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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  Good, Some Improvements Required - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rico_ - August 1 - 10:56 am

  Overall a good car with good Toyota quality. The biggest complaint is the battery in the gas engine dies if a door is left slightly ajar or a light is left on - once that battery is dead the car will not start, despite being full of batteries! (ppl laugh when I say the battery died on my hybrid!) We bought a portable jump start kit and it works great. Otherwise a good vehicle. Price is a bit high. Mileage is good but not great - when gasoline prices spiked I felt smart but the added cost is hard to justify, although it is an improvement for the environment (over a regular SUV). Would recommend this car.

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  New to Toyota - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Angie - August 1 - 9:26 am

  We needed a bigger car due to wanting to have a third child. We picked the Highlander for the 3rd row seating and the 0% financing. So far it has been great! A week later and I am still excited about my purchase and not second guessing it.

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  Love It - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By KandyB - July 31 - 1:23 pm

  One of the best purchases we made in our 42 years of marriage! Fun to drive. Consistent 50 mpg - mostly highway miles. Roomy. Nice sound system. Love the back up camera and the constant mpg screen. Love all the controls on the steering wheel - wish that the cruise was there, too. Lots of room when the back seats fold down. Lots of hatchback space. Roomy back seat. Love all the little "cubbies". Really loved the government credit. Would buy another in a blink!

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  First Impressions - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pehayes - July 31 - 6:33 am

  Well these impressions are based on the first 1500 miles. I bought the least expensive Prius (only with option 2 package). Car is responsive, runs smoothly, drives well in city or highway. Mileage is better than I thought it would be. Tax credit was a major factor in choosing Prius.

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  Amazing! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Big Mike - July 31 - 6:00 am

  This car is amazing, its a complete Lexus platform as far as design and quality! I think this car is going to set new standards for the SUV market. Just a beautiful and unique car.

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  Love my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Mom and Loving it - July 30 - 4:46 pm

  I have owned my FJ for 1 1/2 months now and love it. I have 2 children under 6 and we fit great in it. We have way more room than our previous vehicle (Jeep Liberty). I like how the back doors open. It makes it so easy to get the kids out in our garage. It drives great and is very comfortable. My husband loves the power. The gas mileage is better than our Jeep so I dont mind. I get about 19 in it so far. We get lots of looks and people stop and ask to check it out. I love that there is no carpet. It makes it very easy to clean especially with 2 children. I like how far you sit from the front window it makes you feel very safe. The whole package is great I would recommend to anyone. We love it!

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  Thought I did my homework part 2 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By bella car - July 30 - 11:23 am

  Updating my first review. Paid the dealer to flush and clean out the fuel injectors which immediately improved gas mileage and sluggish tranny. Was advised to run 91 octane to keep clean. At same visit told that rocker arms were cracked and coming out of sleeves. $900.00 repair job and car had 34,000 miles. Filed complaint with Toyota and I had to pay 1/3 of cost. Dealer tried very hard to make it right, so kudos to them, Still disappointed with my purchase. I am looking to trade this car in. Im going back to Nissan or Honda.

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  96 Tacoma LX Xtra Cab 4WD 2.7L I4 5 spd - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By KB3OGV - July 30 - 10:46 am

  This is a great truck, I bought it used with 169,986 miles on it and it currently has 179,090 miles on it. I have the aluminum wheels with 30 inch. tires. The only thing I wish I had was the locking rear differental but I didnt buy it new or I wouldve opt for that. Since Ive had it the only thing needed to be replaced was the cat. converter (which all vehicles need eventually) and a clutch (which replaced the original from factory @ 175,000 miles). This truck is a great truck for on and off roading. You cant go wrong with a Toyota.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Dana - July 30 - 2:23 am

  The car has a nice ride and nice interior features. It is quiet and I generally like the layout of the interiors. We generally like the care. The trunk space is really small and it would be helpful to have a split third-row seat. The biggest problem so far is the GPS system does not allow for a passenger to input a destination while the car is moving. This is a real downer for road trips. It makes for a very, very clunky GPS system.

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  Toyota 2 Dr Access Cab 4x4 - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ben P - July 30 - 12:03 am

  This is my 1st truck and I bought it because of the reputation. I shouldve gotten more features in the truck like remote mirrors, cruise etc. because once you spend that kind of money you feel like you should have more comfort and luxuries. Im a little disappointed on the gas mileage so far and how toyota "cheaped out" on some thing like the 4 wheel drive switch doesnt illuminate in the dark so you have to put the light on to locate it or the 1 CD player, seems like everyone else gives a better stereo system these days and at least cruise control?? Seems like they just give the "basics" and make you pay through the nose for any additional features.