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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  Loaded Highlander Limited - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Tony B. - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have now had my 2002 Highlander Limited for 1 week and am absolutely impressed with the ride, build quality and performance of this car. Six months ago I traded our 99 Lexus RX300 for another car for my wife. The Highlander is our second car and I see many similarities between it and the RX300. This truely surpised me considering a new RX will cost around $40k and I paid invoice of $29k for my Highlander! I cannot say enough good things about the 2002 Highlander Limited!

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  My Second Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Dottie Mitchell - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I now have 740 miles on my 2003 LE Corolla. I am very happy with the car. So far there have been no problems with anything on the car. It drives like a luxury car; has a great stereo system; handles beautifully and is a great choice for anyone with a family.

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  Lexus Quality at a Toyota price - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kris moyce - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This new 2003 Corolla has all the room I need. It has a great ride, quick, great on gas and the fit and the best fit and finish I have ever seen on a car of this price point. I know it will last our 1989 went 531,000 before we gave it to the kid next door and he still drives it. Great job Toyota.

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  Love This Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Chad - June 16 - 4:26 pm

  I waited for two years for this truck and it was well worth the wait. This truck is a head turner everywhere it goes. The 5.7 is an absolute beast and has performed flawlessly. The crewmax cab is cavernous. Plenty of room for five adults. The ride is smooth and the interior is extremely quiet even at highway speed. It is easily the best vehicle I have ever owned and by far the best looking vehicle on the road bar none.

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  2016 Tacoma, So far so good - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aaron B - June 16 - 2:41 pm

  I have wanted a Tacoma for as long as I can remember. Ive had three other trucks in my life, a 1978 Chevy 3/4 ton, a 2009 Titan, a 2010 RAM 3/4 ton diesel. I wouldnt consider towing much of a trailer or hauling much of a load with the Tacoma but I guess thats not what its made for. I bought the Tacoma for reliability. I have 50,000 miles on it with no real problems. I do find the transmission shifting frequently on the highway trying to find a comfortable gear to be in, a little annoying but I can live with it. I have had issues with the Entune system not functioning with my phone but Im not sure if its my phone (Motorola Turbo II) or the Entune system itself. It seems to only work when it wants, giving me a "system busy" notice on the screen. The dealer said the Entune system was set up to be used optimally with an iPhone. The Tacoma is not a rocket but it does have nice acceleration. I just like the truck and plan on having it for a few years.

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  Fun 2008 Yaris "S" 2dr hatchback - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By podred - June 16 - 1:16 pm

  What a great car! Mine is the "Sport Model" and has very comfortable sport seats (and Im 63") allow wheels, power pkg, rear spoiler, electric door locks & mirrors. The instrument cluster on the center of the dash is great, no looking down through the steering wheel. The hatchback design provides tremendous room for hauling things, with the split seats folded down. It has a high roof line which allows comfort for back seat passengers, truly a 4 person car. I have three other cars and purchased this because I wanted something with good mileage for city driving. Little did I know how smooth and fun this car would be, freeway driving returns 45 mpg and 39 mpg in the city.

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  Reliable, Dependable, Cool Ride.............. - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By John Ortiz - June 16 - 2:46 am

  This car has been very reliable. Had problem with door locks.But other than that, great car. Car has always been serviced by Dealer.

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  Very good to a point - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 72randy - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This car had been perfect until a few weeks ago. With about 80,000 miles on it a warning light went on and we were told by a dealer it was due to the failure of part of the computer system to the tune of $2230. Weve had six other Toyotas and have never had a major problem. With such low mileage, how can we continue to recommend this car to others? Were very angry being oldsters trying to navigate this economy with SSA and part time work. Disgusted.

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  2011 Pre-Dawn Grey Limited AWD - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By krispykreme - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Performance- Excellent engine and transmission combination. Shift smoothly and always find right gear. Interior- The 2011 version take a step back in the interior material as compare to my 04/08 limited. Too much hard plastic. Loved the lounge seat. Gas Mileage- Only getting slightly above 17 mpg. Drive and Ride- Handling is much better than previous generation. While the steering is numb, handling is about as good as 2011 Odyssey. Ride is silky smooth. Unlike the 2011 odyssey we later test drove, Sienna is smooth with better body control. Brake- Excellent brake. Firm and does not fade.

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  Base 4x4 is great - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By BillAlbanyNY - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck, smooth, rides high. Regular cab, bench seat, fits three people if needed. I Needed more cargo room than my 2003 VW Passat Wagon. 4x4 will be safe feeling in NY winters. I was looking for something pretty basic for my first truck. Quality, fit finish great. Controls clear. Power in 4 cyl. fine (no plan to tow, haul too heavy a load and dont worry about fast acceleration; savings on price and fuel economy did come to play here). Rail system is great. Is plenty of room to store back pack and big computer bag and other gear in cab behind bench seat (I am only 58" so i might have more room behind than a tall person) Will report back if any negatives develop.