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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  SUPERUNNER - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JBARMANI - April 6 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN AMAZING, SPACIOUS, WIDER THAN ITS PREDICESSOR, VERY RESPONSIVE, MODERN, CONVENIENT, AND ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT DESIGN. JUST ONE TEST DRIVE AND YOU WILL WANT THIS RIDE!

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  vehicle owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ceo - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a Joy to drive. Confort, quality, reliability and best of all a toyota badge on a Lexus. Eat yout heart out Ford, Crysler. A happy owner.

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  From Explorer to Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota First Time Bu - April 6 - 2:00 am

  My first Toyota. Had been driving Ford Explorers for the past few years and I was pleasently surprised by the refining charcteristics of the Highlander. Throttle Responsiveness is much nicer than Explorer (2002 model comparison) as is handling, and interior design. Brake pedal feels a bit mushy in the Highlander. Overall, I would say the Highlander is very refined mid size SUV that competes or exceeds others in its class.

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  Eds new beach buggy - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Edward Terrenzi - April 5 - 10:46 pm

  Great vehicle. Loads of space . Room for 8 with third row. Hugh list of safety features and std features. Very smooth and quiet ride.

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  Wow - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Cycle11111 - April 5 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first Toyota and all I can say is this car exceeds my expectations. I regularly beat the EPA mileage and if you also want it to move fast it does just great. Tons of room and very comfortable

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  Research - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By douglas geralde - April 5 - 9:20 pm

  Shop Around before you make any final decision to more than two to four dealership. Do youre home work.

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  Ill never own a Toyota again - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bz13 - April 5 - 9:03 pm

  Sure my Toyota looks nice and is comfortable to ride in. My 2007 Camry has 78k miles on it so its safe to say I drive it A LOT. Heres the problem things shake loose. The drivers side visor fell off, the curtain side airbag panel falls off constantly, the recalls galore and now today, the lock for the glove compartment fell off. This was the straw that broke the camels back for me. Im selling it at a loss and buying a new car. One that holds up.

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  LIKE AN OLD FRIEND - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Dupepraw - April 5 - 7:33 pm

  Purchased new in 1995 and never took it back to the dealer for any work only oil changes. It has been the best car that we have ever owned to date and has never let us down. It still has the original exhaust system, maybe because it was undercoated from the beginning and ever since, we live in a cold winter of Canada. It is not a car to excite you or burn up the pavement, just a good car for every day use and not to line the pockets of mechanics with gold. Would buy another, but with 8400km., why bother, it may be old but it gets where I what to go.

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  Solid SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By BRAVEHEART - April 5 - 6:53 pm

  Replaced a 2000 Subaru Forester S 5MT with this vehicle for me to drive to work for 2 years and hand off to college bound child. It is very safe, secure and surprisingly fun and agile. Went with 2.4L engine for better mileage and to prevent my teenager (and me) from excessive speeding. Huge cargo area, especially without 3rd row can hold all my sporting gear. Very smooth and quiet engine and cabin. Sunroof does not take up headroom. Back seat room terrific compared to Forester and averaging same MPG (25) but now with automatic, much larger vehicle, more features and more comfortable ride with same nimble and sporty ride.

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  11 4R better than 05 - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By jdg613 - April 5 - 6:44 pm

  Traded 05 4Runner for 11, and definitely an improvement. Quieter, more responsive handling, just as powerful. Miss the rear door close-assist, and dont understand lack of cross-rails for luggage rack, but addn of bluetooth phone and leather, electric, heated seats more than acceptable trade-off. This version even classier than 05, and mpg is the same (18/21). Feels bigger, more substantial, and just as good of quality. Like the stylish design, and the addl height makes me feel more confident on the road.