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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  Not a Seven Passenger Vehicle - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By ztimulating - November 26 - 12:26 pm

  Well these must be selling lot hot cakes because the dealer tried to add $500 to the price when we picked it up. We ordered the Limited in order to get the safety package toyota calls the "tech package". the tech package costs $1500 but of course only available on the highest trim - worked on us. I took the car to work on volunteered to drive everyone to lunch. OMG how embarrassing, each guy only got one "cheek" on the back seat. dont try to stuff three grown ups in the back seat, it doesnt work.

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  2010 Toyota Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Peggy Sanders - November 26 - 8:06 am

  I am so excited about my first hybrid. I love this car! It is so comfortable and exciting to drive. The unusual color (green mica) has people commenting constantly. The mileage is amazing. This is my first Toyota.

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  Very good vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By gunma - November 26 - 6:43 am

  Has everything I need in a car in these times: good power, fuel economy for its size, and reliability (fingers crossed). Its no Infiniti in looks but neither is it a hulking Pilot. Never thought I would get a Highlander, but one look in person changed my mind.

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  Best mini-van on the market! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert M - November 26 - 3:36 am

  We purchased our 2000 Sienna new in March 2000 & it currently has 53,000 miles on it. I have owned numerous cars in the past, new & old, & can honestly say this vehicle is one of the most practical & smooth riding vehicles I have ever had. All 3 rows of seats are like sitting in our most comfortable chair in our living room! It truly rides like a Cadillac, but has the room of a mini-van. My guess is that well soon trade in the 2000 Sienna for another one. Why not give them a try! You wont be disappointed!

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  Nothing Less Than Amazing. - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Izzy - November 26 - 3:00 am

  I love this truck. I wanted it since my parents brought it home that night, after spending all day at multiple dealerships. After convincing my parents that if they wouldnt sell it to me I would just go and buy an identical one, they finally sold it to me for $5K. Its now 12 years old and still running strong with absolutely no problems. The muffler rusted itself a 3" gash in it, but Im not at all upset. I like the sound, which kind of burbles like a Subaru Impreza, but I might buy a Cherry Bomb muffler, then a K&N FIPK Intake. Overall, the truck is flawless and I have no plans on selling it. If something breaks, Ill replace it, but there is no way Id sell this truck without a fight.

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  Speechless - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jfahlmann - November 25 - 7:45 pm

  I recently purchased a 2001 Limited Edition Highlander with 45 thousand miles from a good friend. After a month I heard a noise and checked the oil which was empty. Now I fill it once per week. I was told it was either a cheap part or the rings in the motor. I am getting a second opinion but am heartbroken. I cannot afford the loan plus getting a brand new motor. I really do love the vehicle but not with this price.

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  Dont buy unless you want junk - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By dontwasteyourmoney - November 25 - 10:16 am

  Ive owned this truck since 12/09 and have to say this is the absolute WORST new vehicle Ive ever owned. This truck has weak leaf springs, "hunting" transmissions, steering problems on loose gravel, noisy ac blower motors, rust on frames/bumpers of brand new trucks... I could go on, but you get the picture. This is actually the 4th Toyota Ive owned and I couldnt be more disappointed. My brand new (9 mth old) truck has each of these problems and Toyota refuses to fix any of them with the exception of the leaf springs. Toyota quality is a thing of the past, and if I can give you any advice at all, it would be to look elsewhere for your truck. Dont take the chance. Youve been warned!

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  Love the car - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By James Boutalaa - November 25 - 6:17 am

  It is a great car to own!

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  Very pleased - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - November 25 - 5:56 am

  Ive been very happy with this vehicle. It has many nice options and is quite comfortable. The ride is very smooth and I like the overall design. Im not quite as happy with the gas mileage as I had expected in my stop and go trip to work, Im lucky to get 17 or at best 18 mpg. Im very pleased with the interior upgrades that come with the limited, the materials are as nice as my Navigator and nicer than my former 4Runner. Im not thrilled with the steering, a bit soft. And heavy accelerations isnt well accepted by this transmission...over-revs and down shifts too hard. In regard to the steering and acceleration, Id take the 4Runner any day, but overall other features make it even.

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  2007 Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Clete - November 25 - 2:53 am

  I have owned and driven the Prius for 8 months and have had no problems. Just take it to the dealer for regular oil change and check-ups. It has needed no repairs, just regular maintenance. At 7500 miles the dealer told me that I had 98% of the disk pad left. Thats amazing only 2% used in these 8 months. I do equal city and hwy driving. I have the regular 4 door with all the options except leather seats.