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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  utahrunner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnerowner - March 2 - 6:20 pm

  overall this vehicle gives you the peace of mind both on road and off. It has plenty of power with the v-6 for passing and towing. Off road it is amazing as it climbs like it is glued to the trail and then back on the road it feels like a sport sedan.Very fun to drive and the "cool" factor is always there.

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  Rockin Rolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Adam - March 1 - 3:46 pm

  I havent had this car very long yet but bought it because of its reputation as a solid reliable car. And thats exactly what it is. Im very very happy with it, just recently took it on a 11 hour drive, and it performed great. Has enough power to pass on the highway no prob...just drop it into 3rd and its gone. I suggest the manual though, I dont think it would be so great in an automatic, but thats just me. The gas mileage is awesome! Its fun to drive for a 4 door economy car, and looks good too. The A/C works great, but really robs the engine of power. But yeah, great choice if youre looking for a reliable cheap to own car. Cant go wrong with a Toyota.

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  Love my new Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Reba Johnson - March 1 - 10:11 am

  I was driving a Toyota Sienna so I was used to more cargo space and a different console setup between the front seats. The console in this car is so big and tall that you could put a baby in it. It is hard to get to the seat belt latches next to it, which means wide people should not buy this car because you will find using the seat belt difficult. I am an average size person and I have to get my hand squeezed down beside the console to unlatch the seat belt. My audio system LCD also seems to have a bug in it when it is cold. It is non-responsive for up to 15 minutes of driving. You can only change the volume until it warms up--nothing else, no radio station changes etc. None of the buttons beside the panel work either. When it does wake it, sometimes it doesnt beep, but most of the time it beeps and often changes the station to the one at the bottom of the list. Then it might decide to go into Search Station mode. It may beep a number of times and you have to try to stop the Search so it wont replace all of your stations. Of course, it wasnt cold when I took it to the dealer and they couldnt help me. Every morning and evening is different in how it acts when it "wakes up". It drives beautifully and handles well on snow and ice here in Michigan for the month I have owned it. The third seat will do for kids or small people for a short ride. It is a big step up to get back there.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By EMH - March 1 - 2:46 am

  I bought my Highlander three months ago to replace a Honda Accord. Could not be more pleased. I now have over 4200 miles on the vehicle and MPG for around town driving averages 21.5. I recently took a 1500 mile road trip (mostly interstate) and got 27.65 mpg. Although I miss having cruise and radio/CD controls on the steering wheel and a trip mileage meter these are minor inconveniences. My Highlander handles extremely well and the 3.5L 6cyl flat out gets up and goes when you need a little extra power. A minor irritant is the rear hatch is difficult to handle without using both arms (hopefully I wont require shoulder replacement surgery). Excellent value all around.

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  My Corolla XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Sean - February 29 - 4:16 pm

  I just recently purchased a Corolla XRS and have found it to be both fun and practical. I like the throttle sensitivity and 6 speed gearbox. The gauges are incredible. I dont like the (pretty much) solid rear axle, and the near SUV ride height. I would also like to see a telescoping steering wheel in time, as this one seems too close to the dash.

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  Way better than expected - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Gcarlsbad - February 28 - 2:20 pm

  New Rav4s are almost the same size as 2nd gen 4runners, and the V6 engine is fantastic, 10 more horsepower than my bosses BMW X3! I got 4wd and had no problem driving through snow to go skiing. The interior is pretty nice, the seats fold easily and it is easy to get my surfboard or a bike in the back. I think it looks great in the Sport edition and in general am very pleased after 2000 miles and one west coast road trip. It looks and feels like a much more expensive vehicle. I had a small car before this, though, it hurts at the pump. My MPG are around 21. In general, I dont care what Kanye West has to say about RAV4s, I love mine.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By IngeliseB - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Celica is great fun to drive, gets a fairly good gas mileage and has lots of room in the trunk esp when you put the rear seats down. A wonderful car for those of us without little kids ;-)

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  Better than a Seabring - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By optus1 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the Chrysler Sebring, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Ford Mustang, this car totally blows them out of the water in terms of comfort, ride, engine performance (V4). The car gives a very sporty driving experience without the ruff ride. The cabin is very spacious with plenty of leg room for rear passengers. The interior is very symmetrical and stylish, though lacking a sporty edge. The Solara provides a large trunk door with ample cargo space. Overall, this is the best car I have ever had the pleasure to drive. I would definitely by another Toyota in the future.

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  Well Worth It - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By OpenRoad - February 28 - 10:00 am

  When I was looking for a convertible, this one wasnt even on my list. But once I drove it, there was no cpmparision to the others. This car has been a joy to drive. Even at high speeds with the top down, its comfortable and easy to have a conversation. The handling and responsiveness of the engine makes this feel like a sports car.

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  A great car - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris B - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Sept. 2000 and its been an absolute joy to drive. My only concern was winter driving and how well the all-season tires would do. The car quickly put my concerns to rest. The front-wheel drive and the O/D button on the automatic shift give the car solid traction and great control. Hills are never a problem and I only have to fill up ever three weeks for city driving. All around its just a fantastic car.