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! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By arnelf - July 11 - 10:00 am

  wonderful suv! i think that for the money you pay for one of these is worth every penny. i couldnt be happier with the purchase.

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  The Best - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By AJS - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the BEST vehicle! It has outstanding performance on all levels (handling, mechanical, comfort, room, body style, and FUN). Mine gets closer to 22 mpg/city, and 25mpg/highway - better than many sedans! I LOVE my 4Runner!

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  a quality vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mon - July 11 - 10:00 am

  We did our homework on SUVs over a period of months & time & time again,we kept returning to the Toyota highlander. With the quality built into this vehicle,we can see ourselves holding on to this vehicle for a good 6 or 7 years or possibly longer.In other words,you get what you pay for.

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  Great Value - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By srik - July 11 - 5:40 am

  This is a great car for the money specifically for gas mileage. My first tank averaged about 28 miles per gallon. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Its pretty nice looking for an inexpensive car.

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  Good Machine - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nolanm - July 10 - 10:04 am

  The transmission is quick to kick down to a lower gear and hold the rpms high when I need it to. When Im driving easy it drives easy as well and gives me soft buttery shifts at low rpm. It also has an engine braking feature that automatically downshifts if it senses I am dragging the brakes on a long grade. You couldnt ask for a better automatic. Handling is soft which I prefer, but it also has great feel at the limit, if a turn is taken too fast it behaves predictably and its easy to regain control. I love the interior, its minimalist by design, very classy. Too bad others deride it for lacking more chrome rings and ugly doodads.

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  It is like no other car. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alex - July 9 - 7:40 pm

  It may not be the best looking car I have owned but it is the most fun. Easy to drive in and out of traffic. Parking is a snap. Overall a great fun car to drive.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Melissa Boyle - July 9 - 2:26 pm

  Great car, this is my second Toyota I love it. My first Toyota was a 1998 Camry. This is a great sports car. It is roomy and the trunk is huge. Love it. If you are ever looking for a great car that is built to last this is the car for you.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bulldog - July 9 - 1:46 am

  My 2005 Avalon Limited is proving to be the favorite family car. Were getting 24 MPG city and almost 28 MPG on the highway. When you start it in the morning it sounds like a diesel. The toyota dealer said this is the variable valve timing at work. Once it warms up, the noise disappears. Ride quality is flawless and comfort rivals Lexus vehicles Ive owned. In fact, Id call this a Lexus for $10- 15K less. I plan on keeping this car for quite awhile.

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  12 Highlander Limited Tech and Tow - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By hyetek - July 9 - 12:19 am

  Traded my Tacoma 4x4 short bed extended cab for the 12 Highlander Limited with Tech and Tow package. Highlander does not have the nooks and crannys that are in the Tacoma, but it is a much smoother ride. Used the Tacoma 4x4 on several occassions, but have yet to try the Highlander 4x4. Same mpg as the truck. Backup camera is useless for the .0000001% of the time I need it.

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  From Venza To Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - July 8 - 9:31 pm

  I traded in my 2010 Toyota Venza for this Highlander because I wanted something more refined and comfortable. And I was right with choosing the Highlander. The ride is so quiet that when I had the radio off once, I only heard the A/C when I was going 40 mph. The ride is so smooth, reminds me of a 2011 Toyota Camry I drove. This car is so much more refined than my Venza. So Quiet. Its also easier to get out of, especially for my grandmother. I also feel safer in this. Ive only had it for three weeks, So I will do another review after I drive through the snow with it. The car handles well, its not thrilling or bad. The steering is better than My Venzas. This is my 5th Toyota.