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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  This Ones a Keeper - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DC Commuter - September 30 - 10:46 pm

  I am a DC commuter and purchased this car, primarily, to have access to the HOV lanes on days when I dont have a carpool. With a 40 mile one-way commute in sometimes heavy traffic, average mpg for the first 1500 miles has been 35.5. I will say that this car is a phenomenal deal for the money. Being accustomed to driving higher-end performance cars, we werent really expecting that much out of the Camry, other than a more economical means of transport that gives to us flexibility in getting in and out of the city. However, we have been absolutely, truly impressed. The Camry has great acceleration and handling, the ride is very smooth, and the fit and finish quality is truly noticeable.

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  Very happy with Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan in Florida - September 30 - 12:26 pm

  Very nice truck! This is a big step- up for me. Wanted to be able to comfortably pull my 20 boat. Not a problem and I can see around it fairly well. I have cloth interior which is comfortable and firm. I have not pushed the motor hard yet as I only have about 700 miles on it. V8 is responsive and accelerates fine for me. The ride is soft but handles well, smooth on the highway with good visibility. Stock radio is just that. Looking at upgrades for radio. Controls are laid out well. Lots of storage for gadgets and stuff for driving. The interior is good quality and fit and finish is good. The exterior looks are great. The bed is very big and ready for whatever I put back there.

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  Good SUV But Needs Improvement - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob - September 30 - 12:00 pm

  I purchased a first model year Sequoia new. The vehicle handles great in snow. The high road clearance and 4 wheel drive will get you through any weather condition except icing conditions. The front and second row seats are comfortable for adults. The third row seats are only suitable for kids. I dont think that the reliability is up to what you should expect from Toyota or a vehicle costing just under 50K. The brake computers went and it took three weeks for Toyota to figure out how to repair it. My 4-wheel drive just died. The throttle computer broke. I have had to spend about $3,500 a year for the last two years in repairs. Interior creature comforts are lacking

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  First SUV purchase - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By bob silver - September 30 - 11:47 am

  It was a tie between the RAV4 and the Honda CRV. My daughter, whose car this is, selected the RAV, citing that the RAV felt more like a sedan and she wanted a truck feeling plus she liked the layout of the RAV BETTER

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  Worst 4X4 Ever! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota - NOT! - September 30 - 10:40 am

  This thing is awful. Your feet stick straight out in front of you, putting your legs to sleep in the front seat, your knees are in your nose in the rear seat. Its a gutless wonder, with no power. In the shop all the time for piddlin little things like wrinkling rubber on the running boards, peeling paint, sticking sunroof, you know Toyota stuff. And the parts are outrageous! A new ignition tumbler cost me $120 bucks! Its like driving a two story house down the highway - tippy around corners. Its a wonder my wife hasnt rolled it. Its a pig in the woods - no diff locks=stuck lots. And be careful if you take it off road, its fragile. Im going with a Suburban next.

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  Leather Seats Streching - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By egre - September 30 - 9:36 am

  Have about 1200 miles on my HI sport. Have noticed in rear seats, section of leather is looking stretched out. These two seats sat in app 2 hours a week if that. Not noticed in drivers seat that I am in day in and day out. Dealer saying its not an issue. I would understand the worn look after a year or two but after 8 weeks, cmon! Am guessing the pieces of leather may be thinner than other pieced on the seat - Im not giving in til I get some resolution - this is a 30K vehicle!

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  No problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By comfy car - September 30 - 7:53 am

  A very comfortable car. Great car, always returns 32 mpg on freeway at above legal speeds, traded in a 98 with 140k trouble free miles, this one should be the same, keep up the good work Toyota.

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  Love it! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By kelly_lynne_2004 - September 30 - 5:36 am

  I love this car. I am coming from a half ton pick up so of course the fuel mileage is way better!! I love how it handles and the storage under the cargo area. I enjoy how the car handles and is another great product from Toyota!!

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  Great lil Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Barb Cloin - September 30 - 4:40 am

  This is one of the most reliable, economical and fun cars that I have ever owned and I am 55 years old and have owned everything from Cadillacs, Chryslers to Ford falcons and Honda Civics. The Echo out does them all in one way or another, more economical than the Cadillac, more dependable than the Ford and more fun than the Honda. Why in the world would toyota quit making them? Especially now with gas prices soaring.. STOP, Reconsider these are affordable fun vehicles for those of us who NEED dependable affordable transportation and like to drive.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Tim - September 30 - 3:26 am

  Toyota has built a great vehicle that is practical, comfortable, and fun to drive. The navigational system is a huge time saver for those who travel quite a bit. The NAV sys. is also suprisingly accurate. Mileage is very good at about 51-54 MPG based on about 50/50 city/HWY driving. The computer tracks mileage at 47-49 mile, however, when checking it at fill-ups it is higher. This is due to the computer mpg maxs at 99.9 mpg when coasting or using the electric motor. As far as power goes, this car has plenty of torque to get you up to speed quickly. The reviews say the controls are hard to use. Not really, but you have to take a little time than standard cars to get to know them.