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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  Love it and almost 100k miles! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By fasteddie11 - March 6 - 7:01 pm

  I bought a 2010 Venza V6 2wd with approximately 20k miles on it in the summer of 2010. It is now August 2013 and I have a little over 98k on the odometer. I love this car! I have had no problems and no issues at all. I am a car freak and typically trade every year. I traded a 2009 Lincoln MKX for this Toyota. I realized that trading so often was simply costing too much so I wanted a car that I could keep for at least 150k miles and looks good...I made the right choice. It has plenty of power and I am averaging approx 20 MPG between city and hwy. I did have a cosmetic issue with a wheel. If you scrape a curb, the wheel paint can start to peel off in large chunks. Besides that, very happy.

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  MY WIFES HIGHLANDER - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By richard - March 6 - 3:10 pm

  We were surprised to see how much comfort and room the Highlander has. This is a for sure winner for us as a family car and long trips. I feel we made a wise decision on being able to save gas over other SUVs. We were also surprised to find that we were able to get this mini-SUV with a lot of optional equipment, including a dvd/tv/game flip-down sys. And perma plate for a low price verses the others. Again this vehicle rides smooth, quiet and comfortable. Thanks Toyota. From now on youÂ’re our first choice. Thanks for all those air bags.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By lifethenwork - March 6 - 10:03 am

  Ever since I purchased my Toyota, I have had problems with the transmission wanting to downshift when going down a hill, and also not wanting to shift up when accelerating on the highway. The front dashboard has begun to pop up little air bubbles underneath the layer of vinyl covering it.

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  Tuff Yoda - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By MBW - March 6 - 9:33 am

  Wow, this has been the best vehicle i have ever owned. I feel it has a very attractive body style compared to other small trucks, and I can overtake every small truck I race (V-6). I have gone on multiple road trips across the US with no problems. This truck has NEVER left me stranded. I would certainly buy another one, however gas is getting a little expensive. Overall, a darn good buy!

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  Went from Mercedes Benz to Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Big Daddy - March 6 - 9:23 am

  My friends laughed at me when I said I was parking my Mercedes Benz S600 and buying a Toyota Prius. Now Im laughing at them as fuel prices soar and commuting here in Northern California has become a major part of my day and expenses. I commute almost 200 miles per day and was spending almost $150 per week filling up my 12 cylinder car. The beauty of the Prius is that its very comfortable (consider the fact that Im 60 tall and weigh 250 lbs). The car handles very well and has plenty of power to climb steep hills. I also save enough money on gas to pay the car note and insurance. Essentially this car pays for itself. Big Daddy says "Dont knock it til you try it".

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  its maybe Average - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By clemwiz - March 6 - 12:06 am

  Average meaning I would not buy another one. At 75k miles it leaks oil and needs a rear seal ($3,000), it uses oil on the highway, it has an odd whistling noise that no one can find (when going against the wind on the highway), the gas mileage is NOT good. The only reason we still have it is because my wife likes it.

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  2017 Toyota Highlander Crushes the Competition - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By tklemash - March 5 - 9:17 pm

  The newly redesigned 2017 Toyota Highlander breaks all the rules for standard technology features, while delivering a luxury driving experience with a reasonable price tag. The 2017 Toyota Highlander delivers the best value, luxury, and performance on the market. (TK)

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  Still the best and only truck to drive - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mrclean - March 5 - 9:13 pm

  its much bigger then the older models and has a lot more horse power the seats are very comfortable almost like a reclining chair and it feels solid unlike the older models

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  Toyota at Its Best - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By manullang11 - March 5 - 12:35 am

  Parentals first bought this car (used) in 2002, then I started using it for college in 06, until this day. How Ive under appreciated this car for so many years. Not till I graduated and started working, that I thought to myself, what does the new car market have to offer that is worth paying $500 a month for payments, for me to pass on this reliable toyota to another owner. We also have an 04 Honda Accord and an 05 Corolla in the family. The cabin build quality and engine smoothness of the Camry is obviously a step up from the corolla. But I think Toyotas have an edge over Hondas in aging. Engine noise seems to be more isolated in the Camry and somehow it feels torquier than the Honda.

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  It makes me smile - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Darla - March 4 - 3:33 pm

  Perfect car to travel with because of its cargo arrangement options and seating space. The comfort of the passenger seat was of utmost importance to us. The seat is broad enough, has enough leg room, and recline capabilities so the passenger has positional options during a trip. However it has one defeat-if books or grocery bags are placed on the front passenger seat the seat belt signal sounds. Wish the passenger could do map tracking to specific hotels, food, etc. while the car is being driven from area to area. This would be wonderful for spur of the moment decisions while driving along. Wish the width of the back cargo space immediately behind the back seat was the same as at door area.