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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  Lexus in Toyota Clothing (with sportier handling) - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Thomas from Westchester Cty, NY - October 22 - 12:30 pm

  Pros: Rock solid look, feel and handling. Calm-instilling, smooth, quiet ride. Sensible, simple, intuitive controls. Luxury car look, feel and performance at a below-luxury price and with lower cost regular fuel! Safe, effective all wheel drive and active safety systems. Cons: Smaller than ideal cargo space. Very tight third row -- for young children or emergency, short trips only. Lane departure sensor is a little too sensitive. Navigation slightly less intuitive and useful than other controls and systems in this vehicle and than navigation systems in other vehicles and after-market or cell phone based systems. Overall: An easy 5 out of 5 stars! This vehicle should be on anyones list for a mid-size SUV with a third row seat. There is a wide variety of option levels with corresponding wide variety in cost so it can fit into many budgets whether you choose the top end to compete with luxury vehicles as we ultimately did or a "lower" level which can compete with almost any but the smallest, compact SUVs on price (which we also considered).

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  Great Car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Chris - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1995 Camry that got passed down to me by my grandfather about a year ago. It has only 130,800mi on it (1500 mi put on by me) and has only needed new motor mounts and valve gasket seal replacement. To improve my gas mileage I constructed a cold air intake to fit to my throttle which surprisingly increased my gas milage from 20-23 all the way to 25-27!! Im going on a trip from NC-FL in a few weeks, cant wait to see my highway mpg! This car has great handling and awesome brakes, I live on some curvy roads and havent ever heard my tires through a turn when in a hurry. the suspension is acceptable in these cars just dont be going crazy on the gravel roads. overall this car will last.

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  After You Buy - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Ski Majeski - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I am enjoying immensely getting used to the venza that we recently purchased, from heartland Toyota in bremerton, wa. It was actually a fun experience to shop for and buy at heartland, no pressure to buy, and more concern that we were going to be happy with what we were test driving. We of course have not used the service dept. Yet but expect to the same attitude when we do. Try a venza, I think they are fun to drive.

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  Excellent Job Toyota! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - October 22 - 10:00 am

  After reading the reviews here I had a hard time making the final decision, most people here were way off in their criticisms Let me go over the criticisms: Power-Excellent Does not need a V8 whatsoever. Took it loaded with 4 people to the Top of Mt. Evans, CO with NO problem. It outperformed my 07 Tahoe with big V8 and 320 HP. car buy a highlander. Cheap Plastic interior parts Ok, if you want refined luxury buy a Lexus. This car is not for you. Parts are practical and easy to use.

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  Its your money!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bassman21 - October 22 - 4:44 am

  I have now owned this truck for over 3 years and have 30,000 miles on it. Come trade in time I will up grade to the limited. I would not even consider any other brand. Doing some research I found out that some Ford Trucks are built in Brazil, some Chevy Trucks are built in Canada and some Dodge Trucks are build in Mexico. Tundras are build in Austin Texas. When one guy asked me. Why didnt you buy American? I asked him what truck are you talking about? No answer!!!! All I can say its a great truck and at least take it for a test drive and see for yourself.

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  Beware of the tires - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Craig - October 22 - 4:33 am

  Having never owned a Toyota we were expecting quality and refinement and the Highlander delivers. It replaced a 97 Volvo wagon and there is no comparision.

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  Great Pickup - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By COTundra - October 20 - 5:53 pm

  I really consider this an over-powered small pickup. The truck really does not compete with traditional full-sized US manufactured pickups. Towing cap. is mid-range to low at 6500 lbs., but perfect for my needs: towing snowmobiles, quads, camper, etc. A great truck for long trips from sea level to the continental divide, with toys in tow, and carrying 5 adults comfortably. The truck has good clearance as it allowed the 4x4 to plow right through the recent blizzard we had here in CO (4 foot drifts). Well powered for its weight.

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  2006 tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By rocky - October 20 - 4:46 pm

  I just bought my new Tacoma access cab. I like this truck very much. I traded in my 02 tacoma for it.There is a big difference in the new model nicer interior and there is more room inside.The engine has more power and is fun to drive. Im getting about 18 miles per gallon around town.

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  A pleasant surprise! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mictra03 - October 20 - 4:30 pm

  If someone told me before I bought this car that it would be fun to drive, I would have laughed. They would have been right. This car is peppy, has a lot of character and is a champion on fuel consumption. Ive ranged anywhere from 39 MPG to 58 MPG with this car. Its got plenty of cargo room and the use of a backup camera has been priceless.

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  It is what it is and I LOVE it! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Teresa - October 20 - 1:10 pm

  I read all these reviews before I bought my car and was a little turned off. So glad that I didnt listen! I love my new car! I have had it for about 3 days. It is what it is. No you are not gonna get a race car, but you trade off with good gas mileage!