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:

• 

  Highlander is the best SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Raju Veludandi - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I am experiencing the feeling of Lexus with my new Highlander. Better fuel economy, better price, better looks, pretty comfortable interiors and exteriors. Overall very good vehicle

• 

  I Bought One Too!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By lovemytoy - August 6 - 10:00 am

  My fiance wanted to buy a 2004 Corolla, so I went with him, fell in love, and bought one too!!! I had been driving a 1994 Camry V-6, with 260,000 miles (I used it for commuting).This new model has great features and a lot of power!I was surprised at its "get up and go"!

• 

  Im so happy!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ALBA2001 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in a 2000 Honda Accord V6 for a 4 cyl. 2003 Toyota Camry. I traded the Accord in because the gas mileage was eating me up. I have been so incredibly happy with me trade! My Camry drives like a sports car, its handling is extremely responsive. The 2.4L 4 cyl provides unbelievable pickup, and the fuel economy is delightful!

• 

  Driving Experience - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By aquiah2000 - August 6 - 9:26 am

  This car is a car of the 21th century. It is fun to drive. It accelerates well with quiet interior. The interior was nicely designed with more space and features. The dashboard is perfect. The exterior is beautiful to look at compare to the previous model.

• 

  nice car - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Carlos - August 6 - 5:36 am

  The cars really nice. Mileage is impressive on 4 cylinder. Who needs more power? Not here in FL for sure! Some people think the motor is noisy. I disagree. Its not THE sport SUV, but still nice. very easy to drive, brakes well on wet. Stability is OK for a SUV, but the rear wheels blocks a little in hard braking. Most people will not notice, though. No big problem, its a safe car. Just use it like a SUV and not like a Porsche, you will be OK.

• 

  Great, underappreciated car - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By J M Hlgrt - August 5 - 8:28 pm

  The car is really great. Dealers are all over the place with regards to familiarity with it, however. More upscale features such as sun roof, GPS, power seat and heated seats are indeed available in the four trim level, but those require a bit of effort (worth it) to find. Thats where the quality of your dealer matters. Back to the car. The dashboard and roof are relatively low, giving you a great view of the road around you. And I really like the sunroof - it sits far enough forward and i wide enough that you really feel the presence of the sky. I had a 2007 Prius 5 which survived 251,000 and was still getting 47 mpg until we sold it. Since I posted original review my mileage on the new Prius kept getting better and better. I use ECO mode and am a pretty efficient driver, but still... It crept past 54, then 55, 56, 57, 58 and seems to be settling at 59 mpg! Its crazy! 200 miles and the tank is like 3/4 full.

• 

  Great cruiser. - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By RDavis - August 5 - 3:40 pm

  To and from work, to and from work. This is what I bought this vehicle for. I wanted comfort, convenience, advanced tech (MP3, iPod port, etc), better mileage. I got them all in this car. I had a Lexus ES. I prefer this vehicle. This will be our touring car as well. Ive gotten over 40 MPG on flat freeways and 35-37 MPG on my daily route because there are a lot of hills. I consider this excellent! Ive had it for about a month and I think its well worth every penny.

• 

  Best SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By infinitewisdom - August 5 - 1:17 pm

  bought my 97 SR5 as a demo with 20k on it. It has been the most reliable car ever. I think the late 90s was a time when Japan and Toyota in particular decided to overtake GM and Ford in market share and the chose product quality as their method of attack. Essentially this car is the antithesis of a GM or Ford. It never breaks. I have replaced the battery brakes and tires and a few worn out mechanisms like the ignition switch and bulbs but everything else remains in perfect working order and starts every single time I turn it over. I just hit 225k and am handing the keys to my 16 year old daughter who refuses to drive anything else because she grew up in this vehicle.

• 

  Pretty Happy - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By lilduke - August 5 - 10:45 am

  Got my Highlander Limited in December, and so far I love it. It was change coming from a luxury brand but the trade-offs were totally worth it. I purchased the Highlander mainly to transport my family (2 and 4 legged) and still have some room left over. I have been able to do so with no issues. The ride is fantastic and the gas mileage is actually pretty good. I took it on a 1500mi round trip expedition over the holidays and on the first day I filled up twice, which was surprising for a full sized SUV. On the way back, the weather sucked (snow) and I was in 4WD most of the way, however I only filled up three times.

• 

  Venza review - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jimmy Houston - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I put 6k miles on it in the first 2 mos and have been very pleased with the way it handles and its performance. I selected the 4 cylinder engine for a little better fuel economy. The ride is great and the interior space is more than any vehicle I have owned. The back seat is huge.