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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  On my second one and going strong! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Peter L - May 7 - 6:53 am

  I traded my 03 Sequoia SR5 for a fully loaded leftover 05 Limited. I loved the SR5, but wanted DVD, sunroof, leather. The ride is great, cargo room exceptional, comfort is awesome.

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  THE AMAZING MATRIX 2005 - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By 2005 Toyota Matrix - May 6 - 6:50 pm

  I formerly owned a Nissan Altima which was terrible on the road in the winter months. I saw the Toyota Matrix and I emailed the dealership and I went to test drive the Matrix. The minute I sat in the vehicle I loved it. The seats were very comfortable, the shift was right at your fingertips and I loved the aerodynamic build of the car. I took it out for a test ride it was wonderful. I remember it was snowing that day and it handled amazing. I went back to the dealership and I left with my new Matrix. The Matrix is excellent on gas mileage, easy to get into small parking places, and very convenient when you go shopping with the hatchback. I love my Toyota Matrix the heat is awesome!

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  Great SUV Gets Even better - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - May 6 - 1:00 am

  We had a 2000 4Runner and loved it. We lost it in an accident and went shopping again. Looked at Explorers, Trailblazers and Jeeps and Envoys. Although due to dealer incentives could have purchased all but the Envoy for less, the fit and finish, towing capacity on the base models, and overall quality in the 4Runner is tops. The interior is larger than the 2000 model and the ride is smoother without being soft and driver visability is improved. Our experience with the reliability from Toyota was the final selling point. This is our 5th and all we have ever had to replace other than standard maintenance items was a starter. We usually keep them for over 100,000 miles. Very Satisfied

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  Perfection - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim Evans - May 5 - 11:23 am

  We have been Toyota owners for 32 years and this new Avalon Limited is without a doubt the finest car they have ever built. We shopped all other brands (American & foreign), comparing the quality of workmanship, power, handling, features, and overall "feel" before settling again on the Avalon. It was the only car to satisfy and exceed expectations on all levels and exude a feeling of total reliability.

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  Nice, competent and stylish convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By PCC - May 5 - 7:40 am

  Bought previously owned (certified). Car drives/looks like the Lexus. I get lots comments from people mistaking it for the Lexus. I have noticed body shake/roll over rough roads but it is not uncontrolable. Better tires (V or Z- rated) make it more manageable. Its fun to drive, has lots of zip and still delivers around 25.5 mpg using regular/87 octane fuel (though the owners manual "recommends" 89 octane or higher). I usually put a tankfull of premium fuel once or twice a month. I only notice a slight difference in total performance (power & mileage). Overall, a very nice combination of great looks, excellent performance/handling and super reliability. Definitely would purchase again.

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  sweet - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jay hill - May 4 - 10:00 am

  a great car for the price and time of high gas prices

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  Prius Preview - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By rayfccc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Lots of leg room front and back. Air conditioner very efficient for hot weather Sacramento. Playing with center display screen and trying to squeeze out better and better mpg after a while is a distraction. Best of four cars that I own.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JOEL WEINSTEIN - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A GREAT CAR FOR MOST PEOPLE. IT IS A MUCH BETTER ALL A ROUND CAR THAN WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. AFTER THE TEST DRIVE WE DIDNT THINK IT WOULD BE A CAR TO USE ON LONG TRIPS, BUT NOW THAT WE HAVE IT AND HAVE BEEN ON SHORT TRIPS WE THINK ITS FINE. WE ARE PLANNING TO TAKE IT CROSS COUNTRY THIS YEAR.

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  Well see - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By FlyerFan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a 96 Grand Cherokee but got sick of all the problems. I wanted to get a new car with: price tag at or below $20K, 4WD, extremely reliable, able to fit large cargo when needed, mostly a commuter car for work....only found 2 that met criteria...RAV4 & CRV. Didnt test drive CRV because to me it just looks tin-canny, and the wheels look too small to be stable. Advice to you would be to drive both and see. If youre looking for a family car, check out the Highlander ($5K more than RAV4). I bought a RAV4 and now have 1000 miles on it.

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  Rose - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rosemary - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Buying this Toyota Sequoia was the best deal I ever made.