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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  Our family loves this car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By MistletoeLady - July 1 - 11:53 pm

  We purchased this car May 13th, and hve not had one bit of regret! This car has proven to be the most valuable purchase we have ever made! We have only had it for a couple of days, but it outperforms anything we have ever driven before. It holds the road perfectly! Standing water in the street does not grab the wheel, hard blowing wind does not knock you off the road! My husband is disabled and finds it not only easy to get in and out of, but to ride in, he does not complain as he did with other cars we have owned or have tried out. Our teenaged daughter sits behind and reports it to be a very comfortable car to ride in. She got to drive it and loved the way it handles.

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  2007 Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By George - July 1 - 4:50 pm

  I love the vehicle but would like some options. I would like door locks that lock when vehicle in drive and unlock in park. I would like to have the 115 volt plug option more available. I would love an MP3 adapter in the front of the radio plus Bluetooth! What were they thinking? I have a 2005 Prius and the "smart key" option is great - why not in the Highlander?

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  A Comfortable and Nimble Gas Sipper - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By wiscpriusc - July 1 - 12:39 pm

  I spent close to a year looking for the best hatchback to meet my needs. The Prius C won out due to excellent efficiency and driving almost like an all-petrol car. I had driven both the Insight and the Prius Liftback, both were hard to see out of and hard to get moving. The Prius C moves a little quicker and has much improved outward visibility. The C has plenty of pep to get on the Interstate and is quick around town. Room for four adults on short trips, road trips best kept to three adults max. I have almost forgotten what going to the gas station is like, I average 50 mpg without any special driving techniques.

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  270,000 miles and still going! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Jared - July 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my camry in July 2016 and used the heck out of it throughout the summer, putting 12,000 miles on it in the summer. I am the second owner and the first owner took really good care of it- oil changes, radiator flushes, etc... For some reason the check engine light keeps coming on and off, but overall this car has saved me a lot of money. I was stuck driving a truck that got 10 miles per gallon, but my camry gets way better. Update: Im now up to 290000 miles and the only repairs done were the replacement of the factory timing belt and the serpentine belt

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  the yota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By nic burt - July 1 - 2:33 am

  14 years 285k miles. Best truck ever. Only thing I have ever replaced was idol air control valve. But never stranded me. Just idoled a little rough lol took this truck everywhere in some rough situations. My kids are 5 years old aandwill drive this truck when they turn 16

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  Marias Voodoo FJammer - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Marias FJammer - June 30 - 8:30 pm

  Picked it up on my birthday! What an excellent way to start off a birthday too!! Incredible to drive, the manual trans is an excellent choice to go if you want to experience how powerful this vehicle can actually be. Glad to see that Toyota has improved the sound system, and loving the subwoofer! Had to get the large rims and tires, the roof rack, combined with the white top is a real eye catchers. Where ever I have this truck parked, it always draws a crowd just walking around looking over My FJ.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned!!!! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By majormom - June 30 - 2:06 pm

  I am absolutely thrilled with my new 4runner. First SUV I have owned and first toyota. I have MS and find the vehicle easy to get into and out of, also very comfortable for me to sit in for long periods of time! Ride is great!!! Would buy one again in a minute!

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  Great Car To Own - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Dawn K. - June 30 - 4:30 am

  I love this car. Never had any problems with it. Would highly recommend it to anyone!

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  4Runner Review - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By thomasobx - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a reliable off road vechicle that would meet all my needs. Toyota was the obivious choice. Most of my off roading occurs in the soft sand of Cape Hatteras. I wanted bullet-proof performance and I have not been disappointed. Gas mileage is about what I expected for my gear ratio, 14- 15 mpg in the city and 20-21mpg on the highway. I just replaced the original Dunlop tires with 41K miles with Michelin Cross Terrains and the truck feels like it is brand new again. This was my first Toyota and it will not be my last.

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  The Best Car for the 21st Century - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SIH - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this 4 cylinder Manual transmission car. After two and a half months of wait, I just got it. It is every thing one can expect. Smooth, quiet, refined, and fun to drive. Fuel economy statstics is fun to watch and very satisfying. I am gettin 28.5 mpg for city and highway diving in cold weather.