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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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Phillip Bardin - October 23 - 4:30 am

  I love this truck. Very comfortable to drive. Stable in curves if not pushed real hard (not a sports car). Decent gas mileage I get 18 all around and 20+ on trips. Ride height gives great vision of road. I bought the 2006 because I liked the smaller truck better than the larger 2008.

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  WOWZER!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Juli - October 22 - 4:13 pm

  Going from my husbands F150 to this car, the difference in mileage is amazing. Even going against my car, a Grand Prix that get 26 miles to the gallon, the Prius gets twice as much. I am trading in my car at the end of this year and we are going to be Prius owners all the way... it gives you much better gas mileage and really doesnt sacrifice power!!

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  Great - for a minivan - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota Owner - October 22 - 8:00 am

  As per usual, a very solid performer from Toyota. Lacks many of the extras found on domestics. But, rather have reliability than extras

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  Very satisfied - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jarcros - October 22 - 7:43 am

  Ive bought this suv a month ago and love it. Traded in my 03 highlander b/c it didnt have 3rd row. The 05 has a lot smoother acceleration and the leather interior looks nice. Only complaint is the sunroof. First its annoying that you have to hold the button in order for it to move. I assume this is a safety feature, but its still annoying. Second, it is difficult to find the "closed" spot. If you keep holding the button trying to make sure it closes securely, it will tilt up. In the old highlander all I had to do was gently depress the button and it would open or close all the way

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  Fun, efficient, economical car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By jmw131 - October 22 - 5:50 am

  I find the car to be fun to drive, very efficient with the 34-38 mpg, and very economical, i got it for $8,200 from a dealership in excellent condition with 37k miles. I didnt like the steering at first but got used to it. I was surprised at the power it had for its size. I couldnt have gotten a civic for anywhere close to this purchase price and if you dont care about the look like a married man like me doesnt then its great.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sig - October 22 - 5:26 am

  We were wanting to buy a Chevy Tahoe, since it was more plush and quieter. I could not justify the gas mileage on the larger Chevy. The Chevy lacked many refined details available in the toyota. Rear back up camera, well designed interior, and overall attention to detail compelled us to buy Toyota. I am not complaining about the gas mileage, overall its right at 21 MPG. The automatic rear hatch door is just fantastic. Althought the factory JBL speaker are ample sound for most people, I upgraded aftermarket by adding a more powerfull amp. I have also been critical of road noise. Not that its loud on the highway, but it certainly could use some improvement in insulation.

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  Lexus build, Lexus ride - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Windy Mtn. Man - October 22 - 2:50 am

  Got 5,000+ miles on my Sienna and have got absolutely no complaints... Toyota folks really did their homework on this one. I test drove the Odyssey for a week before test driving the Sienna, the Sienna proved to be a much smoother ride... much better fuel economy while not sacrificing power and performance. All-around quality is much more solid in the Sienna.... feels like a Lexus.

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  Like it a lot - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Dennis - October 21 - 10:59 pm

  I have owned a toyota before with the V6 engine and the 6 speed automatic. The 6 speed shifted smooth. The new 8 speed automatic is okay but is a bit of a dog compared to the 6 speed. This car would be perfect if Toyota had left it alone with the 6 speed auto. The 8 speed cant seem to decide which gear it should be in.

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  Loving my yellow FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jimmyn75 - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  After having an Element and liking the functionality but wanting something that could tow more and have a V6, Toyota came out with my ideal vehicle. I love just about everything about it. It looks like nothing else on the road, rides great, has ample power, and is one of the few vehicles I can stretch out my legs in and still drive comfortably. With the V6 it has more than enough highway power, and an tow as much as I need. The HVAC controls are HUGE, perfect if you are wearing gloves. I am really impressed by the build quality and overall tight feeling of it. Also the glove box on top of the dash is something I have not seen before, but is nice.

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  Hurricane Sandy brought us together!! I love my Prius V5 - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By lbtrofeo - October 21 - 2:23 pm

  Im a previous owner of a Prius. Sadly, it was a victim of Hurricane Sandy as it succumbed to the flood waters of the might Hudson River. Left with no choice and a bus pass, I went back to my dealership and was set on getting the same Prius model. To my surprise, the Prius V5 was not that much bigger in length but even more surprised on how much room it had inside. It was significant, especially the trunk space. I love that its a true hybrid in every way. Part car, part mini SUV, part wagon, and part mini van. I just love how it drives and of course the mileage.