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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  Ours Went to Sequoia Heaven - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By blessed1022 - December 2 - 7:09 am

  What can I say - Loved our SR5 to death. June 2013 my wife and kids were in a bad accident. Rear ended and slammed into the back of another truck because the other car got so deep under the rear she couldnt fully stop. Bought ours on July 3, 2004 almost 9 years. We were never happier with another car. Planned on driving it until the wheels fell off. The safety of this truck left my family just fine. The frame stopped the other car in its place amazing. Wished we could have kept it but insurance claimed total loss. What a shame, cried for several days - seems silly but when you have such good memories with a car like this its hard to let go. 155k+ miles and valued at $13k. Way to go Toyota!

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  Happy purhase! - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By Leah - December 2 - 6:07 am

  Bought my 2014 4Runner SR5 Preimium recently to replace my 97 4Runner (upgrade purchase). Really have enjoyed the new car. We considered the 2016 but found little to no difference in features and driving from the 2014. My car obviously was used but was still under warranty (30k miles). The radio and clock had to be replaced entirely- voice control was poor, and some non functioning buttons on radio, and the clock lagged a bit. But it was under warranty so was free for us. Overall, we have really enjoyed owning it and love the features like steering wheel buttons, heated seats, 8 settings on driver seat, roomy, sunroof, back window slides down, 3rd row seat, 2nd row reclines and sides fwd or bckwd, plug outlet in very back, and more!

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  I love my Highlander ! ! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie - December 1 - 8:10 pm

  I love this SUV. I would buy it again in a second. It has been very reliable. I have about 110,000 miles on it and have never had a moments trouble out of it. Just the regular oil changes and tire rotations.

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Ab White - December 1 - 9:50 am

  Domestics do not measure up to these trucks in quality and reliability. If you enjoy bringing your truck to the dealer all of the time, dont buy a Toyota. What an awesome truck.

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  My Second Toyota!!! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By centurion68 - December 1 - 2:57 am

  This car is ergonomically sound. I really enjoy how comfortable it is. Road trips are fantastic in this vehicle. Even better than the 07 Camry I had before. It provides a very smooth ride yet it has a beefy enough suspension and clearance to handle some of the more challenged roads in America. Even though I have the 2.7 liter DOHC engine, the performance is sound. Coupled with the 6 speed transmission, it makes carrying five passengers and luggage effortless.

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  Great, no, fantastic car for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Roy - November 30 - 5:43 pm

  This car is all about refinement and silky performance. Fit and finish is outstanding as is ride comfort and quietness. To think I have a car which will get to 60 in under 7 secs, get mid 20s mileage in all round driving, and near 30mpg on the highway, all on regular gas is truly remarkable. Stereo and adaptive cruise control are great but I am disappointed that the memory seat feature doesnt adjust the steering wheel and main rear view mirror like cars in this price range should. Here in North Florida I recommend the extra window tint and the optional rear window screen.I havent ridden in that fabulous rear seat but my guests have commented that the comfort rivals limos theyve ridden.

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  2007 Corolla Sport - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathy C - November 30 - 6:26 am

  This is my third Toyota having owned Corollas since 1990. Previous 2 were LE models. The Sport- with Sunroof and ground effects is by far teh best yet! People comment on the beautiful exterior- especially the "indigo blue" color. I invent places to go just to drive!

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  Best SUV in market today - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Solid performance - November 29 - 8:23 pm

  This is one of the best SUVs out there in the market today. No problem with snow and slippery roads with very comfortable ride on bumpy roads. Great exterior and interior design with reasonable price. Build quality and reliability is excellent so far. Ride is on the soft side but secure. Lots of room in front and back seats, I do not use 3rd row so lots of cargo room.

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  Excellent, Intelligent Choice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenn - November 29 - 3:06 pm

  I bought my 2007 Yaris Hatchback in the end of May 2006. Thus far, I love it. Easy to drive, and much more room than you would think by looking at it. If you are comparing this vehicles to others, dont just look at reviews, go out and test drive this car. The mileage is great and I always have people rolling down their windows and asking how many miles I get to the gallon. Overall, I would give this car a 10 out of 10.

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  Wheres the sludge? - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By crew dawg - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Taut, strong SUV. Average 20 MPG. Excellent body trim and fit. Leather seating soft, yet durable. Acceleration adequate, for 183 HP V6.