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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  Best Car Owned thus far - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Missy B. - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be easier to get in an out of, roomier, quieter and all around more comfortable than my friends 1998 model. Lots more cubby space too; self maintenance like oil changes and brakes are quick and easy; handling respondes with how the car is being driven, the tighter and faster a turn the tighter the steering becomes; independant 4 wheel suspension makes for a very smooth ride over bumps and poor roads, and doesnt fell like youre driving youre mothers buick; the sporty look comes packed with a powerful sound system, alloy rims (NOT rim covers) and sharp looking black interior.

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  Whats Not To Like !!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By T. Jordan - June 22 - 7:58 pm

  I love my Highlander!!!! Its attractive, quiet, reliable, comfortable. Ive had three Highlanders and have kept going back for more!!! The only thing that I dont like are the colors of the new ones. The Silver looks like a tin can silver, and the Pre Dawn Mica is more brown than it appeared online. Other than that there is nothing to complain about.

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  Great Family - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By jerry - June 22 - 3:50 pm

  This vehicle has been a god-send to our family. We fill up the vehicle, and are too busy to mess with repairs. We purchased this vehicle with 68k and have doubled the mileage in 3 years with no issues at all. I have replace tires and oil only. Every thing works and works well. It is a pleasure to drive and the mileage for a van is great, consistently in the mid-20s- towing our pop-up I still get 18! Most of my extended family have owned GM or Chrysler products and I spent more up-front for my van, but in the long run saved money because of reliability.

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  I love my car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jill - June 22 - 8:33 am

  I have owned my Solara for 8 yrs. Never had major problems with it. It just hit 100,000 miles and still love my car. People find it hard to believe that the car is 8 yrs old. Recently bought a 2010 Camry sedan. Usually, I get the new car and my husband drives the old car. Since I still love my car, I did not want to give my Solara up, so my husband is driving the new car.

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  my second Celica - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Suzanne - June 21 - 7:50 pm

  My 2000 Celica was nearing the end of its lease and I didnt even shop for a different car. I leased the 2005 model and I love it. Its more flexible and easier to handle and has more energy than the 2000. The exterior design is almost identicle to the earlier model and cant be improved on. Eyebrows are raised when I get in the car because its not expected that a grandma would drive such a sharp car.

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  Luv my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TROY BOND - June 21 - 11:46 am

  Ive put over 86,000 miles on my FJ in 2.5 years and not had any problems. It has gone 4 wheeling in various terrain and performed well. Couldnt be happier

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  best van I ever had - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By lover - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I already owned three van before I got this van. It is the best van I ever had. I believe I will stick to sienna if I could get chance to replace it. But probably i have no chance since it seems be able running forever. I never had any even tiny problem on it.

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  Tough and Reliable - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brad063 - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 4runner for only a month now but already I see what a great car. It has smooth steering a great ride. But the acceleration house power could be better. Its is very offroad capable. It has conquered everything Ive thrown at with ease. I suggest if you want a SUV that looks good on and off the road that can get you where you need to go no matter where it is in the city or out in the country get an SR5 4x4. But, if you need an SUV that is just for off roading Id suggest a Chevy Tahoe Z71

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  Love it! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By mlbhoosier - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my new Sequoia. I had a Navigator and this SUV is so much better. So quiet and drives so much like a car. Leave it to toyota to build a quality SUV.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ted83 - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I could not be more pleased with my Highlander. Mine is one year old with 15,000 miles. It has not had the first problem. What more can I say?