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 Car Ever - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Sophia - February 6 - 4:26 am

  I, unfortunately, was forced to sell my car 6 months ago because of a move. It was the best car ever! My mom purchased it new in 1997 and she passed it on to me with 30,000 miles in 2000. I drove it on long trips, long commutes, and stop and go traffic for 8 years and it NEVER gave me any trouble. The only thing I changed on it is the battery after 9 years of use and the tires because of normal wear and tear. I did regular maintenance on it to make sure it stayed happy and thats all I needed to do. I miss that car so much. If you get a chance to get one, buy it, you will not be disappointed!

• 

  Our traveler - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By stan - February 6 - 3:16 am

  We purchased the Highlander in February. Its only used as a family car. Since owning it we have taken it from Maine to Florida and have had no problems at all. The back seat became a little cramped for our 2 children ages 11 and 14 however we did make use of a luggage carrier and that did help a lot. We have never used the third row seat. I find it a pleasure to drive with plenty of power. It did take little while to learn the switches. The limited off-road capability is to be taken seriously. I have gotten it stuck twice in sand and have determined that I would have been better served in a 4-runner only because of my off-road demands. Overall I would consider it a wonderful vehicle.

• 

  Great family car. - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By annette Johnson - February 5 - 5:47 pm

  Will need more time before giving a review.

• 

  Death by sludge - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom - February 5 - 3:56 pm

  Great comfort, decent performance are the strengths here. Fuel Economy is lacking. It is no better than a Durango with a v8 Hemi. Despite faithful 3k mile oil changes (every 5k when switched to synthetic at 30k) sludge managed to best our engine. Despite showing all maintenance receipts for 5 year history. Toyota insists it was our lack of maintenance that caused the sludge and refuses to honor the warranty. Never again will we buy Toyota.

• 

  Not all I hoped for - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Olivia - February 5 - 11:26 am

  The car is okay. Nothing spectacular, I guess. The biggest disappointment Ive had so far is that Im getting about 21, 22 miles to the gallon despite the EPA estimate. I expected to do a little worse than the estimate, but not quite that bad. I dont know why my numbers are so much worse than everyone elses, but this is a big let down.

• 

  Toyota Sienna - A busy family must have - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Debbie - February 5 - 9:23 am

  I thought we needed an SUV with three kids. What I found was that my Sienna has everything an active family needs. Starting in the back. There is plenty of room for sports gear, backpacks and a trip to Costco. The seats are easy enough for me to put down or take out by myself. Weve even fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood when a pick up was unavailable to borrow. With seating for 8, we purchased the 8th seat option, I never have to think twice about transporting the kids friends. With hooks and pockets and drink holders, everybody has what they need at their fingertips.

• 

  Best SUV on the road - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By David - February 5 - 6:30 am

  This is the best full size suv on the market today. Buy the 5.7 380 plus HP engine for the incredible acceleration and the better gas mileage than the 4.7 litre. The interior in the limited is awesome, with illuminated dash similar to Lexus and hands free bluetooth phone system. The truck rides like a Bentley for 1/4 the cost.

• 

  perfect midsised sedan and fun to drive - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By galochkin - February 5 - 6:25 am

  Drove Honda Accord, VW Passat, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata but Toyota Camry was still the best among tested card.

• 

  great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By mark - February 5 - 5:13 am

  I drive mountain roads everyday and love the way the highlander drives those roads. It feels like a car and Im averaging 18 MPG non highway.

• 

  Excellent value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By DanW - February 4 - 8:53 pm

  Toyota quality with outstanding gas mileage. Great commuter car or for long trips. Got mine for $12K-cant beat that. Fun to drive.