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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  Good, solid Auto-Just the right size - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Golfnut - February 9 - 11:43 pm

  Since my 2002 Highlander with 183,500 miles needed some major repairs, I decided to trade it in on the 2010 model. My 2010 is just the base model with a 4 cylinder engine, front wheel drive. This engine is a bit larger than my other model, so the extra pep is nice, ride is good, interior is nice and comfortable. This physical size of the Highlander is just right, not to small, and not too large. The engine is a bit noisy at times, and I hope the 6 speed transmission last like my 2002 model. I change my own oil & filter religiously at 3500 miles, and the only thing I do not like about this new engine is the oil filter, it is a messy process.

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By N.G.Simon - February 9 - 3:56 pm

  The only negative I have with my RAV is the roof rack, its a real pita when it comes to washing the car. Were it an option I would have opted out!

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  Love It! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By bluebonnet - February 9 - 10:23 am

  I dearly love my hybrid 09 Camry. It had 9000 miles on it when I bought it and what fun to drive. It says I am getting 37.9 miles to the gallon. Wonderful comfort and pick up.

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  Nice ride - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By john - February 8 - 12:00 pm

  Have 5k trouble free miles. As high as 24 mpg on hwy. Tows a 14 ft enclosed trailer ok. Traded a Acura mdx for this so I could tow. Not as plush but 10 grand less. Also had a gx 470 but couldnt stomach the extra 16 grand. Overall it is a decent ride, not like the high ends but for the money it is good. Toyota did go a little cheap on this one. Metal is too thin, plastic scratches too easy, no memory seats. Its obvious they skimped.

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  4 Runner Loves the Colorado Mountains - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By SteveinColorado - February 8 - 4:43 am

  I love that it is wider for more interior room. I have two kids car seats in the back & another person can easily fit between them. Really wanted the 3rd row. The ground clearance is nice for us who like to actually off road a bit. The NAVI & blue tooth work perfect with my iPhone. It took 30 seconds to get the phone connected to the system. Stereo sounds great. Seat warmers have come in handy too. I drove through 1 of untouched snow w/out ever thinking of locking down the 4W high. Driving up I-70 out of Denver was a dream with all power and the breaks have serious stopping power. I do have the Limited w/22" wheels so maybe the brakes are larger?

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  Super Prius V four - 2017 Toyota Prius v
  By Barbara Driscoll - February 8 - 2:39 am

  I found this car to be preferable to getting an SUV with lower gas mileage. It is roomy and functional enough to do all the chores that I need and to transport my 3 basset hounds safely. Still need to figure out all the technology features. My last car was a 2002 Prius the original with very basic features, so this is a significant upgrade.

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  Highlander Review - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Gary Wallpe - February 7 - 11:04 pm

  This car is perfect for us. We like the luxury of a nice car but also want something that can carry 4 golfers with clubs and luggage. This car is great. We also want to upgrade our 2009 Avalon (which was a great vehicle also) to some of the new safety features. This Highlander is loaded with safety features!!! I love the inside and outside look of the car also! Perfect for us and I know the Toyota reliability will be there. The price of a Toyota is high but the resale is also high. I love the 7 year, 100,000 mile extended warranty for the vehicle also! What a deal at a cost of $1400!

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  Even better than my 2004 Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve Miller - February 7 - 7:53 pm

  My 2004 Tundra was totaled in a head-on collision when a driver fell asleep and hit me nearly head-on. I am now convinced of Tundras safety. I replaced the 2004 model with the 2005 model. I loved my 2004 model, and my 2005 is even better. The 2005s 5-speed auto is smoother than the 2004s 4-speed. Maybe it is only imagination, but my wife and I think the 2005 has a louder muffler than the 2004. I like the louder muffler, she doesnt.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Yiwen - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  Its an amazing upgrade from my 98 Madza MPV all-sport. Drives like a sedan. Sometimes I felt its even quieter than my wifes 04 Camry. The engine is powerful and quiet even when driving up the Cottonwood canyon mountain resorts. Well designed interior controls, which are large and easy to reach. Storage is plenty with many cup-holders. I consistently get 21 mpg (city/highway combined) for my commute to work. Trip to California in July on highway and gets consistent 24 mpg. View isnt as good as my MPV (maybe Im still trying to get used to it).

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  Oh What a Feeling! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TNRiverjet - February 7 - 9:00 am

  I bought this truck as a demo with 8K miles. I now have 82K plus in about two years and it is still ticking strong. I do find the seats uncomfortable for long road trips, but every other part of interior design and layout is perfect. Storage is excellent. I had the rear leaf TSB performed to replace the original springs. The new 4 leaf springs handle weight much better than stock. I use Michelin LTX AT tires. This truck rides and drives like a car! It is sporty, powerful, nimble. It is also easy to maneuver in parking lots/garages and around town. Service has been minimum/standard and I have had no warranty issues. The transmission seems to seek gears esp. around 40 mph.