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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  The Best Car I Have Driven - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By John Coleburne - May 9 - 6:36 pm

  When I got the Prius I wasnt sure if I was going to like it, but after the first day I fell in love with it. It is just fun to drive, I love being able to take phone calls in the car withing have to take my eyes off the road and the JBL sound system is great. Filling up every 500 plus miles is just icing on the cake. Snow, rain, or shine it handles like a dream. I dont need to fumble with keys and take them out of my pocket anymore, the keyless entry system means I just touch the door handle and it unlocks and I push the start button and it starts right up. Who could ask for a better car.

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  What the clock? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By JJ985 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the color! I got the blue streak metallic which is the bright blue. I orig. wanted the Yaris but with high gas prices their prices have shot up. I couldnt justify the price for a Yaris. So they showed me the 09 Corolla S and I fell in love. So far it is great. Some issues but overall a good buy. I am averaging 35 MPG in the city.

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  Unbreakable? - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By niugreg - May 9 - 2:06 am

  Words cant describe how happy Ive been with this truck. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Im nearing 205,000 and it is just as solid as the day I brought it home. I was hoping to get 200k with it, but now Im shooting for 400k before I even think about replacing it. No rust, no rattles, nothing leaks and no major problems. Last brake job lasted 3.5 years and 83,000 miles... amazing!

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  I love my Matrix!!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By JCZThomp - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 2004 Toyota Matrix. I have all the bells and whistles. Moon/sun roof, fog lamps, rear and front under spoilers, luggage rack, which I might add, the Matrix just is not a Matrix without the luggage rack. This car is easy to drive, operate, maintain, and much roomier than I had expected. It is versatile, cute, quick, sporty and gets good gas mileage. I can fit my groceries, and a small stroller in the back. It has an amazingly fast rear and front window defroster, and the air conditioner filter works wonderfully, expecially if you are behind a really stinky automobile. I am pleasantly suprised and have been very happy with my lease.

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  THE COMMUTERS CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy E C - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is heaven-sent for commuters...and the environment. The slower and more clogged the roadway, the better the mileage, and the bigger my smile. I know I am the only one content to be in a freeway creep. I turn up the stereo, turn the air on recirculate (so Im not breathing everyones exhaust), and creep along at 99 mpg. That is the key to getting 60 mpg. Those early morning and evening traffic snarls make up for the lower mpg that you get when traveling at higher speeds. This car is super, and if gas climbs to $3.00 per gallon this summer as predicted, we will be even happier to own a fuel efficient vehicle.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By phansen - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is absolutely wonderful! Fun to drive, more roomy than our old Honda Accord, a georgous, deep red color. Were getting 46 miles to the gallon and it feels great to know that the emissions are almost zero. Has lots of zip and a real sports car feel. Love it!

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  Sequoia Review - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gary Wentzel - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traction is very good on snow and ice. Easy to drive and is very responsive. Plenty of room. Leather interior is very nice.

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  I love my camry! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Sam Roundtree - May 9 - 2:00 am

  we got our camry used 1999 camry in 2000, we have been quite pleased with its wonderful proformance, its luxuryous intirior, great realiabilaty, beautiful body style, great gas mialige, E.T.C! the car is fun to drive to! I definetly recomend this for a great family car!

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  KICK YOUR HEELS FOR TOYOTA - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Lewis C. Kupka - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MANY OF AMERICAN CRAFTED CARS WITH IMPORTED PARTS. THEY START TO DETERIATE THEY MOMENT YOU MOVE OFF OF THE DEALERSHIP SALES LOT. I HAVE HAD CHRYSLER, FORD AND GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCTS. NONE OF THEM COMPARE WITH THE RELIABLITY THAT TOYOTA CAN PROVIDE. THE COST OF MAINTAINING THIS CAR HAS GONE DOWN FROM $5,325.00 TO JUST AND OIL CHANGE AND NEW TIRES.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JParrish31@aol.com - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It has style. Easy to park. very comforable. Drives great and smooth like a Cadillac.