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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  I love my 07 Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Nancy Ruth - March 17 - 1:00 am

  Ive been driving my 07 Avalon Limited for 2 years now and just love it. Never had any trouble with the car. It has lots of get up and go. The extra features are terrific. I especially like the smart key.

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  08 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Louie - March 17 - 12:50 am

  I love my highlander. It gets 21 mpg around town and 23 mpg on the highway. Rides comfortably at 80 on the highway and still has plenty of gusto left to pass on a hill. Its a very quiet ride and smooth. The steering wheel is very tight and turns in a small circle, I love it. Thank you to everyone else who wrote a review, it really helped my decision to buy a highlander. I would recommend a highlander, my husband is now looking at the Tundra. I guess well be a Toyota Family.

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  Prius Preview - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By noland harmon - March 16 - 10:02 pm

  My biggest concern are the dealerships.They are still using the same old tactics of trying to get you to "dicker" with them. Im so sick of it. I wish Toyota could just offer their best deal and not have to go through these rip-off artists. Otherwise, the car is wonderful! I now have two Prius(es)? I love my 2012 Prius but I love my 2016 Prius even more! The acceleration, handling and comfort is improved. I ordered leather seats but they have not come in yet.

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  Chose Rav4 XLE over 8 others tested - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Russell - March 16 - 3:44 am

  The Rav4 xle had the best interior and smoothest ride. Also had the most cargo area. Loved that leather wrapped steering wheel, too. (much better feel than all the other cars) Also more head and foot room in back seats. You can also adjust back seats. Tested Honda Crv, nissan rogue, ford escape, mazda cx-5, kia sportage and others.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jmg - March 16 - 1:03 am

  I am 4 11" short, and was driving my husbands Solara 2 door coupe for 2 years. I couldnt see over the hood, out the back window, or on the sides. I wanted a car I could see out of, park, and back up without hitting every curb in sight. I never thought I could drive an SUV. I absolutely love this car. I can get in and out of it easily; I can see everything from my high perch, and it handles beautifully. I also care for my husband and father, both of whom are in wheelchairs. The back storage space is great for the wheelchairs and walkers.

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  It just gets better ! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Lowe - March 15 - 3:00 pm

  After having my 2008 Highlander Limited since January, I can tell you that I love this SUV. With its exterior looks looks and Blizzard Pearl Paint, it really turns heads! The gas mpg keeps getting better with an average of 17-18 in city driving.I havent been on a trip yet, but look forward to seeing the gas mpg. The gas mpg has varied from different post, but I find you can really get great gas if you just take it easy on start and stops. The interior is beautifully done with luxury looks, and the displays are very easy to reach. I have found the information screen very helpful along with the Bluetooth. The engine is very quiet and ride is smooth. Premium radio is a must for sound.

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  A good value - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jjmatuszak - March 15 - 2:43 am

  This SUV purchase was a good value. The car rides nice, and I think its very comfortable. The bank seat has plenty of room. The cargo area is large with plenty of room for the kids.

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  Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Strider - March 15 - 12:40 am

  This is a comfortable, quiet and fun to drive SUV. After 3 years with a Ford Escape I felt battered and worn out. The Highlander is easy to drive, efficient and yet fun to drive for an SUV. The highlander has very comfortable seats that accommodate a variety of body shapes. Finally, this SUV feels safe and substantial. It feels like you can safely take your children or grandchildren wherever you need to go. All this and 19-21 MPG. Im very happy with my Highlander.

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  GREAT car!!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ashley - March 14 - 2:40 pm

  I love this car completely. I had a Toyota before and they are great. This car drives smooth and is fun to drive. Good gas mileage so far, should only get better. The stereo is great. All around great car.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Magnolia - March 13 - 11:40 pm

  This is an excellent SUV. Have owned it 2 years now. Not a single problem except the drivers interior door handle had broken. High quality throughout. Very roomy interior. All of us love it. Had Suburban previously. Ride is not quite as smooth, but tighter and sportier, with a fun factor that you dont have in a Burb. Had a number of mechanical problems with the Burb also. Get 17 mpg, better that most full size SUVs, but wish it was higher. All the safety features give a lot of peace of mind, VSC, TRAC, Antilock, and all the air bags and curtains. Excellent family vehicle.