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! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By aks - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Love it!

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dutchman3 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the 04 Odyssey, Mazda MPV, Nissan Quest I knew I wanted the Totyota Sienna, this car is extremely quiet, plenty of power, lots of storage and compartments, mine has the standard 6 speaker stereo and the no7 package. The fit and finish inside is impeccable, this is the first Toyota Ive owned and I will probably be a customer for life, average fuel mileage in town is around 22 to 24 mpg. according to the tripcomputer. Highly recommend this car! It truly drives like a Lexus, with the storage of a u-haul.

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  I never thought I would own a Minivan... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By papa44 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Having never owned a minivan, my wife and I were new to the market. We narrowed it down to the Honda or the Toyo. After driving both, my wife was sold on the Sienna. The Toyota dealer was laid back, very little pressue and listened to what we wanted. The Honda dealer was very aggressive, "how can I put you in a Honda today". The 60/40 back seat and the ability to open/close the back seat with one hand on the Toyota was a major plus. We had no problem paying a little more for the Toyota when we plan to have the van for 7-8 years. Bottom Line: It is the best van on the road.

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  This is my second Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By michelle1234 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  The new 2004 is so much bigger than the 2000. My kids love it!! The comfort and the security of knowing the saftey features of this model has no price. I have many friends that have a 2004 and they love theirs too. I drove all the minivans, The honda was very low like a car, and the power is ok, The Caravan is overpriced for the quality. You will not be unhappy with this car!!!!

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  This Corolla LE is Awesome - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By San - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car 2 weeks ago and went to New York on the weekend and really enjoyed the trip.This car has a comfortable ride and the steering is very smooth. LE wood grain interior adds a little more class to the corolla. You cant beat the gas milege.The value of this car is outstanding, cant get a better car at this price.

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  Corolla S Plus - Excellent Car so Far - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By mitchieray - September 3 - 8:43 am

  Bought this 2014 Corolla S Plus in Dec 2013., I Traded in a 2010 Corolla S. I have noticed Many improvements over the 2010 Model, I really like the CVT Trans. over the Manual. I had a Manual in the 2010 and I did test the Manual in the 2014. I am very surprised at the superb acceleration of the CVT over the Manual, The Engine revs. high and stays high in the power band through all gears up to 70+ mph. It is quite impressive & fun! Dont waste your time on a Manual, get a manual trans. in a sports car with a V-8 & feel the power there. Do yourself a big favor & Test drive all the Corolla models, you will see a significant difference in Handling and performance when you get to the S & S+

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  This truck is AWESOME - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05xman - September 3 - 1:43 am

  For 24k this truck rocks. I love it.

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  Matrix doesnt disappoint - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By greg - September 2 - 3:20 pm

  The Matrix replaced a 2001 Dodge minivan. We hoped to retain cargo flexibility, improve gas mileage, vehicle handling and reliability. With care in packing, the Matrix had ample camping room using a 10 c.f. soft carrier pack on the roof. Skis can be stored inside or on top. Gas mileage has averaged 30 mpg combined; 32 mpg- highway. The car is quiet, steering responsive, holds the road, suspension somewhat stiff, solid feel overall. For its weight, engine, and transmission combination, acceleration is quite good. Seating is comfortable with ample back seat room. The more I drive it, the more I appreciate its subtle qualities. A car to buy for long term value and not for instant gratification

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  Love IT!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick Ramos - September 2 - 12:50 pm

  I Love my Tundra and would like to be buried with it. After having this truck I feel really weird going on the highway in other vehicles, b/c of the noise reduction and comfort Ive had with my Tundra. Though it chugs gas you really cant buy one of these w/o expecting to pay out.

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  OWNING ONE MAKES YOU------ - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By joe540ci - September 2 - 1:13 am

  Makes you learn and understand how cool a hybrid is. You start driveing different to get better mileage (braking sooner and lighter to recover energy, etc). You start looking for articles about your hybrid. Wonder if a bigger after market battery is available to boost the mileage higher. After 3800 miles Ive gon from 24 mpg to an average of 27+mpg. I just can"t see not ever buying a non-hybrid again.