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 Lexus of Minivans - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Rich - January 23 - 1:23 am

  Sitting in this vehicle is surrounding yourself with all you need and more. The features and amenities are the epitemy of luxury.

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  Difficult to buy gas cars in the future without co - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By James Eng - January 22 - 7:37 pm

  Drives like a normal car

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  Bullet Proof 1/4 ton - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacomasta - January 21 - 3:53 pm

  Its like owning a half ton that gets 30 mpg on a good day and can parallel park better than some cars. Doesnt get stuck (within reason). If you can fit it in the bed then you can carry it. This is a rock solid reliable truck, just change the oil every 5000 or so and youre set.

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  Fun Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By phibcb - January 21 - 11:06 am

  We saw the reviews for the car and desided to take a test drive. We were hooked, we love the Toyota reliability and this car speaks for itself. The car is quick, responsive, and a blast to drive.We have bought it with 191 miles on it and now have 500, this car sips gas with 30MPG city. I recommend this car for anyone, great comfort, lots of room and a peppy 1.8 litre engine.

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  Hey! 58 mpg aint bad! 2016 Prius 3 Touring - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Colorado Jack - January 21 - 6:34 am

  Four tanks of gas on my brand new 2016 Prius 3 Touring. Each one @ around 500 miles. Tank 1 = 56 mpg. Tank2=58 mpg. Tank 3=61 mpg. Tank 4= 57 mpg (driving over 11,000 ft. continental divide twice same day). Total AVG = 58 mpg. Most miles are highway, but drive it nearly everywhere including all my short shopping trips to store, etc. Im very pleased. Before this, I owned a 2004 Prius that I put 175,000 original miles on it. When I drove the 2004 over the continental divide, the mileage dropped into the low 40s. As shown on tank #4 stats above, the new Prius 3 held up immensely well at 57 mpg. One thing my wife definitely doesnt like is the lack of storage, but then again, you ought to see her purse! I actually wanted to try out a new 2017 Volt, but after seeing several write ups of inverter problems that are a huge mechanical problem to correct, I decided to stay with the Prius.

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  60,000 miles later - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By kmmowe - January 21 - 6:10 am

  No problems in 5 years/60,000 miles except warranty issue on the horn assembly (horn would go off intermittently). Dealer replaced air bag assembly in steering wheel and that solved the problem. OEM battery lasted 3 years

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  Ol Reliable - so reliable I bought another - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Walter Maus - January 21 - 5:45 am

  Im not a hi-mileage owner, but a daily user in all climates from weeks of knee-deep snow to 90-degree heat. This is the most reliable, competent vehicle Ive owned aside from a 1997 Camry. Only major repair was new rear brake rotors, calipers & pads at 90,000. Tows my 3500-lb boat with ease, but only for short distances (5-10 mi) about 4 times a year. Outstanding in sand or snow. Very comfortable on annual 3000-mile road trips, loaded with gear. Reliably gets 21 mpg at 70-mph Interstate speed, and 20 on routine driving at home in a semi-rural suburban area with little city-traffic driving. Not a speck of rust (except on the dealer-installed hitch bar), very water tight. Not hush-hush silent at road speeds, but not really noisy either. I was ambivalent about trading it in at 100,000mi because I think this reliable old friend of 9 years has another good 100,000 miles in it. But I gave it and traded for a new Highlander in Sept 2016.

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  Best Mid-Range SUV - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By GO - January 21 - 4:10 am

  This is my 3rd Highlander, and they keep getting better every time. My first Highlander was in 2006 and it was the size of the current RAV4. This new one has more room in the rear and the back seat legroom. The from passenger compartment feels like it has a slight bit more width as well. The controls (radio/camera, etc.) are easier to use and more intuitive than before. The only wish I had was that they were angled slightly towards the driver. This is my first vehicle that allows you to shut off the car while in drive and at a stop by simply depressing the brake. This has increased the gas mileage for me. My last Highlander was a 2012. I got about 360 miles to a tank (regular driving) on a 17 gallon tank (21.1 MPG). The new one, with the same size tank is getting 425 miles to the same 17 gallon tank (25 MPG). The comfort is better, and not just because it is new. I chose the LE Plus because of the full 60/40 rear seats. I did not want the captains rear seats, as it is impossible for someone to lay down on longer trips. I also did not want the sun/moon roof (hardly used it and one less thing to worry about going wrong). Plus the price difference for 2 things I didnt want really made my decision easier.

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  Wisely chosen - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Peanut - January 21 - 1:03 am

  We were initially set on getting the base model but after driving the Sport model we were sold on the upgraded version. The V6 almost packs too much punch. We took it on a road trip to LA from Nevada for thanksgiving and it handled extremely well in the rain all the way home. This car has the perfect balance of performance, size and price. My wife says she is happy she doesnt look like a soccer mom driving it; we just had our first child and it is perfect for our small family.

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  What US cars wish they could be... - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bennett - January 20 - 4:26 pm

  If you want quality, reliability, safety, and economy, buy a Corolla. This car drives and feels more expensive than it is. The engine is so smooth. In the past, I shifted when it felt right, or when the engine sounded ready. I cant do that now, because it is too quiet and smooth. Two complaints: 1) The stereo sound quality is poor. 2)If I adjust the seat so that my legs are comfortable, I have to stretch my arms to reach the wheel. The seating position is too high, also. I am still very pleased with my purchase. And I know it will last forever.