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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  Drives like a dream - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By B & R - July 13 - 9:50 pm

  We purchased our Highlander on Memorial Day weekend. Our previous car was a Chevy Tahoe which sat in our driveway most of the time being such a gas guzzler. We tried the Honda Pilot 2008 (we have a 2000 civic) & found it didnt compare with the Highlander. We needed the towing capacity plus smooth traveling ride & storage. We have the lighted running boards which are wonderful. I have short legs & love the lighting at nite to get into the car. The console in front & the lighted panel have all the bells & whistles you need when on the road. WE JUST LOVE THE CAR!

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  ultimate reliability - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By 9 longyears - July 13 - 7:16 pm

  my wife bought this car new 9 years and 214,000 miles ago. other than brakes and tires all parts are original with the exception of the starter, which we replaced last year. we are not gental car owners; its maybe been washed 4 times, we have driven 4 hours with two large dogs(over 200lbs) in the back seat (many times), and for the last two years abused by my daughter. it makes that energiser bunny look like a wuss. its taken us from college to first jobs, from apartments to first home, through dating to marrige and kids. best built car ever.

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  Miss my Jeep Grand Cherokee. - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Bud Mudge - July 13 - 4:33 pm

  Although there were things on the Jeep I really like, the Highlander is fine. The Highlander driver-seat-belt arrangement is difficult to reach when starting a drive. I miss the handles of the Jeep: they were where the side-air-bags are located in the Highlander so have to use the steering wheel as a "grab" on entering. I prefer the 4wd selector in the Jeep as opposed to the method in the Highlander which essentially is front-wheel-drive with automatic traction transfer to the rear wheels as sensors determine. Gas mileage of the Highlander V-6 seems to be about the same as the "in-line-six" of the Jeep; around 27-28 hwy. I also miss the gauges of Jeep (oil, etc.) and "warning lights" may be just a tad too late. Had leather seats in the Jeep with seat-warmer; no need for seat warmer with the Highlanders fabric seats. Dragging myself, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century so, I will eventually get used to the Highlander. In all, it has more bells and whistles than the Jeep and I driving with the manual on my lap at times.

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  A big inconvinient - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Lourdes - July 13 - 5:37 am

  If you buy model corolla L 2016 there is not cruise control and according to the parts department it is no even an option to buy it and have the dealer install it.

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  2008 yaris hatchback is a beast!!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By logek_aok - July 12 - 9:53 pm

  First off as a guy always driving big cars this was a change...But a good one i drove a toyota avalon but the gas was killing me.So did the research and the Yaris kept coming up.I drove every where in this car from chicago philly new york new jersey south carolina virginia and so on..Never a break down low maintenance just put gas and change oil thats it. Did a couple of up grades weathertech window vents and mats..Go on ebay and get oem parts thats dont come standard like armrest, cargo cover and cargo net..way cheaper than dealer

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  Ultimate Function - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By WildYoats - July 12 - 5:36 pm

  Bought my 4runner with 155k on the odometer 4 years ago for 4k and now I have 231k on it and it still runs great. I get 21-26mpg out of the 3.4L, 4x4 setup. Ive done a timing belt job, brakes, and tires, thats it! I do 10k mile oil changes (full synthetic everything) and it doesnt burn/leak any oil. I absolutely love the front cupholder location. It is out of the way and I can still work all the climate controls etc. Toyotas are very thoughtfully over-engineered which makes them indespensible to me. They are the epitome of a functional, rugged, useable, economical, comfortable, and safe tool that transports you in city or wilderness.

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  Good, but not great - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Duffy - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  Been driving mine for last 2 yrs and it is fun, but on the practical side pretty bad blind spots (everyone agrees on that), exterior paint chips easily, front windshield already cracked ($309 replacement... not sure where the person lives who paid $1200). The clamshell doors are terrible for getting in and out of. The front seat back wont even fold forward enough to help with rear entry. Noisy ride. When visor down, cant see a thing. Sorry to bring everyone down, but this a long list to consider when deciding to buy. Still the most original SUV around.

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  Great goodies! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Capt Bob - July 12 - 3:53 pm

  This is a great car which I have owned for a month. The thoughtful goodies on a fully optioned XLE Limited take a while to learn how to use, but worth the effort (and the expense). The car was delivered without a single defect. The navigation sytem is improved over the 2002 system. However, the run-flat tires cost $425 each to replace and it seems that no one stocks them. Toyota advises not to mix other types of tires with them. Although rated 4 season, they are not aggressively tread. Its an impracticle extra expense and Toyota should use regular tires, offering the run-flats as an extra cost option.

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  Avalon Right On - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Willam Boyd - July 12 - 2:20 pm

  The Avalon has proven to be a well engineered sedan. Fit and finish are excellent. I get 29 to 31 mpg on the highway and 21 to 23 mpg in city/ suburban driving. The ride is firm yet bumps are not transmitted to the passengers. All controls are well thought-out. I am especially pleased with the navagation system. Toyota is right on with this excellent car. The transmission and engine provide a smooth flow of power under all conditions.

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  Be loved for almost 3 years - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By BMCDEXPRES - July 12 - 10:53 am

  I purchased this truck brand new on July 28, 2005 and I have put only 17600 miles on it, because I only drive 5 miles to work and I have been loving it since day one. Since I own a home this truck is so useful. Driving is fun and so comportable for a short or long drive. Its been almost 3 years now I have not been in the shop for any kind of repair other than oil change. I am happy with the quality and the reliability of this truck. I think I have made a good choice.