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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  Love the Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Chynzo - June 11 - 10:13 am

  Traded in my 2002 Avalon XL for the 2006 Limited and no regrets yet. Rides like a dream and interior and exterior appearance much improved from 2002 model. Quiet ride, great accelleration, good fuel mileage for the size of the car. JBL sound system is top notch. Could do without the Laser cruise control as it will slow you down so slowly that you are not aware of it when approaching another vehicle.

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  Ride in style - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By J C Renger - June 11 - 5:33 am

  My Sequoia is used for personal and business driving. People are always asking what vehicle is this, how do I like it, how is my fuel economy. I let them know it is a Toyota Sequoia, I love it, and I have 2 wheel drive, get 15-16 in town, 18-19 on the road. When I tell them it is a 2001, they cannot believe it. I pride myself on this vehicle and maintain this vehicle through the Toyota dealership. I have attended several business meetings and the majority want to ride in the Sequoia when we travel to restauarants or other areas. No doubt in my mind, this is the vehicle to own, even if it is a bit pricey. It is worth it !

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  Best mid-size SUV - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Dogg - June 10 - 9:15 pm

  Extremely comfortable. Good looking. Proven reliability. This SUV is great. Zero complaints. I did not like the Honda Pilot interior, nor the past reliability, nor the "new" engine, transmission of the Pilot.

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  Solid Crossover Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By robert_ca - June 10 - 6:56 pm

  The HL has pretty well met my expectations; it has a clean classic styling, a powerful smooth V6, great handling/breaking and no noticeable body roll, almost car like ride. The interior is comfortable with high seating positions and good visibility. There is plenty of storage throughout the vehicle with easily foldable rear seats with good cargo space in return. Overall the term CSU (Crossover Sport Utility) applies more to the Highlander than SUV, which is fine by me.

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  Awesome - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By roscoe - June 10 - 8:23 am

  This truck is absolutely amazing! Ive wanted a 4runner for a while, and I def dont regret this purchase. Ive put about 30,000 miles on it (55k total miles) and zero, zip, no complaints. The x- reas suspension on the sport edition makes it handle and take corners like a dream! Super quiet inside, almost zero road/wind noise. 200% quieter than the competing models. Zero mech problems and the v6 has plenty of power. This is my daily driver and also has been on many camping/fishing/snowboarding trips and has yet to meet an obstacle it cant overcome.

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  wonderful suv - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By tomshad - June 10 - 12:56 am

  First toyota,first vehicle that I bought new that did not have any defects. Great ride ,quiet and yet peppy. Rear seat could be higher off the floor for adult seating.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Michelle - June 9 - 4:50 pm

  After a serious accident my Toyota Camry, I decided that I had to go with another Toyota. My decision was the best decision I ever made. I love this car. It is stylish yet reliable. It is sporty yet versatile. I am extremely happy. Good Job Toyota with the Matrix.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bill - June 9 - 3:00 pm

  The Yaris has been an excellent purchase from the start. 38 mpg in town using the air, 42 on the hwy. Fast and comfortable, it is a great value for the money.

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  Finally, a car you can love - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Joanne - June 9 - 11:40 am

  Ive had it a week and I like it more every day. Fantastic for anyone who has to commute, great on gas, comfortable, and cute, cute cute. A joy to drive, handles well, and has everything I need. No money wasted on un-needed stuff, just good basic value. I plan to stick with this one.

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  Nearing 240K!! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Quinn - June 9 - 2:33 am

  Cant believe just how this toy Sport Vehicle has held up thru the years. Got it as a demo model in 1999, and have pretty much only had basic regular service done. Really comfy and quiet, I still have to pinch myself sometimes since I cant believe Ive been so lucky w/ this car. Recently, I got a 2004 Tacoma and passed the RAV onto my daughter. Were hoping it makes it to 300K!!