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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  2012 Highlander 2.7L 4 Cyl w/ Tech Package & Leather - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By txag1995 - October 1 - 2:22 am

  We just bought a 2012 Highlander with the 4cyl engine. We chose the Tech Package and then had the dealer add leather interior. Our priorities on this purchase were 1. Reliability 2. Fuel Efficiency 3. 3rd Row 4. Value 5. Comfort/Style We cross shopped with Ford Edge, Explorer, Pilot, Venza, Crosstour, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, CX-9, CPO RX-350, and 4Runner. We really liked the Buick Enclave but it was expensive and real world gas mileage was under 20 avg. The Pilot EX-L was cheaper, had more features but was noisy and rode rough. The Venza, Crosstour, and Edge were too small. 4Runner was awesome just not good enough gas mileage. In the end it was between the RX-350 and Highlander.

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  Amazing car! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Amanda - September 30 - 6:44 pm

  I bought this car in 2005. I have over 200, 000 miles and it is still going strong. This car has taken me to so many states and so many places. It is hard to part with)because of the memories I have had). I just finally starting to look at a new vehicle because I need an SUV for work. I am considering the RAV4 because I just had routine maintenance with my Corolla (nothing major). This car has also held up so well in wrecks. It is extremely safe.

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  Unique Dependability - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By The Borg - September 30 - 5:33 pm

  I flew to Indiana from Michigan to purchase my 2001 MR-2. I enjoy the tan leather seats and carbon fiber dash appointments. I put on special chrome wheels. Larger set of Toyos on back and Dual exhaust adapted from existing system. I have had nothing but joy when I drive. I currently have 36,000 miles on it and appreciate the great millage.

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  fun! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By garyr - September 30 - 10:00 am

  A fun car out the door. I knew I wanted a little more so I had the dealer install the TRD Sportivo suspension kit at 2 miles on the odomenter. Now it *really* handles like a slot car. Perfect balance, adequate if not awesome power.

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  Ill buy it again! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Big Wal - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Camry and every one is better than the one before. Reliable, fuel efficient, start in any weather, comfortable on long trips. These are my criteria. For flash , pizzazz or head- turning sexy looks, look elsewhere. For me, I want reliable, economical transportation.Camry has it.

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  Best reliable coupe - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ave - September 30 - 10:00 am

  When I first looked for a vehicle I knew Lexus and Toyota are known for the best relaiability. I noticed that the Solara was every bit as good as the Lexus but without the huge pricetag. My buddy has the ES 300 and when I got my Solara he said hey they feel and drive the same! Even interior cosmetics are identical. I paid less and got the same car 3.0 V6 with all the goodies including Moonroof and JBL sound which is awesome! I had a major tranny problem ironiclly but Toyota replaced it! Saved me thousands! They said they never changed a tranny before on a Solara to date, mine was the first at that dealership.

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  Anxiety-free car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By magkenz - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 96 Toyota 4Runner and when I wanted a coupe, I tested all the cars in the category. I admit I wanted a different make than a Toyota, but the Solara blew away the competition in terms of looks and reliability and it drives like a luxury car. With my 4Runner, I have had only one problem with it since 1996 and that is a rear taillight bulb burned out - thus the Toyota reputation for quality is no rumor! I feel safe and comfortable and confident in this dream of a coupe.

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  02 RAV - Great Car and Great Value - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By rickrossrr - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We have 2 RAV 4s, a 1999 and a 2001. We enjoy both but the 2001 was significantly improved over the 99. The new body style was our favorite change.

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  outstanding suv - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By elc campbell - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased on 4-17-03.Toyota hit a homerun with the limited edition.The ride is smooth and I must say the preformance is outstanding.I sold my mercedes CL-500 (2000) and purchased the limited edition because the ride is better than the mercedes and it just is a better all around vehicle. Trust me,you will not be disappointed if you purchase one.A "10" overall!!!

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  Camry convert - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BOZ - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted a Highlander for two years and its beautiful in every way!!!