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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  I would recommend the Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By James Thomas - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Highlander is a great vehicle for its purpose. It is not designed to be used for offroad, but the ride is that of luxury car. As an alternative to a station wagon, this vehicle excels. If you are looking for a great family vehicle, this is it!

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  Drives like a car. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By PRIME703 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my SUV this week. I test drove must of the other suvs in this catagory. Once I drove this one I had to purchase it. Rides like a car but with the power of a suv. I got the tow system and all the bells and whistlers. Gold package, security system, keyless entry, power locks and seats, moon roof, heated side windows and side air bags. I also got it about $4,000 below MSRP. What a deal!

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  Love My New Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By T. P. - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After driving Plymouth Voyagers for the last 12 years I was looking for something a little smaller. After the test drive I was hooked! It has a car- like ride, and is so much easier to handle than the vans. At 5 tall, I love being able to adjust the drivers seat height. Now I can really see! It comes with lots of extras usually found as expensive options on other makes. It handles well, and is easy to back up due to good visibility from the back window. I am impressed at the peppiness it has for lane changing or merging onto the highway. Ive had it for a month now, and couldnt be more pleased. Would do it again!

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  Pleased with auto. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ed - September 15 - 1:43 am

  Center gauges are quickly obtained, fully visible. Overall quality seems impressive for entry level auto. Chosen for quality, fuel economy, not price. Responsive, actually fun to drive. Full complement of airbags. A city car, not really large enough for constant high speeds.

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  Still enjoy the car after 2 1/2 years - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Dan Alsup - September 14 - 7:30 pm

  We bought the car as a certified used car with 38,000 miles on it and now have 97,000 with no problems whatsoever. On a recent trip to Houston we drove between 60 and 65 MPH and got 35.5 MPG! (New tires and wheel alignment prior to the trip.) Love the lumbar support and the quiet ride. The only complaint is the easily scratched exterior paint. Much less road noise than the Hondas we have owned.

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  115,000 and No Repairs - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By John Z - September 14 - 5:06 pm

  Have had this close to 5 years and have only changed oil, tires, and brakes at 100,000. I will admit that the OE tires gave way at 40,000 but have had good luck since (60k on the replacements). We dont baby ours--kid hauler, client hauler, material hauler (Im in construction so this has seen its share of tools and lumber). Only complaint is getting used to the blind spot in the mirrors, but that could be driver error. 23 mpg with suburban/highway, you have to remember to keep your foot out of it to get good gas mileage. This, with my other Toyotas (Truck, Camry) keeps me a raving fan.

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  ok - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave - September 14 - 4:56 pm

  I like the vehicle, so far, but I think the gas mileage is not what they advertised. Drives nice, handles fine, looks great, but well see on the gas consumption, still new

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  Who Wouldve Thought - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By The Prince - September 14 - 10:36 am

  For about six months, I researched the TCH and finally purchased it in December. I love driving this car. I am consistently averaging between 38-40 mpg both city/highway. The power and acceleration are adequate and Im saying this coming from a six cylinder Nissan Maxima. The interior is great, despite the plastic everywhere and the exterior...well, the few times that I had to go to the gas station (and other places) I always get great comments about the look. TCH...Im lovin it! If you are wondering if you should buy this car, wonder no more. If I based my selection on the test drive, I probably would have missed out, but now that I own it, its a dream to drive

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  Sequoia Is The Best Ride All Around - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tazman - September 14 - 3:23 am

  Fantastic SUV by far, this SUV has factory installed side air bag curtains for safety, fuel economy is not like a 4cyl but if you are buying this vehicle for gas mileage, it is not what you need. This vehicle rides like a feather top bed. Best comfort for 8 passenger SUV from other makes and models of this size. Resale and trade in value will hold up on this vehicle more that others as well. It pulls my 25 boat with ease on the hiway and out of the water with no sweat. I am looking forward for the 2007 model.

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  Disappointed owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - September 13 - 10:00 pm

  I loved this car until recently when I had to put approximately $1500 in non-routine maintenance repairs on the car. The car has a little over 60K on it and has had all of the recommended routine service done at the dealership since I purchased it there. Over the last 6 weeks, its been extremely disappointing and I now seriously doubt Ill ever purchase another Toyota. I had to have the trunk latch replaced - $350; replace seal on oil casing (?) - $280; replace something w/control arms on front end - $900. The car has never been in an accident and has been well- taken care of. I think next time Ill buy a domestic car. :o/