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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  EXCELLENCE IN MOTION - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By GEORGE NELSON - May 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A COMFORTABLE RELIABLE SOOTHING, AND SMOOTH RUNNING TRUCK THAT MADE OUR ANNUAL VACATION SUCH GREAT PLEASURE . THE KIDS LOVED THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND MYSELF AND MY WIFE LOVED THE RIDE AND INTERIOR DESIGN.

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  My Road Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Manny Pinares - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV to drive, lots of fun and of course reliable.

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  The Sequoia Stands Tall - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By GreggD - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased this Toyota and am very impressed. Almost silent in its operation. Handles bumps and bad roads (common in Texas) with aplomb. You need to read the owners manual carefully because there are features and limitations on this vehicle that cannot be covered in dealer delivery speech. This car is built in Indiana. How come the other Big Three cannot build a vehicle of this quality? Gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV but you will get more mileage by using a synthetic oil (like Mobil 1) and a K&N air filter. Improves performance, mileage, and wont harm the vehicle in any way to my knowledge.

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  A relief - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota Sienna - May 24 - 4:10 am

  We were looking for a vehicle that was safe and one that was great for everyone to want to be in and the Sienna is the perfect fit. I am also able to use it for my business and the middle row seats easily come out and the rear seats fold flat. We test drove several vehicles and decided Sienna was the one for us. Plus we were able to get a great deal on it as well.

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  The Best of All my Autos - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rod Munch - May 24 - 2:17 am

  I know Japanese autos are somewhat pricey. At 52 yrs old Ive had my share of the good the bad and the ugly. Including corvettes, compact cars and others suvs. But without a doubt my favorite automobile is my 2010 Limited 4-Runner. It checks all the boxes that Ive come across. Looks, Styling, Value , Comfortability . My only problem is gas mileage combined 16 M.P.G.. Overall this automobile is my best of the best.

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  New to Me - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By new owner - May 23 - 9:06 am

  Just bought this the end of Sept. 07 with 48K on it. It now has 52.5k. We are a family of 5. We liked all the bells and whistles on this model because it had everything that the Limited had minus the heated seats. We own a 96 Tahoe, and just got rid of an 01 Odyssey minivan, and this takes the vans place. We gave up fuel mileage (22 vs. 18 in the Sequoia) and ride comfort. The Toyota definitely rides rougher than the Tahoe, but it gets better mileage and we love all the room/extra seats. We have had one mechanical issue, we had to replace the oil pressure sending unit. My wife is dissapointed that the rubber cup holder "fingers" have been torn/worn prematurely.

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  Love my Highlander - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By nailar - May 22 - 5:06 pm

  I am a Toyota girl. I started off with the Corolla, then upgraded to the Camry. When my Camry was stolen and stripped (rest her soul..parts), it was time to start the car search again. Instinctively I decided on the Highlander but then I decided to actually research rather than go with loyalty. After a month of research, I ended up back at the Highlander. I do not regret my choice what so ever. I purchased in Aug 2012, and I only now feel that my mileage is starting to live up to what was advertised. However, even in the beginning it was the same as my Camry, so I am satisifed. This SUV is perfect for a family with children. I needed more space because of my son, and I love it very much.

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  Love it! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie B. - May 22 - 4:49 pm

  Couldnt be happier with the car! Exceeds expectations!

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  Better Than Honda! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By roger - May 21 - 7:43 pm

  This van is excellent, I was recently in an accident on I-99 in Sacramento area, and I was side swiped while changing lanes and I hit part of the guardrail as I tried to dodge most of the car that hit me! Well, anyways it was me, my wife, and our 9-year-old daughter! All 3 rows of airbags deployed and so did the front and side airbags up front! I had minor bruises from airbag, but I rather have that than be dead! My wife and daughter didnÂ’t have a single scratch! By the way I was going around 60 mph on the freeway at the time! This van has excellent safety features, good fuel economy, very brisk acceleration, ride comfort, and built quality! I did get another Sienna. It is the 06!

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  Sallys Car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jack - May 21 - 6:33 pm

  Bought my Camry with 23,000 from auction in 03. Had brake and water pump fixes from sitting. Recent fresh paint and minor age repairs only. Great interior room and seat comfort. The usual maintenance keeps my Camry going. No replacement payments keeps me happy. As low mileage users this Camry will carry me to the retirement home. Good for additional people hauling with great trunk space for the grocery store stops.