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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  Overall pretty good - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By pretty cool - July 17 - 3:36 am

  Just had 5000 mile service. I heard a humming noise at 40 mph, turns out it was in xmssn. Dealer replaced whole xmssn!! Fun to drive, but ride is really bumpy. I average 21-23 mpg driving mostly fwy. Great stereo system and bluetooth, love controls on steering wheel, love heated seats, love being higher up. Almost bought the Honda CRV, but couldnt get comfortable. RAV is easier to get in and out of, and RAV has 8-way adjustable seats which are great! Wish it had satellite radio standard like the CRV. Plenty of room for me up front, CRV was very cramped. I love the secret cargo area in back and also the cargo net. It carries groceries very well. Overall, I really like this car.

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  The excellent all-around 3 row crossover - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By MB - July 17 - 2:50 am

  I considered many different vehicles including other crossovers as well as large body on frame SUVs (Land Cruiser, Ford Expedition) but settled on the Highlander because it offers great utility and people carrying ability in a platform that is relatively fuel efficient (20.5 mpg mixed/24 mpg highway) but still offers moderate towing capacity. First the good: Great fit and finish, solidly built, very high quality interior (many parts would look at home in a Lexus), smooth engine, great acceleration for a 5000+ lbs vehicle, roomy 2nd row seat, drives like a compact SUV, great projected reliability and 5 year residual value. And the not so good: 3rd row seat is tight for adults (wouldnt plan on adults in the back for a road trip), no LED/HID headlights available at any trim level, no Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Navigation looks somewhat dated, infotainment screen hard to read in the sun or with polarized sunglasses, 8 speed auto has occasional rough upshift. Overall I am very pleased with the Highlander Limited Platinum. It has almost every bell and whistle and is a very comfortable and easy to drive vehicle. Im hopeful it lives up to its reputation for reliability.

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  Great Deal for the $$$ - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Robs T - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a no nonsense truck. Controls are easy. Drives and handles great on the road, the beach and in snow. The engine is not going to have you at the dragstrip anytime soon but it is a workhorse that is loaded with torque for towing and is very reliable.This is my 5th Toyota and it is true to the Toyota quality label.

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  The best little car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By KevinP - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven everything from VW beetles to Lincoln Towncars to 24 foot trucks and this car is the best in quality and fun Ive ever seen. Dont be put off by the "new" technology. Its proven itself. Ive had mine since 9/02 and have nearly 9000 miles without a hitch. Theres more room inside than my Infiniti I30 for a lot less money. The navigation system is great and accurate, worth every penny. Test drive a Prius and see.

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  Totaled my 02; immediately bght an 03 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By CWH - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Most comfortable car that I have ever owned. 660 miles in one day and felt better than 400 in my Mercury Sable. Exceeds every expectation that I had. SAFE. In a near headon it acted just like a race car; ie. passenger cage was solid and the rest of the car absorbed impact energy. Air bags deployed and I walked away UNHURT.

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  I actually like this car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Jill - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealership looking for a used car but I mentioned that I just wanted to look at the Echos and I looked at the two door, went on a test drive and didnt even glance at any other cars. I cant really explian why I like it, but I just do. Maybe it is the killer sound system upgrade, I dont know. I dont think the outside is cartoony or really that wierd looking, but I am 20 so that probably makes a difference.

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  Love those Toyotas - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By BWM - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with 12,000 miles. Now has 80,000. Had a computer chip replaced about a year ago. Keep maintenance up to date and I hope to own it 10 years from now. If not, hope I can find a Toyota just like it with a comparable price. GREAT CAR!!

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  Runnemede - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By H. Lyle Jones - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed the response. It is very manuverable in traffic. I switched from a full size Cadillac to the Toyota Solara and from day one I have been very pleased. I do not miss the Cadillac.

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  Traded in SUV for Matrix- Love it! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By deerblue - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Matrix XR about 8 days ago. I love it. I use to drive a SUV and I loved its big cargo area and didnt really want to give it up. But Arianna Huffington got to my conscience as well as seeing $1.98 for regular gas. I wanted a small SUV with great gas mileage. People laughed at me. But I have found it in the Matrix. Love the way it looks, great cargo area. But my favorite things are the great pep it has and great gas mileage. Drove it up the California Coast. Without any effort, I was going 90. I got close to 38 per gallon. It is not the fanciest, I sort of miss the leather in my SUV but it is a great car. Love it.

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  Great vehicle for the money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By truthguru - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle with superior build quality. Car does not have any squeaks or rattles and the interior gaps are tight.