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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  GREAT SUV! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By GREAT SUV - April 3 - 11:54 am

  Great riding and handling suv! Comfortable ride engine very quiet. Easy access and good in inclement weather. Very satisfied by buying this vehicle. Body style better than 2014 version

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  Worth the money! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sonya stilwell - April 3 - 9:50 am

  I bought my 4-runner new in May of 2004. After 6 years of ownership I can honestly say "this is the best vehicle I have ever owned." All I have ever done is changed the oil and put tires in it. I have around 87,000 miles, and every day I look forward to driving it to work. Also, the resale value is unbelievable. My next vehicle will be a 2010 4-runner when the new wears off of them and the price goes down a little! This vehicle in my opinion is an investment.

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  86,000 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shawn G - April 2 - 10:43 am

  I just bought my Toyota 4runner two days ago. I was in an auto accident and my 2004 Jeep grand Cherokee was totaled. I was a little bummed at first but that went away fast after I bought this vehicle. I was a little worried about buying a vehicle with 86,000 miles used but am I glad I did. This 4runner is smoother and tighter then any vehicle I ever drove even with high miles. I love the ride and the comfort of the 4runner. It feels like you found a SUV thats worth the extra money. I can honestly say unless I have a lot of problems with this SUV, Toyota has made me a life member in just two days. They are head and shoulders above the rest. I believe I will have many more miles left.

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  My first (but not last) Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ec - April 2 - 10:30 am

  Im 55 yrs old and this is my first ever convertible! So much fun, I dont know why it took me so long. I may have a park assist (back up alarm) added on to mine. There is somewhat of a blind spot.

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  LOVE my Corolla! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Leslie - April 2 - 10:23 am

  First of all, for those people complaining about the Corolla not accelerating fast enough...it comes with a handy "sports mode" that will turn off the eco feature (if you have it) and that will allow you to accelerate much faster. This car gets AMAZING gas mileage and is a great car in general. Very fancy for a Corolla and quite a bit larger than they used to make them. The seats are very comfy. Huge trunk. Stylish and sporty on the inside and out. Love the touch screen display. Great speakers too. I really have no complaints. Great buy for the money.

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  Completey satisfied - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Maine-iacs - April 2 - 6:50 am

  We have tracked mileage for every tank of gas, averaging 53 mpg all around during summer months and 44mpg during winters. We do a 44mile commute each workday at 55-60mph. Two riders with total weight of 290lbs. We see no signficant drop in mileage when on the interstate at 70-75 mph. We plan to purchase another

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  THE BEST BUY FOR AUTOMOBILES IN 2006 - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By A J PIROLLO - April 2 - 2:16 am

  I own and have owned cars that cost 2 and a half times as much as this Avalon and none provided a smooth ride as this one does. The comfort factor is amazing. Getting into this car with a winter overcoat on is no longer a feat nor is it constricting. The dashboard is extremely well lit and easy to read..The controls are easily accessible. This large car seems to go and go without having to stop to continually refuel. I am most pleased with this product. It has to be the Best Buy of 2006 for all of the amenities that were included that others seek extra dollars for.

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  Toyota Avalon XLS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By TomR - April 1 - 11:33 am

  After 54 years of marriage, and ownership of at least 13 cars, this is the first one that my wife truly loves!

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  A Surprise Decision - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Surprised and Happy - March 31 - 11:03 pm

  My BMW 330i was fun, solid and hugely expensive to maintain. I researched many options and while looking at an FJ Cruiser, the salesperson suggested a RAV4. I was surprised at the V6 performance and handling was also unexpected. I loaded it up and chose the Limited because of the heated leather seats.The outside spare was not an issue because I was looking at an FJ. The center dash stack is space ship like and the gauges dont all read top of dial for normal. Im 6ft 3in. and I can wear a cap with the sunroof. This is a very comfortable car with deceptive interior room and storage space, and it is kinda fun to drive. Got the extended warranty and waved good bye to $1000 repairs.

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  Real world car - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By philip k - March 31 - 3:10 pm

  This is our 2nd Highlander. My wife and I liked the 2001 so much, that we decided to buy the 2007 before the upcoming redesign. The size and practicality is perfect for our family. We live in upstate NY, so 4 wheel drive is important, but the vehical never goes off road so we dont need a heavy 4x4 SUV. The Highlander meets all of our needs.