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 My Yaris! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Cakina - September 11 - 2:13 am

  Until I got to the dealership, I had never heard of a Yaris. 2 hours and much test driving later, I would not have bought anything else! The interior space and comfort are incredible for this size of vehicle. I love the extra room with the fold down rear seat. Better gas mileage was my ultimate goal. After feeding a Trailblazer every 5 or 6 days I am looking forward to seeing the gas pumps 2 times per month! Excellent vehicle that I have an will continue to recommend!

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  Best Car Ever! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Wood - September 10 - 5:36 pm

  We bought the HL used with 90k miles on it. I have had it for 3 years now and it is by far the best car Ive owned. It now has about 140,000 miles on it and still runs like new. I LOVE it! We just recently bought a 2008 HL because we loved it so much.

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  Highly Recommend Buying The FJ40 Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kimo from Hawaii - September 10 - 9:30 am

  I bought a new Landcruiser in the 70s. That vehicle was a brute. It was built like a tank, heavy and real solid thick metal. It could crawl and go where only goats could roam. I was very happy with it. So I thought of buying the new version. Whoa, is this a refined 4X4 compared to the 70s model. It is so cool in looks and in performance. After purchasing it, I found out that there was a tire recall. I just brought it to the local dealer and they will replace them (5) for free. I am surprised that the previous two owners did not know about this recall. I also owned 4X4 Jeeps. They are okay for kids and adult kids who like the "old school" looks, ride, engineering, and performance. Switch.

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  over all a very solid SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By sonny - September 10 - 8:16 am

  The SUV has so so interior, but overall the build is very solid, typical TOYOTA quality. I have also looked at Honda Pilot, although also a very solid SUV, the build quality did not seem to be as solid as the Highlander. My previous car was a 2001 IS300 and the Highlander, SUV class, is more comfortable and quiet. The JVC stereo is great and the control buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use, although I can reach the stereo with my right hand easily. The third row seats are meant for two kids or a 6Â’ tall person for a short trip. I longest trip I have done so far was a three hours (one-way) trip and I was not tired at all. If the gas price remain high, I may switch to Hybrid model.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Doug - September 9 - 7:53 pm

  Excellently designed vehicle, great (like every toyota I have ever driven) interior design. Dont believe the 60 MPG, around town I nominally get 50 during summer, and 45+ during winter, on the road drop that a mile or two.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mark - September 9 - 12:03 pm

  I have never owned a Toyota, so this is my first experience. The quality of this car is very impressive more than any other car I have owned. You can feel the paint on the car and can tell it has many layers of paint. The quality inside is very good. The air conditioning cools quickly and the sound system is robust. The tire pressure gauge system really works. One of my tires lost four pounds and the light on the dash came on, checked the tires and sure enought one tire was leaking so it was caught before it went flat. The keyless entry system is great, just push a button. Has controllable rear air for the back seat passengers. Car is the most quiet car I have ever owned.

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  Great suv...with some reservations - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Scotty - September 9 - 9:12 am

  This has been a fantastic vehicle. Has great passing power, great visibility, and of course Toyota reliability. My girlfriend and I purchased the Rav to replace her 2003 Ford Escape. I drive the Rav 30% of the time and after two years, there are a few things I have found annoying. The front seats are as comfortable as bar stools. There isnt a lot of adjustment for the driver, and none for the passenger. Im 6 1" - even with the seat all the way back and the thigh support tilted down, I dont have enough room. We still own the Escape and when we swap back and forth between vehicles, the lack of room and comfort for the front passengers in the Rav is evident. The drivers door and steering wheel controls are not lit. Why are the foot wells constantly lit, but they couldnt have the window and door lock buttons lit? We have the limited model which comes with the push button start. With this option you cant have the stereo on unless the engine is on. Even with these small complaints, we would purchase again.

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  New and Improved Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By pete - September 9 - 5:33 am

  I just upgraded from a 2002 tacoma, prerunner, TRD. That truck has nothing on my 2005 prerunner. Everything I wished I had on my old truck, this truck has. A more powerful engine, larger interior and bed, and redesigned interior. I chose to go without the TRD, and I am pleased with my decision. This truck is so smooth it rides like a luxury SUV. The 4.0 V6 is just enough power to get me in trouble, and allows me to pass the slower and bigger domestic trucks with ease. This is my third toyota tacoma, and my favorite by far. There is no comparison.

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  Ok but not great - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Roboman - September 9 - 3:46 am

  My biggest dissapointment with this car is gas mileage. Granted, I am averaging about 38 MPG, but nowhere near the stated 51 MPG. I could have bought a Chevy Aveo or Honda Fit for much less money. Quality is surprisingly poor - had to take car to dealer for leaks around the hatch area several times. Car is very uncomfortable for long trips- OK for jaunts around town. Seats are very hard and unsupportive. Performance is very iffy especially merging on freeways. When pressed too hard you get the feeling that the thing is about ready to break. Great second or third car, but not adequate for all- around duty.

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  New 2006 LC - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jennalex - September 9 - 3:40 am

  We drove it all, but nothing came close to the fit and finish of the Land Cruiser.The ride and handling are superb, not to mention the reliability and durability. The LC now has more hp (275). This SUV is smooth, quiet, and solid. If you can swing the price, go for it. Sure, other SUVs may have a little more room, but none have the quality.