a Trooper - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By josh_reeves - February 13 - 3:34 am

  I have only good things to say about this car. Excellent mileage; EPA estimates are LOW. I get 35 mpg easily. Small, but the interior is bigger than it looks. Cost only 11K brand new. Speedometer is in the middle, back windows roll all the way down (yea, thats right). I have 190K hard miles on mine, through some rough times, and its still going strong - an absolute trooper.

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  I love this car - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By lisa - February 12 - 1:00 pm

  it is everything I want, wish fuel economy was a little better

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  Comfortable Car - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Bruce Noel - February 12 - 9:53 am

  I purchased the Highlander last August and have 17,000 mi. on it. It is extremely comfortable and very intuitive to drive. I had a 1999 BMW 328i and was used to power and handling. This vehicle has excellent power and very good handling compared to the BMW. Obviously not as crisp in a corner but it handles exceptionally well. All the controls are intuitive and the steering releases very smoothly in a corner like the BMW. The arm rest is perfeclty positioned for one hand steering. It is very roomy for the passengers in the first two rows. The third seat is tight but it still is OK for two adults. The gas mileage averages around 20mpg. A little less than I would like, but acceptable.

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  Great Value - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Jesseusn - February 11 - 10:33 pm

  LE w/moonroof/auto. Does everything well. Good, if sometimes busy ride. Firm seats comfortable for long trips. Headroom fine for my 75" under sunroof. Fairly quiet ride. Good sound system. Roomy trunk. Outstanding economy, 30-35 mpg. Driving postition is a bit odd when hands are at 10 and 2 on wheel. Its fine for the 4 and 8 oclock position the pros recommend. Only gripe is that useful options e.g. alloys, stability, abs, hard to find. Distributors prefer packing the car with pricey junk like paint sealant, stripes, etc.