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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  32K carefree driving miles - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By dlmoyer - February 12 - 2:00 am

  With winter driving on our new Geolander HT-S tires this SUV/car with all the safety features offered has been worth the $34K price. OEM Bridgestones were very poor in snow. High wind noise with rear windows open; but why open them? Driver side power seat great but manual front pax seat very uncomfortable for this 6 footer. Unlit interior controls a challenge at night, but then this HL just drives itself down the interstate. Very satisfied.

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  My 2nd 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rick Ayotte - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best 4Runner Toyota has offered the consumer.Toyota has not left anything out with this new model, Great performance, beautiful styling, all the comforts of home and superb off road and on the pavement. After test driving the competition before buying, I am glad I decided to remain with the Toyota 4Runner.

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  Quaily SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sean - February 11 - 9:30 pm

  Solid construction, excellent quality, V8 has good power, very solid vehicle. Seating is terrible. Bad for tall drivers.

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  A Keeper - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By John - February 11 - 8:06 pm

  Went from small to full size. Did not know what to expect. Love it, Love it, what else would you expect from a TOYOTA

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  Prius is pretty cool - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - February 11 - 4:36 pm

  A great car if gas mileage and practicality are your primary considerations. Youll sacrifice a some luxury and performance if you are converting from a similarly priced conventional sedan like Accord or Camry.

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  Great quality what is fuss about - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Sam - February 11 - 12:10 pm

  I have been researching this segment for more than 6 month and reading owner reviews and it was down to the outlander GT and the Rav 4 v6 limited, well got the Rav two days earlier than I should have as the zero % started Tuesday and I bought mine on Saturday. Excellent ride comfortable but not mushy, corner very well, amazing steering for a Toyota, 4x4 like a dream, and great Transmission. I used to have Acura CAL type S and thought it was quick, this RAV drive like a sport car with the assurance of the all wheel drive. Excellent interior and seriously drives like a quality Lexus but with a sport feel and connection to the road. Would buy it again and again. Excellent quality.

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  I like the Sequoia - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By gagrice - February 11 - 11:06 am

  I had my mind set on the new GL320 CDI Mercedes. I test drove it and did not like the 7 speed transmission. On a fluke I drove the Sequoia. I really do not like Toyota. I do like this SUV. It is not a diesel that I wanted but it is a very nice ride. On a trip to AZ I was not at all tired after 5 straight hours behind the wheel. I would recommend it.

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  Best USA made truck IMO! - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By rome2 - February 11 - 10:05 am

  I just leased the new 2015 Limited/TRD after my 2012 SR5/TRD Tundra. I know it is mechanically the same truck but they did improve the speed-assist steering which is crisp and responsive! My new Tundra in also the TRD package so the ride is about the same. Being a pick-up, they always ride a little better with a full tank/weight in the bed but the shocks and springs keep it riding perfectly with a light load. The new interior on the Limited is impressive! I love that the leather and wood accents. I feel like Im sitting in a Lexus and not a work truck. The new Entune display is awesome too. By far the best All-Around truck made! I understand why Tundra still has the highest resell value!

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  Surpassed expectations. - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By PaulC - February 11 - 4:09 am

  Compared to the 2015-17 Camrys I found the seats of the 2018 noticably softer, better shaped, more comfortable. Engine pep of the 4 cyl around town felt about the same as the 2015-17’s and the 8 speed transmission of the 2018 is busier than the 6 speed in the 2015-17s, but the gaps between gears are so small that the driver barely notices the shifts, hence they are not particularly irritating. Road and tire noise at low - moderate speeds is similar to the 2015-17 models, but above 50 MPH the 2018 seems quieter plus there’s less body vibration in the 2018 which makes for a more peaceful and serene, lower fatigue highway driving experience. Steering feel and directional stability on the highway were good on the 2015-17 models, but are outstandingly good on the 2018, which is another factor that make the 2018’s more pleasant to drive. There were zero squeaks and rattles on the 2018 LE I drove - impressive for an all new design. Interior of the 2018 feels a little smaller, but space is still adequate. Entry and exit is a little harder on the 2018 due to the 1 inch lower roof and seat height. Overall I really liked the 2018 as it manages to simultaneously feel sportier and more nimble yet with improved ride and seat comfort and the highway ride in particular is noticably calmer, quieter and more serene than the 2015-17 4 cylinder.

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  The perfect commuter car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By catomaior - February 11 - 3:03 am

  I owned my ECHO for five years and if it wasnt for the need of more space for the child seat, I would still have it. It is a lot of fun to drive, sprinty and light. The inside is roomy albeit cheapy (you have space for everything you want). The gas milage is unbeatable (I averaged 35 MPG on my daily usage, meaning about 20-25 bucks a month on the gas). The handling was always challenging, though, especially with strong winds on heavy rainfall (not rare in Seattle). Once, only my rally driving training helped me keep the car on the road when I had to make an abrupt emergency maneuver on a wet road to dodge a deer. Also, with more than once passenger, the engine is a little underpowered.