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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  2016 Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By JS - July 21 - 5:33 pm

  We purchased the Highlander XLE and realized after driving it for a couple of weeks that it did not have some of the safety features that we really wanted. We traded up to the Highlander Limited AWD after 3 weeks of driving the XLE. And, we love it! The Limited has blind-spot monitoring, a back-up camera with alarms and several different traction modes. This is a great family vehicle although, the third seat is tight. I would not recommend the third seat for older kids for any long trips. The ride is quiet, the interior is comfortable and the exterior is a classy!

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  Its cool, but - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tombola - July 21 - 9:03 am

  I have had the FJ for 6 months. Unlike my usual research, I bought this on a whim. I knew the quality would be there, so no problem. Well the seats are the problem. While the front is roomy enough, there is a distinct difference between the driver and passenger seat. The passenger seat makes my leg numb in about 30 minutes?? The back seat is really tight, not much room at all, my family is TALL. If youre 5’10” or under, no problem. The rest of the FJ is great. Easily the best looking truck in my opinion. It will go anywhere. It’s got plenty of power, is fairly quiet, has an unexpectedly smooth ride. I really like this thing, but the back seat will probably make me get rid of it.

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  I believe this car helped save my life.... - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By kdblossom - July 21 - 7:09 am

  I just totaled this car on 12/15. The car looked terrible (with damage on 4 sides). The state trooper called it a rollover but it was more of a toss around. I impacted at least 3 different times before I stopped. The car landed on the drivers side and I still cant figure out why it did not land on the roof. I walked away sore and with a bruise on my leg. The state trooper(with 20+ years experience) was amazed that I did. This car has truly proven itself in a real world crash... car has truly proven itself in a real world crash....

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  One sophisticated Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Kid Car Enthusist - July 21 - 6:36 am

  I never thought I would be caught dead in a minivan. I was wrong, this minivan hits home. We tested other SUVs and wagons (no other minivans) and none of them came close to the space utlization or refinment that the Sienna had. Ultimatly the decision came down to the Volvo XC70 or this. My mother had to choose one without testdriving it (my father did that with me)because we neede to jump on the deal. She chose the Sienna becase of the space and toyota reliability. If you are in the maket for a comfortable, reliable vehicle the Sienna is a phenomenal choice.

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  MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kylee - July 21 - 5:16 am

  When I bought this car I did not realize how fun it was going to be to drive. The only thing that upsets me is that it is a little underpowered but that can easily be fixed thanks to TRD and Apex.

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  What a great truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By natx - July 20 - 10:35 pm

  Bought in 2004. 68,000 mi. Now 160,000 mi. Contemplated trading for 07 Tundra, but couldnt. Love it too much, plus its paid for. Drives like a Camry. Comfortable. Quite too. Only had to replace radiator and valve cover gaskets. No other issues. Only gripe is the front brake rotors warping every year. I can switch out the front rotors in 30 minutes Ive done it so often. Interior has held up very well. Known to have transmission issues with OD gear. I never tow heavy loads like my 30 RV in OD, but I tow a 12 cargo trailer full of tools and sometimes cabinets all the time in OD. No issues so far. Needs paint job, but thats my fault. Never once washed or waxed it.

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  Extremely Poor Seating Comfort - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Dr. B. - July 20 - 2:20 pm

  I bought a brand new 2007 model in Nov 2006 paying a high premium. In a year, I have come across these problems: (1) One day, the computer broke (went out of order) by itself and the car totally stopped. I had to get it towed to the dealer who fixed the necessary hardware & codes taking 3-4 days. But if this would have happened during one of my journeys to Canada, what would have been my fate? (2) The driver and front passenger seats are horribly uncomfortable. We feel as if we are sitting on a wooden bench without any cushion. In a drive of 30 minutes, you would like to get off the seat because of the pain it gives. Also, arm-rests are not provided. I am not at all happy with Toyota.

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  I absolutely LOVE my new RAV4! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Jessica D. - July 20 - 12:06 pm

  I just traded in my 2009 Toyota Camry LE for a 2010 RAV4 4WD Base model. I must say, I do not miss my Camry at all! The RAV4 is great. It drives so smoothly, handles well, looks awesome. I guess the only drawback (compared to say the Camry) would be the quality of the interior. The RAV is very nice looking, but the Camry is more "luxury" on the inside. I suppose if I would have gotten the Sport or Limited it would be a little fancier. Still, its a great looking car. I did quite a bit of comparing to the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, and Toyota tops them both!

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  Best truck to date for ownership - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Southerngator - July 20 - 9:00 am

  Fun truck to drive, great gas mileage for the horse power to weight ratio w/ the 2.7 four cylinder engine. Wife would love to steal it from me if she had the chance! Best investment for the reliability & quality, only had to change out the org. set tires w/ normal maintenance. I purchased the truck second hand from the local dealer, (after searching the web), got a great deal! Third door would have been nice addition, missing fm my model, but I still would recommend it!

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  My first Toyota Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 5 - July 20 - 7:40 am

  First impression was pleasing. But at 8000 mile had to have to have the transmission reprogrammed. At 20,000 mile the transmission had to be reprogrammed and the windshield washer motor had to be replaced. At 25,000 mile tires were out of round and had to be replaced. The car does not dampen road feel as it at first. Still have tranny issues with over/under sluggish shifting and acceleration, needs the latest up reprogramming. I expected better from Camry. Fuel economy is better than expected on mostly level interstate travel, hilly terrain it decreases 3-6 mpg and really suffers in mountains. Still has a quiet ride and is easy to handle. At speed the passing ability is ok. The center post blocks vision.