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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  Recent purchase after VW diesel buyback - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By lifeisahighway - February 23 - 4:56 am

  I just purchased the Prius Four trim with both the Adavnced Tech and Premium Conveinence package after the VW diesel buyback of my Golf TDI. I LOVE this car! In anticipation of the VW buyback, my husband wanted to look at the Prius this past summer. I had never previously been remotely interested in the boring, awful to drive last generation model. Reluctantly, we went for a test drive; but to my surprise I loved it! Granted, the car doesnt have the immediate torque off the line like my Golf had; but the Prius is so comfortable. It has the best seats Ive ever sat in for a car! I love the technology features! The auto high beams and dynamic radar cruise control are my favorite features. The only negatives for the car would be that I wish it handled a little better and that Toyota would allow the fog lights at least to be an option with the Four trim. In order to get the sunroof, you have to sacrifice the fog lights and the 17inch wheels. The car still handles well, but its not quite as fun as my Golf was; but I think other drivers who arent as picky as me, will be very happy with it. The smoothness over road imperfections with the double wishbone rear suspension along with the miles per gallon more than make up for it! No matter what others say, I love the unique design. I am glad that Toyota made a bold design change. It doesnt look like all the other cookie- cutter cars on the road. Im officially a Prius convert, and I NEVER thought I would say that!

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  02 4Runner a sweet deal - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yota Fan - February 21 - 11:43 pm

  Bought new from my local dealer in March 2002. The vehicle is the SE model and has been a real value. This was the last year Toyota built the 4Runner for American sales solely in Japan. That is a real plus! Great in the snow and fun to drive on vacation. Overall a great value and would do it over again.

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  I hate the Stereo, but I do love the car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Iris - February 21 - 8:33 pm

  I love my car but I hate the "premium" audio. I cant hear speakers in the back. In my opinion the fade control doesnt work properly. By the time you get the fade far enough to the back to hear anything, the front speakers become mute. Everyone that I have demonstrated the stereo to, all agree that its sound output is weak. I wish I did not pay more money for this substandard upgrade (which wasn’t cheap). If I had not paid extra for a "premium" sound system, I could almost understand, however I paid more money for a premium sound system and this is unacceptable. I went to professional car stereo installers (one of whom sells and installs JBL systems) to see if they had suggestions. They agreed that the stereo sound is substandard. They said that there was no way to increase the sound output or reconfigure the existing system. They estimated a minimum $1,000 complete system swap out. The 2nd car stereo specialist that I went to said exactly the same thing. I wouldnt be so upset if I had gone with the standard, basic system, but Toyota claimed that this is a "premium" upgrade and turns out that it is actually substandard in comparison to a basic system. I paid too much for this upgrade and I am deeply discouraged by this and even though the car is wonderful, every time I get in the car to drive it, it upsets me that this is what I paid for.

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  Does everything for $10K-$15K less than MDX and Q7 - 2018 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob - February 20 - 6:34 pm

  I was looking at the mid-size SUVs with AWD and cargo space. The Cadillac XT5 and Q5 were just a bit too tight in back seat (2nd row) for me. I found the 3 best were Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Toyota Highlander. After test driving, the MDX and Q7 are sportier but the Highlander did everything very well. The Q7 had buttons in unusual places (at least for me) and the MDX had push button transmission and 2 screens for changing settings that took a few touches to change heat settings. Coming from a Lexus, I knew Toyota built a great car but the front seat is very comfortable, has all the safety equipment and is very easy to see out of, I chose to save $15K and buy the Toyota. Reliability, gas economy, resale and initial cost are all better with Toyota and Ill have alot less problems down the road.

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  4 runner I hate to leave - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Juan Giron - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no problem with the enginnering of this 4 runner. Very reliable and safe. Drawbacks are perhaps the choppy ride over bumps due to the truck frame it is built on. The power antenna broke and is expensive to repair. The 4 runner does about 17-19 mpg and is very powerful and smooth. A true joy to own.

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  CAMRY vs. ACCORD - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By shawncarter - February 20 - 10:00 am

  From used to having a 1998 Honda Accord EX to now a Camry I feel more like a Toyota person and feel more at home plus maintaince costs are cheaper!

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  Still early..but so far so good - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Radioman - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I was happy with a 98 Corolla, but it was totalled in a rear ended and decided to move up to a Camry this time. For cost and other reasons, decided to go with used one from Hertz. So far, it is working out well. But, as noted by others here, I am hearing a slight rattle in drivers side doors when it hits uneven surfaces -- seems to be worse when the car has been sitting out in the sun and plastic expands. Also noticed a slight surge on upshift and downshift, but that may just mean belts need adjusting (it has 28K). Also notice the slightly mushy breaks, but overall gives a good ride. Not happy that theres no "idiot buzzer" if you leave your lights on.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By John - February 20 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car (had about 18 miles on it) and the very same day drove about 800 miles in a single day. I think a lot of the posters here exaggerate a bit on the gas mileage as I am getting roughly about 32 mpg before the fuel gauge starts blinking. Not bad but that was mainly highway driving. Drove it back another 800 miles and getting the same results. Of course, I had the AC going on the entire time which can affect the mpg. The interior did not have really nice quality materials but what do you expect from a $13k car. The engine was great and very zippy but also at the same time, extremely loud. You can feel the bumps and roaring of the engine. Overall, a great car.

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  135,000 miles and still going strong! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Adam - February 19 - 4:26 pm

  Im the second owner of this awesome SUV, and its been a pleasure to own. My wife and I purchased the vehicle with 98k miles, drove it across the US to California, and since then its taken us on many a trip on the west coast. Great off road (excellent ground clearance). Sometimes wish for more power, but the gas mileage is great so I cant complain too much. Great vehicle!

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  Still hard to beat after 7 years and nearly 100,000 miles - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bbimmer7 - February 19 - 4:47 am

  I received my 04 Highlander in 2010 from my mother when she purchased her new BMW X3. It was a great family car when it was hers and now it is a great first car for a teenage driver. Although it was a rather expensive car when bought new back in 12/2003, reliability has been excellent over the past 7 years, and very little money has had to have been put into it. Interior comfort and fit & finish quality are excellent. Exterior styling is a bit too boring for my tastes. Overall, Im really happy with my Highlander. Its a solid vehicle with so many great features, and its a great first car!