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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  Another GREAT Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeane - July 30 - 1:36 am

  The Highlander drives as beautifully as the 6 Camrys we have owned over the last 20+ years. Five-passenger seating is as spacious and comfortable as our02 LXS Camry; the 3rd seat is great for 2 carseats. The side and rear windows are large enough to reduce blind spots in all directions, interior road noise is minimal, and the flexibility of an enlarged cargo area with rear seats down make antique- shopping trips a pleasure! We are retired so we drive fewer miles than when we were commuting, but still enjoy the high quality of a Toyota.

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  2009 Venza April 2009 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stuart - July 29 - 9:20 pm

  Ride is harsh, not enough cushion in 20" tires, four warranty repairs- glove box catch broken, rubber molding on roof blew off, headlights adjustment, replace fog light bezel, all within 3700 miles. Not impressed with quality as promoted. Dealership servicing-poor to fair. Telescope/tilt poor design, difficult to adjust and secure, need strong fingers. Not a 62" drivers car, hard to get in and out. Htg. & AC controls not easy to use. Would not buy this model again.

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  Bought brand new, no buyers remorse - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By srichey - July 29 - 2:26 pm

  Its an absolutely excellent car in its class and deserves at least an 8.5 or higher. Im surprised at how comfortable it is during long trips and the gas mileage is excellent. Third Toyota Ive owned, wouldnt own anything else.

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  Worth the Wait - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Wayno1011 - July 28 - 3:13 pm

  I have had this car for a year and 3/4. I bought it to drive to work each day. This is 65 miles round trip. I normally do not drive over 80 mph. I always get between 49-51 mpg. In stop and go traffic the mileage goes up to 53-56 mpg. How can you argue with that? Initially, the gas tank bladder would not allow me to put in over 7-8 gallons of gas. That has changed since I slowly filled it once. I am seriously considering buying a second Prius. This is however, not a car for long distance driving. Comfort level of seats is ok, not great.

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  PERFECTION - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By LEXGUY - July 28 - 10:00 am

  As close to perfect in a SUV

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  Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By ECHO Rider - July 28 - 10:00 am

  A very good car. Its little weak engine accelerates it just fine, thanks to the light weight of the car and decent aerodynamics. The car rides smoothly and quietly. In fast turns you do feel some body roll. The center- mounter instrument cluster is a great feature, it makes driving easier when a cop is behind you. Switching your eyes from the speedo, to the cop in the rearview, then to the road has never been easier. Also has an excellent stereo. And Ive never seen so much storage in a vehicle! It has Toyota reliability, but the interior quality could have been better.

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  Real SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By TDM - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It took me a while to see beyond the commercials on TV. Once I did that, I found that consumers reviews on the Internet are the best source of information. If you read them you see that Toyota beats ANY american car in quality and reliability. As for the SUV, almost all of them are now just minivans. Not so with Toyota. My 4Runner has a simple interior but is very comfortable. The engine runs perfectly and I had no problems. The 4X4 runs great and you can choose from 2WD, 4WD High for a rainy day, 4WD Low for serious off-roading and hub locking for special situations. The mileage is just as specified (16/19 mpg) which is good enough for its class.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By festus - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought I wanted a RAV4, but after I drove the Matrix I took it home. The one I test drove had all the features I wanted or needed, and the more I drive it, the happier I am with it. I thought I would hate those notorious red neon dials, but they are very good for night driving. The inside is roomy and comfortable, the hatchback is convenient. I feel like I got more than my moneys worth with this car.

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  Wow - what a steal! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By nctorr - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. It drives and handles like a car; and, it has ground and curb clearance like a truck. I have driven it on and off pavement and found that it works well either way. I did learn that SUVs hydroplane just as well as cars do...but I dont think its the SUV (if you get my drift). The Highlander is a handsome car with very easy features internally, like collapsing the back seat (VERY EASY), and changing CDs while driving. Everything is made easy for the driver and passenger!!! Great Car!

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  2001 highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jpmousel - July 28 - 10:00 am

  bought 2001 in feb 2001, not long after they came out. looking for 4wd to get around in the snow that drives like a car. v-6 engine has plenty of power too. easy to get in and out of without running boards, etc.