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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  Japanese trucks the best! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Stevenon - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i got it at $22k, $6500 off MSRP. all powered, + lots of options, smooth v8 with my free and strong dual- exhaust from the dealer. who can beat this price??? I drove a mustang before that, I guess thatll be my last domestic vehicle I ever purchased.

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  Toyota Highland - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By toyota devotee - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Love this car...very reliable, comfortable and like sitting higher on the highway. Fuel economy okay....alot better than friends V6 Ford Explorer.....20.8 mpg vs. 17.8.

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  A Good Choice - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jochebed - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Toyota Higlander after test driving the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV 4, the Mazda Tribute, and the Toyota Matrix. The Highlander had car like handling, ample cargo space, and excellent gas mileage. I opted for the 4 cylinder to take advantage of the excellent gas mileage it offered. While the car is not overly peppy, it is very adequate for my needs. Performance fans should opt for the 6 cylinder. I also opted for the running boards, which are lighted and leather seats, which I love. Ive had this car for 10 months now and the more I drive it, the better I like it!

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  Im Impressed! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jcg4realcars - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with our Highlander. It has met all my expectations and more. We wanted a SUV, but not a "Big Brother" type as we are not "Bubbas". My wife has had back surgery, so it is not easy for her to get in or out of the standard SUV. This one does! Try It! The interior comfort is high on our list. Its quiet and roomy! Way to go Toyota!

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  Love my van - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Happy in Indiana - January 3 - 10:53 pm

  I am happy with my new Sienna. I had a 530xi BMW before this and before my BMW had an Odyssey. The Honda was too loud and felt big for me to consider this time. I was choosing between the Sienna or Enclave or Highlander. The van handles well. I would like for it to have a little more power too, but is enough for most people. I am a bit concerned about the automatic passenger doors. They have not stopped when something has been in the way. A friend of mine just purchased a Sienna because she liked hers so much and showed the kids how the door was supposed to retract and it didnt and she injured her hand... make sure you try this feature out at the dealership. Gas mileage not great.

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  2004 Prius liftback - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By john bishop - January 3 - 5:16 am

  Not only will the Prius provide a roomy, comfortable ride, the interior design is fantastic. MPG is averaging 54.5 mixed city and hwy. Having controls on the steering wheel makes climate and sound adjustments effortless. The touchscreen monitor is unbelievable even without the Navigation system and actually helps in obtaining the best MPG by showing you instantly how the engine and the battery pack are working. This car is no longer a small tin can. It has more side to side room than my Prerunner, more rear seat room than our civic, plus the rear storage area and fold down seats for baggage. It`s the most fun car I`ve owned since I had an old Triumph. A technological masterpiece!

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  Toyota Wins Again - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Jill Rossi - January 3 - 1:07 am

  My second Toyota Highlander Limited. This years model is even more comfortable, quiet, and well appointed. Only thing I dont like is that they removed the power outlet from the rear cargo area.

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  Great New Toyota Design - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Art - January 2 - 1:06 pm

  We picked up our new Venza yesterday, 3.5 V-6, AWD, leather, nav, tow pkg - all options except rear DVD. Very impressive vehicle, outstanding build quality inside and out, solid handling and cornering, fast (0-60 in 6.8 sec) excellent ride, reasonable mileage as near as we can determine, but its a bit early for numbers. The nav and audio are a lot more user friendly and better integrated than the system in our 05 Odyssey. The floor is flat for easy entry/exit and the rocker panels are totally covered by the doors. Clever touch, especially for the gals, keeps your clothes clean in rainy conditions. Dual moon roof adds a large rear non-opening panel. A crossover-wagon mix, excellent.

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  best 93 car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By bikemaster02\ - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is an inline 4 and very zippy! It goes 0-60 in under 10 seconds. and has wonderful fuel economy. I havent had it for long but so far it is a great car

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  best car for such a great price! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Skippers - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven so many cars in my day, but the Celica I must say is the best car in its class. It comes with a great stereo system, has good acceleration, a reliable engine, and terrific handling. I would never recommend any other car.