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 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By FordPhobia - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned 86 Ford Bronco(bought new). Got tired of fixing it all the time and I do mean all the time. The Tundra oozes in quality. The ride is soft and very quiet, engine very powerful, seats comfortable and good driving position. Under the hood it is a sheer enginering marvel, a home mechanics dream.

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  TOYOTA FAN - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By GOSTLER - September 13 - 2:00 am

  THE CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR MAKE IT MORE THAN WORTH IT AND THE FACT IT OUT DOES THE "NEW" FORD F150 IN ALMOST EVERY CATAGORY DOESNT HURT EITHER.

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  So Far So Good... - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By rl4673 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Traded an 02 Sport Edition for an 04 Sport Edition. No comparison. This is my 3rd 4Runner and it is PERFECT. Would like to see a little better mileage, but thats about it.. Bigger, Stronger and more comfortable than the 02.

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  Our first cute ute - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joe Greene - September 12 - 10:03 pm

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our RAV4. We have been accustomed to much larger and more pretentious cars (Except for a VW Golf Turbo) and have been very happy with this fun and utilitarian vehicle. We are a little disappointed with the fuel economy, averaging 17 in town and 20 on the road. Not as good as our Volvo S80. However, the Rav4 is fun to drive, holds a lot of stuff and at this point is very solidly built.

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  Great little SUV.. - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By SweetNeat - September 12 - 3:43 pm

  I have enjoyed driving again, thanks to my RAV 4. It is just the size for a smaller family. Easy to handle, yet it has power on the road when I need it. Standard features are great and it is a great, powerful, reliable vehicle for the money. If you can love an inanimate object -- I love my RAV 4!

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  Love my car, but not holding its value - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By kdbugsmama - September 12 - 12:16 pm

  I have had no problems with my Camry and it is pushing 63000 miles. Being a mother who drives a lot I wanted a safe vehicle with good gas mileage and this car delivered that and more. It has never been to the shop, I did replace the tires at 60000 and performed all scheduled maintenance. I have never had one single problem with it. I feel safe when I travel with my family and it looks good for a sedan.

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  Great Reliable Car! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By The Doll - September 12 - 10:20 am

  After car shopping in 2005, the Toyota Corolla seemed to be the best economical and fuel efficient car that I saw. Since I bought it, the car has not given me any problems. However, I do make sure it gets its regular maintenance. I truly recommend a Toyota Corolla for reliability.

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  Dark Horse and/or Sleeping Beauty! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By annie - September 12 - 8:33 am

  Handling is great, responds well, delightful to drive country roads and highways. Long 8 hour trip, no back issues which normally can be a problem for me. Roomy and well designed interior makes everything easily reached, interior space design is roomier than one would imagine allowing for easy storage and access. Gas mileage is better than rated for which is nice surprise. I couldnt be happier with my choice..it has turned out to be MORE positive than anticipated! A real gem of a car yet to be discovered.

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  Highlander All Star - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander All-star - September 11 - 11:18 pm

  This is a great Crossover with few compromises. We cross shopped the typical competitors; Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, GM, etc. Given we have/had a Mazda CX-5 and 6, thought it was natural we would end up in the CX-9. The CX-9 had too many compromises in practicality and options that didnt over come the driving fun part - this is a family commuter. The fact that Toyota Safety Sense is included is a real bonus. The lane departure and radar cruise control are features you never knew you needed before. There are more goodies that add up in terms of practicality and comfort. Items like 2nd row shades, heated front seats, heated mirrors, large 8"UI screen, 5 USB outlets, tri-climate control, leather seating in front rows, full function moon roof, a intercom system, solid V6 / 8spd auto, auto start/stop (could do without), ample small storage-notably the mid-shelf in the dash, navigation, power liftgate, reclining seats in the 2nd and 3rd row too, and a window hatch that opens independent of the rear gate! For us the Captains / bucket seats in the 2nd row was a must because of having supervision for multiple car seat riders that can be tended to without crazy gymanastics. All the above without having to step up to the top expensive trims; like in other brands. The higher trims on the Highlander have nice options but not worth the money for our lifestyle. Worth test driving the competition but currently there is no comparison in our minds in terms of the options, safety, reliability, and over all package performance. Keep the factory add ons to a minimum and you can get a good out the door price; keeping in mind you are in the market for a 3 row cross over. Online price comparisons dont always talk about the dealer fees and sales tax but it adds up. We were out the door for no more than $40K (2017 HL XLE AWD - Silver - Cptn Chairs OPTs - All weather mats, rear bumper protector) Good luck and safe driving.

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  2017 Camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Leslie Robinson - September 11 - 8:51 pm

  Just recently bought this car. So far, it is what I expected.