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 - for a minivan - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota Owner - October 22 - 8:00 am

  As per usual, a very solid performer from Toyota. Lacks many of the extras found on domestics. But, rather have reliability than extras

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  Very satisfied - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jarcros - October 22 - 7:43 am

  Ive bought this suv a month ago and love it. Traded in my 03 highlander b/c it didnt have 3rd row. The 05 has a lot smoother acceleration and the leather interior looks nice. Only complaint is the sunroof. First its annoying that you have to hold the button in order for it to move. I assume this is a safety feature, but its still annoying. Second, it is difficult to find the "closed" spot. If you keep holding the button trying to make sure it closes securely, it will tilt up. In the old highlander all I had to do was gently depress the button and it would open or close all the way

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  Fun, efficient, economical car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By jmw131 - October 22 - 5:50 am

  I find the car to be fun to drive, very efficient with the 34-38 mpg, and very economical, i got it for $8,200 from a dealership in excellent condition with 37k miles. I didnt like the steering at first but got used to it. I was surprised at the power it had for its size. I couldnt have gotten a civic for anywhere close to this purchase price and if you dont care about the look like a married man like me doesnt then its great.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sig - October 22 - 5:26 am

  We were wanting to buy a Chevy Tahoe, since it was more plush and quieter. I could not justify the gas mileage on the larger Chevy. The Chevy lacked many refined details available in the toyota. Rear back up camera, well designed interior, and overall attention to detail compelled us to buy Toyota. I am not complaining about the gas mileage, overall its right at 21 MPG. The automatic rear hatch door is just fantastic. Althought the factory JBL speaker are ample sound for most people, I upgraded aftermarket by adding a more powerfull amp. I have also been critical of road noise. Not that its loud on the highway, but it certainly could use some improvement in insulation.

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  No More Uncertainty - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MaAron - October 22 - 5:20 am

  I was a bit reluctant to buy a new vehicle that was a hybrid. Any doubts or reservations are gone. It is truly a wonderful vehicle

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  Lexus build, Lexus ride - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Windy Mtn. Man - October 22 - 2:50 am

  Got 5,000+ miles on my Sienna and have got absolutely no complaints... Toyota folks really did their homework on this one. I test drove the Odyssey for a week before test driving the Sienna, the Sienna proved to be a much smoother ride... much better fuel economy while not sacrificing power and performance. All-around quality is much more solid in the Sienna.... feels like a Lexus.

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  Like it a lot - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Dennis - October 21 - 10:59 pm

  I have owned a toyota before with the V6 engine and the 6 speed automatic. The 6 speed shifted smooth. The new 8 speed automatic is okay but is a bit of a dog compared to the 6 speed. This car would be perfect if Toyota had left it alone with the 6 speed auto. The 8 speed cant seem to decide which gear it should be in.

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  Loving my yellow FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jimmyn75 - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  After having an Element and liking the functionality but wanting something that could tow more and have a V6, Toyota came out with my ideal vehicle. I love just about everything about it. It looks like nothing else on the road, rides great, has ample power, and is one of the few vehicles I can stretch out my legs in and still drive comfortably. With the V6 it has more than enough highway power, and an tow as much as I need. The HVAC controls are HUGE, perfect if you are wearing gloves. I am really impressed by the build quality and overall tight feeling of it. Also the glove box on top of the dash is something I have not seen before, but is nice.

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  Everyone Should Drive a Hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jean - October 21 - 7:23 pm

  I really love my Prius, Toyota. It rides smoothly, comfortable, roomy, and it is great on gas mileage - 42 mpg in the city - with gasoline averaging at $3.35 a gallon - I love it!

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  overdone and underdone - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug - October 21 - 4:30 pm

  Over all the RAV4 is a great choice. I love the way it looks and I dont get to a light and see 3 others sitting there with me. It is quiet and comfortable to drive. I have only owned it 1 month and this is what I have found. The tech guys that did the instruments over did the MPG and MPH choices, there are 3. I wish it had a tripometer but it doesnt have any only tells you miles till empty and I am doubting the accuracy of that. They could have had a electronic read out of current MPH. I have the SE and that trim level does not have a compass built in or automatic head lights. My old 2009 Escape had both plus 2 tripometers. I kind of expect that at that trim level and shouldnt have to pay $2500 to move to a Limited to get it. I am not an aggressive driver and am getting 27-28 MPG in the city which is great. I havent had it on the expressway long enough to get a highway number.