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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  RAV4 Platinum is fun, well-equip vehicle - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn A. - April 27 - 12:47 pm

  RAV4 is well rated SUV. RAV4 Platinum is well-equipment SUV and fun to drive. I recommend that you purchase carpeted car mat package or all weather mat package which is one of the only package add ons that are offered since so much is standard. I also recommend the cargo net since it helps from items falling out of rear when lift gate is opened. The cargo cover is also a great option and it is retractable cover that is easy to use.

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  Work Horse - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Se Northrup - April 27 - 12:36 pm

  Love the All Wheel Drive as snow has NEVER stopped me. Not great gas mileage, due to AWD. I didnt expect the 4 cylinder to be so strong, but its great. >2017 Update review: I sold it in 2016, partly because of the resale value $6300. My ego bought a beautiful Volvo XC90, same age with less miles, but that 06 Highlander had better outward visibility, lower gas mileage and lower repair costs.

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  Overall Pleased - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By RedEchoGurl - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car. What attracted me to it was that no one really liked the echos look, and I wanted to be different. I LOVE my little Echo. Wish I would have gotten the 4 door model, but I was trying to save money. Love the acceleration. Love all the extra storage space.

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  A great family car! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Hawkeye36 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been everything I could ask for. It was a life saver for the blizzard of 2003!

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  fun car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alvaro - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Not to long ago i purchased this suv. i am extremely happy with the results i have been getting. i got the 4runner v6 sport edition but added the custom leather interior it looks better then the limited edition. Great handling and good pick up.

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  My First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By StreetCornerBoy - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander drives extreamly smooth. You would swear you were in a car and not a truck. There is plenty of room in both the front and back. The only think I dont like about the Highlander, I feel like I have to reach for the steering wheel. If I move the seat in too far, then my feet are bent. And if I move the seat back to where my legs are more comfortable, then I keep my arms stretch out to drive. It might be that the car is still new to me and I am still trying to adjust. Overall, I am happy with the truck.

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  Awesome Buy, Very Pleased - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Brittany - April 27 - 4:50 am

  I bought a 2010 Corolla S in January of 2010. I LOVE this car. Ive never had a front wheel drive before this car, always all wheel drive. It drives great, it looks great. The interior is so sharp looking and so is the exterior. The only thing is, when its SUPER windy outside, the steering isnt excellent, but not horrible at all. I get GREAT gas mileage, I drive 20 minutes to and from work everyday and I fill up once a week. I also dont drive liek a grandma either and I still get great mileage. When my lease is up, I will be definately buying another Toyota. I suggest going with the S model, its 300% better then the LE and base.

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Diane - April 26 - 10:36 am

  Believe it or not, traded a Prius for the Avalon due to long drives and increased comfort. It drives like a dream compared to the Prius. Also had a G35, and like this one much better. Think the interior could be quieter, but havent found a car yet that was as quiet as I thought it should be. Compared to every other car in the price range and several more expensive and this is the only one that had all the features that I was seeking. Also got the Special Edition Package and looks much more sporty.

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  Great car, terrible navigation system - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By micdon - April 26 - 6:00 am

  Have had no problems with vehicle maintenance, the reliability has been very good. Average fuel mileage (regular gas) 27 mpg, the ride is comfortable with in-seat heat/cooling. Overall the vehicle has been great. The navigation system is a loser, very difficult to program and gives erroneous directions in congested areas. Save the $1900 and purchase a reliable portable GPS at a fraction of the price.

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  Great car....for a smaller guy - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Kyle Hunt - April 25 - 7:52 pm

  I absolutely love my Prius....words I thought Id never say! I got a new job a little further away from home so I thought I should buy something a little more economical. The Prius fit the bill and I bought it a few days before I started. I bought the basic model, nothing fancy...and I love it. I wish it had auto lights and power seats, but I get along just fine w/out em. What is starting to bother me a little is the comfort in the front seat. For quick trips its not bad, but when Im sitting in traffic for an hour or more my back starts to hurt. Granted my back hurts most of the time anyway, but not as much when Im in my other cars. Overall I still love the car. Getting 58 mpg currently and love that! Filling up last time cost me <$18...oh wait, thats the 1 and only time Ive filled up in a month! Hard to complain about that! If youre in the market for a Prius, just get it.