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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  New Toyota - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Lawrence - April 7 - 10:43 pm

  I had a wonderful experience when purchasing my Toyota. The employees were very professional and experienced. I traded my 2014 Terrain for the Highlander and the difference is unbelievable. This is the quietest car I have ever had. It handles great and the 6 cylinder is really good. I am still learning all the electronics, but the keyless start is amazing. Interior is beautiful. Everything is well made. There is plenty of leg room for my 66" husband. He loves to drive the car. He thinks I made the right decision purchasing the Highlander Limited. It was a few thousand dollars more than the XL and worth the difference. We have always bought GM vehicles and this is our first Toyota. It is much better than the Terrain.

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  Love My 1999 Camry LE!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jx6s - April 7 - 8:53 am

  Buying my Toyota Camry was one of the best investments that I have ever made. I love the gas mileage that it gets. I get 28 mpg on the average driving it everyday to work. On the highway I get 32+. The sound system is awesome!! It has 102,000 on it now and it drives great with no problems. I am faithful with my maintenance schedule. The only thing that I have had to pay out for is a new set of tires and rear struts as the car would sometimes bottom out in the rear with 4 adults in it. It wasnt costly though and one brake light. The car is so quiet and drives smooth. I highly recommend it.

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  Surprising workhorse/pony - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By papabotts - April 7 - 5:43 am

  I have had this surprisingly powerful workhorse for 2.5 yrs. now and and quite pleased. It hauls like a truck but drives like a car. It has power and the rear sliding window handles 20 foot boards. Ive hauled full pallets of wallstone with little sway. Perfect for work and family. Only problems have been large turning radius and transmission with cruise on gets finicky. Test drove a Titan, a Ram and F-150 and pleased with my selection. Have power everything, all works great. Cup holders 4 full crew,plenty of storage compartments all over the place. Truck NOT heavy duty, but hauls well. Fuel 16c-19 hwy

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  Good all-arounder - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By James - April 7 - 5:33 am

  Had the car for four months now. Took it on a cross country trip from MA to CA and the car did not disappoint as it was comfortable even during 13 hours/day drives and the engine allowed effortless driving and passing. Was able to load a lot of contents in the car yet allowed one person to sleep flat in the back. All the safety features incorporated in the car (e.g. VSC, EBD, etc) saved us from a highway catastrophe by a reckless driver in Chicagos south side and allowed us to maintain control. However, tighter brakes and suspension would create more driving confidence. Radio/6-disc CD changer/MP3 player/auxiliary port allows endless forms of audio entertainment!

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  2007 for a 2004 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By DoubleDecker - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for one week. I replaced a 2004 model Tacoma Double Cab with this one. They finally moved the clock! Has more power, doesnt seem to take up more room in the garage, but feels larger. Brakes dont feel as mushy as the old style eiher.

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  Trucky But Family - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By BMJ - April 6 - 10:43 pm

  My wife wanted a truck but not a practical purchase for a family vehicle. She liked her van so we needed something in the middle but not too big. This SUV is it, it is truck like, rides as such but that makes it fun to drive. Durable and sporty. Toyota really fine tunes this offering. If you like something with a truck feeel (and truck insurance rates!) this is a great vehicle so far.

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  Great Compact SUV - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my RAV4. I use it mostly for short trip driving in town, highway driving,and light off road driving. It handles great, and works well in all weather conditions. I use it for light off road driving, in pastures and meadows for hunting and fishing, and it performs fine. I have the front wheel drive model, and it still gets me around in the outdoors. The ECT Power button is pretty cool, faster acceleration for fun, and more power for towing light trailers, or making it up steeper hills. The reliability is great,and I like the way it looks. Acceleration in town is alright, on the highway it gets the job done, but it seems a little slow. All in all a great little SUV.

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  Hunk of a Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By richard biondi - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all, including head turning looks. Its roomy and classy. I feel so special when I turn on the ignition and there is no sound of an engine starting. Everyone thinks that is so cool. Conversion from seating to increased cargo area is so simple. Everything is easy. I call our "GPS" speaker "Gypsy." My whole family now refers to her as "Gypsy." It is so fun!

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  I love this truck! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By CodyandKatie - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Kia Sportage for my Toyota Sequoia, and I couldnt be happier except in the gas department, of course. Great vehicle for those who dont want a minivan.

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  Definitely a vehicle worth owning - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Wyolincoln - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We have owned numerous small cars over the years. The Yaris 2D HB is overall an excellent small car. For its size, it rides well, handles decent, does well in winter (with good tires), has a functional and comfortable interior, is easy to service (oil changes) and the exterior looks good. This is our first Toyota and in spite of the negative press Toyota has received lately, this car has never failed us. We bought this car used with 13,000 miles on it. We now have just over 40,000 miles on it after almost two years. We average 36 MPG in winter and 40 MPG in summer. Mostly driven on country roads with some city/town driving.