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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  4WD SR5 4 RUNNER/V6 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By AF-NDI-guy - July 19 - 10:00 am

  So far it has been worth every penny even though I had for this short time. My buddy has a 2004 and I had the chance to ride in it every time we played golf. It has plenty of room for our golf clubs and pull carts! Also I am in the military and haul alot of gear around and it also has plenty of room for that. The ride is uncomparable to my last vehicle Jeep GC V8,2001. The interior design is simple but very modern looking. The exterior is to fall in love with. The safety features are just too long to list! If you are looking at getting one you will be satisfied and get your moneys worth from it reliability and re-sale value!

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  Loyal Toyota customer - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Sandra Langley - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander is my first SUV and I love it! The ride is so smooth and comfortable. It is not built as high as some other SUVs therefore it is easier to get in and out. Gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV (better than I expected). My average MPG is 20 to 21.

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ToyoNic - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Despite the rave reviews, I was disappointed in the new 05 Tacoma. Have had Toyota trucks sine 1985 and there things to really like about this 05 version, but, they missed the mark in a few areas. My same major complaints about the 02 Tacoma still exist - mainly way too much engine noise in the cab. For some reason, Toyota stopped insulating under the hood and it makes a big difference. My 92 Toyota 4x4 was quieter than anything made since including the 05. On the plus side, maintenance of this truck is super simple. No more oil change hassling. The oil filter now sits on top of the engine within very easy reach and the oil drain plug is a snap to access w/o the need to remove anything else.

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  i love my car - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By irvh - July 19 - 10:00 am

  when i drive this car, i feel like i can pull out onto highways and not get killed. it handles like a car but has SUV features.this is the most room and perfomance a family man can get without having to buy a mini-van. I hate mini vans

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  awesome ride - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By cliffre - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for a v-6 it gets better gas mileage than what the sticker says if you dont lead foot it but normal driving great. We took it on a trip it got 29-32 mpg with air on even with regular gas just a little better with higher octane

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  Bucks Review - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Bucky Allen - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Lack of personality seems out of context. It seems all who comment on my new Corolla, including my wife, like the small, compact body style, especially w/its sleek headlights and rear spoiler. Gas milage is awesome compared to my Toyota Tacoma Club Cab. The interior, although a dull grey color, is offset with the silver-grey gearshift. We love the dashboard, especially when it is lit up at night. Handling of the Corolla is super as it very responsive in acceleration & turning. There is ample leg room in the backseat. All-in-all, for the price, Id buy another Corolla over any American-priced vehicle. Ive been a Toyota owner since 1990 & have no plans change.

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  Camry LE 2005 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By sjohnson22 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Camry 05 has enough power to accelerate onto freeways and I am really happy with the comfort and ease of driving. All of the controls are within reach. It is a fun car to drive, because it is so easy to maneuver. The lumbar support in the drivers seat is an extra plus I did not expect at such a reasonable priced car.

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  2017 Toyota HighLander XLE AWD - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve Mulligan - July 19 - 7:47 am

  The Toyota HighLander is built in Princeton Indiana (USA). We bought because of the Mid SUV and the mid model XLE has more features at a great price. We have owned lots of autos and for the pricing it is very quiet,smooth ride and has tons of safety features on the mid line model. We choose the Walnut brown color because it is just a pretty color with black leather and second row captain seats. We are both happy we chose the HighLander.

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  Great overall midsize - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By gumpscheck - July 19 - 7:18 am

  Has been a good truck so far. Bought my 2009 TRD Off Road in March of 2010 (used). Truck had 16K when I bought, now has almost 60K. This thing is great on the highway. Much quieter than my wifes CRV. After reading these reviews, looks like the 6 speed manual was a good choice. Only problem Ive had is the radio issue others have noted of turning on/off on its own. Six speed manual not the best on mpg, but tows well and off roads well.

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  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By VN - July 19 - 6:40 am

  This is my third Toyota pickup: 94 Hilux; 03 Tacoma; 05 Tacoma. My dealer is driving the 94 Hilux, a guy in town has my 03, and I am happy with my 05 Tacoma. These trucks never quit! I installed an aftermarket moon roof and the Dee Zees to offset the looks. Truck has good starting, no hesitation in acceleration, and offers a very smooth ride (I have the long bed double cab which has plenty of room).