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 choice for a long commute - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jacob King - April 4 - 3:53 am

  Overall this is a great vehicle. After two years, there are no visible problems, and I have been very impressed with its reliability. Interior looks great and it is a comfortable way to make my hour-long commute every morning.

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  Not what I expected from Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Marc - April 4 - 1:10 am

  About the only things I like about my Highlander is the reliability and it drives pretty good for an SUV. Others hit themajor disappointments starting with the poor MPG about 17 summer & 14 winter. Tires were replaced at 21,000 miles. Transmission is jerky if you step on the gas and then let off. Paint does scratch very easy (just rubbing finger on paint). The best part is while getting an oil change at the same dealer it was purchased from (about 1 year old) I asked how much I could get for trade-in on a new Hybrid. After review (on my almost as good as new condition vehicle) they offered $12,400 less than what I paid one year previously. What a big disappointment.

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  What was Toyota thinking for interior? - 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 911skibum - April 3 - 6:30 pm

  I bought the 2009 LC for the new engine and transmission which are outstanding. The interior of my old LC was a light tan. The new interior is three different colors and is like sitting in a cave. Very bad design. Black dash? UGLY!!! The other BIG problem is that you cannot remove the 3rd row seats. Thus, you loose a lot of storage and hauling room. My old LC you could remove the seats in 2 minutes. There is no way to remove the 2009 seats. Toyota, what were you thinking? I haul skis, golf clubs, luggage, go to Costco, etc. I think most owners are like me and very rarely have passengers in the cramped 3rd row (made for kids). This makes no sense.

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  For all the Camry lovers out there this is THE CAR. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By omikron - April 3 - 5:46 pm

  Just wanted to share my recent purchase experiences with this car. I test drove Camry SE, Sonata(regular), Accord LX. The reason I didnt try the sportier versions of Accord and Sonata was simply because I didnt feel that other than the rims anything was different. Anyways, Ive almost purchased Sonata due to very nice look and great price they gave me. Though walked out saying will return the next morning(so to speak sleep on it). Went to drive 2011 Camry SE (4cyl, 6A) the next day and simply didnt want to get out of the car. The bad things(in my opinion) that Ive noticed in Sonata right away were: engine noise, transmission shifting was awkward, visibility limited.

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  Disappointed w/ Business Practice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jon - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  After 5 trips to Toyota service they made the throttle issue more dangerous with a feather light gas pedal. Resistance on the gas pedal was scary lite. If you have a recall make the dealership prove they wont mess it up and take whats yours. Lakeland Toyota offered insults, excuses blaming Toyota. Paid premium for upgraded floor mats, had dealership steal from my vehicle "at direction of Toyota". Dealership took my upgraded floor mats which retained snow and mud in return they gave me the cheap, poor quality mats. Dealership blamed Toyota took no responsibility, thieves. Very disappointed in both dealership and Toyota customer relations. Wouldnt recommend either.

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  An Easy Decision - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By ProPower - April 3 - 1:00 pm

  It came down to the new Pathfinder or the 4Runner. The Pathfinder is a great ride,V-8 acceleration from a V-6, comfortable interior. But the Toyota seemed to be better built, with higher quality interior materials and a smoother highway ride. The 4Runner also feels lighter and more nimble on pavement thanks in part to the X-REAS suspension which all but eliminates the body roll and pitch that plague a lot of SUVs.

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  GREAT SUV! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By GREAT SUV - April 3 - 11:54 am

  Great riding and handling suv! Comfortable ride engine very quiet. Easy access and good in inclement weather. Very satisfied by buying this vehicle. Body style better than 2014 version

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  Going Strong - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By EZK - April 3 - 9:50 am

  I bought this SUV in 2000 new. I knew it was expensive compared to other SUVs but my 1996 Chevy Tahoe stranded my family and I for the third time in VT and I was willing to pay more for reliability. Almost ten years later and this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. 105,000 miles and it runs and rides like new. Unlike my newer VW Passat and the Tahoe predecessor, the TLC does not leak any engine oil or any other fluids on my garage floor to this day. Only negatives are 16 mpg (no matter how you drive); very expensive parts when they fail; awkward third row seat arrangement; chews through tires at the front end (latest Michelins are holding up better than others). Best SUV!

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  Worth the money! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sonya stilwell - April 3 - 9:50 am

  I bought my 4-runner new in May of 2004. After 6 years of ownership I can honestly say "this is the best vehicle I have ever owned." All I have ever done is changed the oil and put tires in it. I have around 87,000 miles, and every day I look forward to driving it to work. Also, the resale value is unbelievable. My next vehicle will be a 2010 4-runner when the new wears off of them and the price goes down a little! This vehicle in my opinion is an investment.

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  Happy Owner - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By BillTrail - April 3 - 2:43 am

  Compared to my new 06 Honda Civic Hybrid my new 08 Pkg 2 Prius is wonderful. I dumped the 06 HCH after just 5 months Ive had this Toyota now 6 months and 19,000 miles. Handles like a real car while the Civic didnt. The Prius is a great all-around solid and upright car. Fuzzy beige cloth gets nasty if you drive a lot like me. Overall, kudos to Toyota. I get 43 mpg at 80 mph freeway speeds and 59 to 61mpg running it at 55 mph on state highways with 48 mpg overall avg so far.