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:

• 

  The Best Vehicle Available for 2008 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Lyn - March 10 - 12:30 am

  This is my first Toyota and what a wonderful experience. I am a 48 year old grandmother who still needs a little fun in her life. This vehicle fits the bill of not too large and not too small. Perfect for taking my children to college, loading groceries and simply a blast to drive. Would highly recommend this car-based vehicle to everyone. Past loves have been Expeditions, minivans and a sport car. Best value and so much more. I appreciate the car more each day. Even my honda loving husband of 24 years enjoys driving it! I love the stares when I drive it!!

• 

  Tacoma rules - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By RG - March 9 - 11:00 pm

  After 13yrs on the road my toy still have the same mileage of 350 +/- on the road in city about 300. keep adding fuel cleaners 3 times a yr from stp, to more expense fuel cleaners at lease ones a yr, change oil every 3-4 mths. No Major problems. Once a yr a false reading of valve stuck comes on ( just reset battery ) warm the car before you drive, and no shifting errors by the driver that will trigger computer errors.

• 

  Lexus RX VS Toyota highlander - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By ecosports - March 9 - 6:05 pm

  I bought my highlander (HL) about 3 month ago, and I would like to share with you guys. 1. HL is surprisingly roomy especially the 2nd row. For the 3rd seat, recommend just short distance. 2. It is quick and feels light when its on the road (quickest in its class). 3. start stop button: Keyless. Very convenient. If you used own Germany (In my case, Benz), its different. Someone says no fun driving, but keep in mind this is SUV not a sport car. Overall, I am satisfied with HL for everyday driving SUV.

• 

  FJ is awsome! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Suzanne - March 9 - 1:03 pm

  I love my FJ! I have had it for 3 months, and have not found one thing I dont like about it. Everywhere I go people ask "what kind of truck is that" "how much was it" etc etc. Im not afraid to say that Ive had at least 1 positive comment a day since my purchase. Mine is yellow. Im very impressed with the on-road comfort. Every 4x4 Ive ever had was rough on road, but not the FJ. The inside is super easy to clean. My little 4 year old boy loves it too, and the back is perfect for him, even on long trips. I have to say I wouldnt change anything about it, except maybe a little better gas mileage. Best purchase ever!

• 

  Your Dream Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Your Dream Car - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Man this car is great. Bought the car from a private owner at 117,000 and it runs awesome. It was in mint condition for 117,000 because those owners babied the car like their own child. I drive this everywhere I go. Needed to replace the fuel injector once but thats it. This car has been in some minor accidents but it so boss it just shook it off. I even installed a giant sub- woofer to add on. Wont be surprised if this car lasts 500,000.

• 

  Long Hauls - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Only one problem with vehicle: the drivers bench seat is too short and causes extreme leg pain on an extended trip. I frequently drive for 10 and 12 hour stretches, and the bench does not provide enough support for me. I am 6 ft. tall, so I cannot imagine how a taller person fairs in this vehicle. Overall, the car has been trouble free.

• 

  I LOVE this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By InWisconsin - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive, efficient, versatile vehicle and this is it in spades. I get between 37 (winter) and 41 mpg. Five people fit comfortably OR a 5-drawer chest of drawers, a tiller, six 50# bags of feed, a college students move in load and much more. Installed a hitch and can easily transport 3 bikes+.

• 

  Not what I thought it would be - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By my2sons - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always taken care of my vehicles,changed the oil, rotated the tires every 5,000 miles and did what the manual said but I am so sorry I bought this Sienna, At 60,234 miles i am going on my third set of tires.All I do is highway driving because of where we live. the front end is always out of alignment and you cannot tell when it is out of alignment because there is no pulling to either side.So every oil change I have to pay more$ to get the front end checked/ I do average 24 mpg and I havent had any engine trouble. I must say the engine has good pep when you need it. The tires that came with the vehicle only lasted 30,000, But 3 sets of tires It makes me furious.

• 

  Just what I wanted and needed - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Joel - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for what I was looking for – got rid of my two door sports car and getting ready to start a family. The room of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a sedan. One thing that was important for me was that my wife would be as comfortable driving the vehicle as I was. And she loves driving the Venza, when she’s able to wrestle the keys away from me. We were sold on the V6 with AWD, and we got all the options that the Venza came with and wonder how we ever got along without them. I like that this car drinks regular fuel and I get around 26mpg on the highway and 21mpg around town. Owned the car for over 3 months and still look for excuses to drive it. No regrets.

• 

  Great SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By paulmacleod - March 9 - 10:00 am

  After owning 10 other cars and driving over 850,000 miles I decided to give the Highlander a try even with the recalls. I am very impressed with the build quality. It feels solid on the road and the handling is very good for this size of vehicle. I am coming from an Audi which has tight steering and I have had no problem adjusting to the lighter steering feel and I do not notice any wandering on the highway. The V6 is very smooth and I have been seeing 22 MPG on the highway. There are some interior components that appear cheap, but they work fine and that is what counts. The leather seats are comfortable. Overall, I find the Highlander to be a solid performer.