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 RAV - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen S. - November 1 - 6:55 pm

  I loved her, but I need the more advanced help available on newer RAV.

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  Not what I expected from Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By WJROCK07 - November 1 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Camry because of the looks of the redesigned model and because of the "legendary" Toyota quality and reliability. As of today, I am a bit disappointed in the build quality of the car. First of all, the interior has way too many cheap plastic parts (like the cheap plastic center piece that houses the clock.) Second, during this past winter, an annoying dashboard rattle has developed in two places.(by the right speaker & behind the instrument panel). Also, Toyota has continued to make the Camry larger, but has failed to increase the horsepower of the 4 cylinder. Therefore, more RPMs are needed to accelerate which kills my fuel economy.

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  60,000 miles and going strong - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike S. - November 1 - 1:20 pm

  The car is a technological marvel in a very practical package. Bought new, its been very reliable for 60,000 miles. Its no sports car, but is faster than it seems because the CVT is so smooth that your speed builds without your noticing it. Lifetime avg. 49.9 mpg driving smoothly, 53 mpg at steady 65, with or without the AC running. Not quite so comfortable or quiet as our old Camry, but still very good. Build quality is very impressive. No problems to date. Definitely the best car Ive ever owned. Love the hatchback layout. Theres lots of room, but the rear seat is too narrow for three across unless one is a child.

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  Base 4 cylinder - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By basesienna - November 1 - 10:16 am

  Just returned from our trip to the mts. Of North Carolina. One day we drove from Franklin to highlands on the gorge rd which is rt. 64, a very steep, twisty, narrow road. We road the 12 miles up and back down from about 2000 ft. Elevation to over 4500 ft. We had absolutely no problem what so ever with the 4 cylinder engine. It performed better than my 3.3 liter Dodge and having the 6 speed transmission made it a breeze. The highest rpm were about 2500. I cant explain what a joy it was to drive this van on that very steep road. I have driven it for the past 10 years with Chrysler products and the Toyota out performed them head over heals. If you are thinking about the 4 cylinder.

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  4Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By rgg2006 - November 1 - 8:26 am

  This is where Toyota has spent its budget for SUVs. What a great job theyve done. The transmission is silky smooth. Quiet. Nice!

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  Satisfied - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By maringa - November 1 - 7:44 am

  Just received our new Toyota Highlander, Limited FWD last week. It has been a pleasure to drive, and since I bought it for my wife, I havent had much of a chance to drive it myself. Extremely comfortable, quiet and easy on the road. First tank is showing about 18.8 mpg in mixed driving. Hoping that it goes up a little as we break it in. When on a flat highway, for about 30 miles, it showed 23 mpg. Car feels bigger than what it is. Plenty of leg room in the back and front. The test will be 6 month to 1 year into the purchase - will follow-up then.

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  Dereks Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Derek Hughes - October 31 - 7:10 pm

  Disappointed with the Dummy spare wheel. Was stranded when car broke down on highway late at night just outside San Jose

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  Comfortable powerful good looking SUV - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By 2016 Highlander Owner - October 31 - 12:40 pm

  Have only owned for 1 month so cant speak to reliability yet. Went on a road trip with our two kids and was thoroughly impressed with the ride quality and creature comforts of our new highlander. Fuel economy isnt great (we averaged 20 mpg with a cargo box) -- hoping that improves as the engine breaks in. Pros: Comfortable seats, plenty of storage/passenger space, good acceleration and handling. Cons: Limited edition lacks some safety features that other vehicles in this class include as standard, plastic covering on "premium" wheels, JBL stereo sounds terrible (under powered), navigation screen glare (due to poor positioning). Update: 6 months and 6K miles into ownership, Highlander is holding up well. Still underwhelmed with gas mileage and find the center arm rest too high resulting in occasional shoulder pain. Also wish the automatic rear hatch opened/closed a bit quicker. Small things -- overall, happy with the purchase. In summary, the high lander provides the right amount of space, power, and has a firm grip on the road. However, some of the "details" are lacking -- Toyota seems to have cut a few corners to save on build costs.

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  Great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By toyota3000 - October 30 - 11:03 pm

  I traded a Yaris in for the Camry, lost about 8-10 MPG, but the 3.5 is a great engine. If you want mileage, get the Yaris or Corolla. If you want the Camry, AT LEAST get the 2.5 four. Great power and very quiet engine.

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  Letjohns Love of her Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Letjohn - October 30 - 10:46 pm

  I love this truck!! It is spacious, butter-smooth transmission, GREAT LOOKING! I purchased the Limited edition in black with tan leather interior. I got all the bells and whistles. I will have this truck forever!