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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  Matrix Love - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sdstinger - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Been a Honda guy for 15 years and my mechanic said i should give toyota a shot. So i did, and im really really happy with the Matrix XRS. If you are going to buy the matrix and youve driven CRXs and VTECs you must get the XRS. In fact go all out do all that you can with TRD, exhaust, sway bars 17"rims, strut bar, intake, synth. oil and youll really be impressed with the performance and fuel economy.

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  RAVing? - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By TxRavDriver - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd toyota so far. These cars never disappoint me. Even my 95 corolla still runs well. I love my metallic blue 2003Rav4. It handles nicely, it has a fun-to-drive look to it. With gas prices getting higher, this car doesnt take much to fill and yet it gives you all the goodies of an SUV (without the guilt and expense). If you are looking for a fun car, this is it.

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  Dissatisfied owner - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Ramsey - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Camry for a little over 2 years now and heres what has gone wrong!!! Both drivers & passengers window motor went out & had to be replaced. Car has overheated, cigarette lighter & phone charger outlet has has been replaced once already and still does not work! Car was not starting properly for 4 months and dealership was trying to tell me it was normal operating procedure of the car....finally had to replace entire computer for car. Also, plastic lining around bas eor door is ciming off...I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!!

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  Old reliable - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Lcbjr - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to reliability whats the first thing to come to mind? Toyota. I purchased my Camry (ce 4-cyl) May of 2001 and with 39,000 miles its running smooth like the day i drove it off the lot.

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  Toyotas NEW SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Griz1 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Styling and performance rolled into one. The new V6 has plenty of power and the new features are great.

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  2nd Tacoma - like the 2003 even better - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By acf2001 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Had to settle on the stepside bed, 5M, extended cab, 4wd, but love this truck... husband totaled the last one a month ago and the insurance company reimbursed us very well - this truck holds its value as well as it is a safe truck. Husband flipped it 2x in the air due to ice and walked away unharmed. Last one, 2001, was nice, but new antilock brakes standard is a plus on the 2003. Solid feel and high profile make this fun to drive.

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  11 month Owner Review - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By myron9 - November 5 - 8:15 pm

  The Prius V poses the following suggestion by Toyota: Reliability being the cardinal feature, you are going to have to make significant compromises, but still pay the big bucks for some kind of a vinyl interior and a paper thin shell, because it is a Toyota and the general consensus is a Prius will still get you there the vast majority of the time without hiccups and do so without the mandatory toll on the pocketbook from exorbitant gas prices. The vehicle gets a poor safety rating from the IIHS, so regardless of whatever merits the Prius V may or may not possess, you might still get there, but without legs or head intact.

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  5 Day Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Nicole - November 5 - 6:36 pm

  When we first went to the Toyota dealership, my husband and I had plans on "just looking". We were actually interested in the Scion Xb. Mainly, we wanted to downsize from a Toyota Tunda (gas guzzler) and into something more economical. While we were waiting for the salesman to get the keys to the Scion, we wandered over to what would become our car. Needless to say, we drove away with a new Prius. All I can say is, "Wow". This car is amazing and totally fun to drive. Im averaging 45 mpg.

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  Still reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Katrina - November 5 - 5:46 pm

  It is now 2015 and I have had my 2003 for years. It has 230,000 miles and still performing to standards. This car has grown on me to the point I dont want to sell it or give it away. Very dependable no major issues. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that wants a little style and reliability.

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  nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By joe parrino - November 5 - 3:16 pm

  Vehicle handled well on trip of 1400 miles. Comfortable seating with an excellent lumbar support. White is an excellent color for driving in the south. It stays a little cooler than other colors. Convenient controls,radio sound, cruise control, lights, wipers help in driving. Good trunk space for baggage and plenty of small places for soring items in drivers compartment.