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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  Buy XRS if you can!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Calshu - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Although I am very happy with my white Matrix, I am not used to 130 Horse Power (HP) after driving V6 Maxima for many years. Dont get me wrong. 130 HP is good enough, but more HP could of have been better. I should of pay a couple more thousands to get XRS model. Remember XRS comes with 180HP and 17 inch wheel vs XR only come with 130 HP with 16inch wheel. I havent seen any White Matrix. White is much better than silver. Toyota silver are ugly! Get either Cosmic blue, or red.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By aj60 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I went in looking for a Toyota Highlander (own one) and came out with the Avalon. I purchased the ES model with only option being power seats . The dealership, price, But more importantly the Car sold me.

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  Firestone Tire Recall is Toyotas Fault - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark Lawson - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I was angered to learn today that Toyota installed defective Firestone tires on my new 2003 Corolla LE. I have already filed a complaint with the NHTSA because I must buy replacement tires at my own expense since Toyota insists that I must accept only Firestone replacement tires. This is a load of horse manure. The line supervisors and managers in the Wilson, North Carolina, Firestone manufacturing plant responsible for the Ford/Toyota tire fiascos should be put in jail and never allowed to manufacture tires again. Didnt Toyota learn anything from the Firestone/Ford fiasco? Life is cheap.

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  Worst decision - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jcritchfield - December 31 - 6:50 am

  This purchase was the poorest vehicle purchase Ive ever made. I brought this truck 6 months ago and I put more 3000 in repairs...Everything from sticking calibers to electically issues. The truck rattles more than a semi truck, would be a quiet ride if there were not raddles everywhere in the truck. I paid extremely amount of money for this compared to SUVs of the same nature, huge waste of money. Im honestly considering trading this horribly designed truck back in.

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  Slightly neurotic but great car/fun - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By okmatrixxrs - December 31 - 1:23 am

  Unbelievable gas mileage. Amazing power from such a small, naturally aspirated engine, and Toyota quality! Who could ask for anything more!

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  I Cant Believe its a Camry! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pepdoc - December 30 - 11:13 pm

  I really love this car. I wanted something that handled well, went fast and was sporty, with cool stuff. This car is cool. The engine is sweet, it accelerates beautifully, and it is smooth and quiet. I often dont know it is running. I have a bad back and was worried about comfort in the seats. It is just great. I LOVE this car.

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  Toyota Simply the best - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Terry - December 30 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased the S Corolla and could not be happier with the car. Do not believe the negative crap you are reading. The people are no doubt competitors of Toyota who want you to think the worst and buy there cars.The S has upgraded interior, instrument panel, rear deck spoiler.alloy wheels, ground effects and fog lights all for only $800 more than the LE. Everything is perfect. Steering is perfect. 650+ FICA gives you 0% financing. AAA members get big discount plus $500 back from Toyota. We bought a new Camry two years ago and it is still perfect. Make no mistake, Toyota sets the standard and everyone else is trying to take them down. I will never drive anything else;

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  Never Considered But Glad I did - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Stephanie - December 30 - 5:16 pm

  The V6 is a must buy in the sport package. Power is not an issue as it has all the power you need. Very good sport suspension on this model. Would recommend spending the extra 2000 to 2500 upgrade from a I4 to the V6 if possible. The ride is smooth, the design with the spoiler is beautiful.Toyota is making great choices with its model changes! Gas mileage is great on this model especially the 6. No hestitation, comfort is great in front in back. Only thing would like to see is that the interior be made more available in the darker (black) in the SE. Was told they dont even make it! OR offer. I asked if its on the website then why dont they?

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  becareful of the ac system - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim - December 30 - 4:49 pm

  I bought a 2016 Correll 5 months ago and have had nothing but issues with the a/c system. There is a mold smell coming out of the vents. I have taken it to my local dealer 3 times in less rhan a month and they are trying to tell me to just deal with it and they cant get the smell out. This is a known issue with the Corollas per the shop manager at toyota. Just another note. There a certain instructions on how to shut the a/c systems off (make sure you follow it). Even though i have and it did not resolve my issue. I cant wait for the summer for it to get worse. I doubt i will ever buta toyota again. Expecially a corrola.

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  The SUV that Has it All - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By tregos - December 30 - 4:00 pm

  Got my Highlander June 2008 and have test driven it for 11,000 miles in all weather conditions. I am very pleased with all of the vehicles functions. My only real complaint is that in very cold weather the vehicle needs to be warmed up before driving otherwise it makes a lot of noise and has a major loss of power. My Subaru Outback that I traded in never did that in any temperature weather. Other than that, the vehicle has power, comfort, reliability and fairly good fuel economy for a large vehicle.