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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  Kept me safe - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jamboree - April 16 - 12:33 am

  I am in the process of purchasing an 08. I was hit head on at about 50+ mph. and I walked away. The cab was totally intact. I loved my 07 and cant wait to get my 08. Fun to drive and travel in.

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  EGR valve - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By excamry - April 14 - 6:43 pm

  At 88,000 miles the computer analyzed a faulty EGR valve. Replaced the valve ($170.00). The engine check comes back on. I took the the vacuum connected little valve right next to it out and examined it. The top comes off and it contains a little 1" diameter filter inside. Replaced the filter and check engine light was history. Sorry I spent $179 when a little foam filter from the lawnmower did the trick. Otherwise the carry has been a gem never a repair in ten years. This is for doityourselfers to save some money

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  delightful inside, simple outside - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By vinnievideo - April 14 - 4:56 pm

  Have enjoyed driving this honey of a car. It looks ordinary outside, but once you step inside it is roomy, comfortable, and elegant. I am 69" and fit into this one nicely. Enjoying every minute behind the wheel

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  Fun to Drive and Economical Too!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sbasgall - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have not enjoyed owning and driving a car as much since I had to give up driving my Celica 12 years ago. This car zips through the Vermont ice and snow without any effort and takes the mud season without a thought! Its a great car to drive and very, very comfortable. It has lots of space in the back seat for sitting and holds a lot also when I am hauling things.

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  Highlander 03 Denv - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By victoyo03 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchase this vehicle because I heard of its great quality and that it is built on a Camry body frame that makes it ride very smooth. So far I am not disappointed except for one thing that has failed or is not working properly is the cruise control. However the dealership will take care of this. I bought the Limited Edition 4 Wheel Drive V6 3.0 litter fully loaded. It has the power to pull you out of an emergency i.e passing other cars or semi trucks. The only part I did not rate very well was in the gas mileage. It supposes to do 21 MPG city and 24 MPG Hwy. Instead does about 19 city 22 to 23 HWY. ItÂ’s spacious, drives like a car and looks great too.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By MGR2727 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR.

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  Comfortable, Powerful and Practical - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Joe Jones - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Toyota offers the best suspension and transmission (silky smooth), most interior cargo room, quietest ride, smallest turning radius (easy to hang a u-turn on a tight street), best mileage, and most safety features. I have owned many Honda and Toyota products in the past. Dont be fooled by Hondas higher horsepower ratings. I personally, have always found that the Honda moves faster but needs to be pushed. Toyota horsepower is always within a more usable band on the RPM range. In other words, you dont need to make the engine scream to obtain acceleration. They really thought this car out. Well worth the money.

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  Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jchan2 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This Sienna is the best minivan yet. The Sienna, with its powerful 230 HP V6, although still a few ponies behind the Odyssey, feels powerful and refined.

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  Best car ever - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Totally love it! - April 14 - 1:16 am

  Absolutely love this rig. Have had it for 2 years now and cant complain about anything. Super reliable. Zero down time. Great towning vehicle. Beautiful inside and out. Easy to operate. Nav is a life saver. Grandkids love the DVD. Just wish it got a little better gas mileage, but its a nice trade off I guess. Handles super and rides great. Ordered ours fully loaded with most everything. You wont be sorry. Thousands less than Lexus but same quality.

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  Best SUV Ive Ever Owned - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Road Warrior - April 13 - 6:44 pm

  I needed a 8 passenger SUV for my family with growing kid, their friends, sports, activities, etc... I narrowed it down to the redesigned Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander XLE AWD. I reviewed many customer, and on-line expert reviews, and for me there was no contest... the winner was the Toyota Highlander XLE. From looks and comfort to performance and safety/technology. All of my past five SUVs all drove like trucks, but not the Highlander, this one drove like a Lexus! It is definitely a head turner that Im proud to drive. I got the Blizzard White which is not your standard white, its a more luxurious color for sure. Im 62 tall and I have plenty of room in the drive seat, which is not the case in a lot of SUVs. Just to be picky...I wish it had a few more USB ports, better headlights, and blind side indicators for this model, which is the more popular middle of the road model. I could not comment on the maintenance costs or repair frequency since I only have 1k for miles. Great vehicle overall and so much fun to drive! You will not be disappointed with the Toyota Highlander!!!