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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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By darb1brad - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2003 4Runner Limited V8 that I totaled in June 10. Wasnt really interested in another 4Runner at first. 4th Gen was too cramped on the interior, always felt too narrow in the drivers seat, but it was admittedly a GREAT truck. Had my mind changed because: 1) NO injuries in the wreck to me or my daughter; and 2) It was 7 years old with 115k miles, and I got 60% of my original purchase price from insurance when it was totaled. New 4Runner, here I come! The Trail is AWESOME. Feels bigger in the interior. Styling is much more masculine than the 4th Gen. Figured out how to turn off economy mode, and throttle response/shift pattern is MUCH better.

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  Child of 83 Landcruiser and 05 ScionTC - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By surfsnow - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my 2010 4Runner 1100 miles and I am very happy. I have finally given up driving my 83 Landcruiser and this is the perfect replacement. It is almost identical to the 83 FJ60 in interior room and design. I feel like Toyota has reached back in time and found the perfect replacement for the old Landcruiser. The previous 4Runner appeared too wimpy (styling) and the FJ did not offer the visibility associated with the original Landcruisers. Im happy the truck does not have mud collectors (running boards). I am also retiring my Scion TC and I have become a one car household. The 4Runner is a pig compared to the scion but, that is to be expected. Overall, very happy.

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  My 2nd Toyota - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By OwnTwoToyotas - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The Venza caught my eye at an airshow and I had to have it. I decided on the 4 cyl model due to cost and economy. Im not impressed with only 21 mpg and it gets worse when I drive a little harder. I dont like when the trans disengages during engine idle. Quick starts, but the engine needs a moment to wind up when accelerating or passing. The steering is very responsive, but seems to float a little when driving a straight path. The suspension is firm; I can feel the bumps and waves in the road. I did discover small circular scratch marks on the roof shortly after leaving the dealership; it has not been properly fixed.

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  One year of perfection - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By colorado - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had for 10 months now and our 2010 Highlander Limited has been great. Quiet ride. Nice leather interior. Responsive engine. Loads of room.

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  A life-saver! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Gordy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the Camry for over one year and we love it. Our car was stopped at a light and was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling 45 mph; all other vehicles involved were totaled. My wife was able to walk away (thanks Toyota!) and the Camry sustained over $9,000 in damages. Even after the collision, and excellent repair work, it drives like brand-new. We love the ride and the peppy engine. It gets GREAT mileage on the highway and so-so mileage (23) around town. Well own this one for a long time.

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  beautiful ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By diego - August 23 - 9:20 am

  I just love how quiet and confortable this ride is.

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  Power Without The Guilt - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By FlipNHybrid - August 23 - 8:16 am

  I love this vehicle. Takes off like a rocket, yet doesnt guzzle gas like its competitors. Surprisingly, my gas mileage seems to be increasing with time. And Im not alone; check out the posts in the Highlander Hybrid forum. My friend, whos 6 4", finds both the front and second row seats comfortable. Hes driven the HH on our long commutes to work, and he doesnt have any problems with the seating nor the pedal layout.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla LE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Julie - August 23 - 12:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 Corolle LE a week ago. I love it! The body style is awesome, making it look much sportier than in years past. It is excellent on the gas mileage and with a moonroof it makes the trip more enjoyable. Im use to driving a large vehicle with a lot of interior room, but this Corolla is very comfortable for its small size.

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  Not Sure Yet. - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By corollamon - August 22 - 9:10 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 corolla and was excited to purchase the 2010. The interior is much nicer and feels bigger than the 04. Didnt consider other brands due to the success Ive had with Toyotas reliability, resale value, and quality. The 2010 model has had recalls but the items I have noticed have not yet been recalled. (See Cons). Gas mileage is great and 7000 miles have gone by without an issue mechanically.

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  Great all-round SUV - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Romo - August 22 - 6:24 am

  We shop only for Honda. But they didnt have a car that fit our current needs...awd, space for 7, etc...so we needed to move to an suv and finally looked at Toyota. The size, space, awd fit the bill for us. We looked for the 2016, but compelled to get the 2017 given the added features this year LDA, BSM, POC, and cruise with speed monitoring. We are glad we bought the 2017. My only complaints - the USB ports are not very accessible to plug in the chargers. The Navi also was off on some direction / final destination (I had Google maps on to double check.), the acceleration is not as quick from a stop position. Handling is fine, and very comfortable and enjoyable interior for all passengers as we took on a 6 passenger road trip with luggage. Overall, we are very happy with the 2017.