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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  Echo - year 2000 - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Helen Crowe - July 17 - 3:00 pm

  Great car with wonderful visibility. We get 40 mpg and cant understand why you dont advertise it more. Other owners we meet love theirs too. Ours is a 2000 year model.

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  2007 Camry LE - Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By toyota_owner1 - July 17 - 4:53 am

  I purchased my 2007 Camry LE with 5000 miles. The car has now 57K. I have changed the oil and driven this car ever since I bought it and I am very happy with the purchase. The only problem that I have had was the check engine light came on at about 35k and there was an O2 sensor in the Charcoal Canister. This car is a very reliable car and requires very little maintenance if you treat it right. When you buy this car used with more than 50k, you take on the risk of having problems because you dont know how the previous owner(s) have treated this car, which is the only reason that I can think of about the negative reviews below. Overall, very happy with this car and would definitely buy again

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  Overall pretty good - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By pretty cool - July 17 - 3:36 am

  Just had 5000 mile service. I heard a humming noise at 40 mph, turns out it was in xmssn. Dealer replaced whole xmssn!! Fun to drive, but ride is really bumpy. I average 21-23 mpg driving mostly fwy. Great stereo system and bluetooth, love controls on steering wheel, love heated seats, love being higher up. Almost bought the Honda CRV, but couldnt get comfortable. RAV is easier to get in and out of, and RAV has 8-way adjustable seats which are great! Wish it had satellite radio standard like the CRV. Plenty of room for me up front, CRV was very cramped. I love the secret cargo area in back and also the cargo net. It carries groceries very well. Overall, I really like this car.

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  The excellent all-around 3 row crossover - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By MB - July 17 - 2:50 am

  I considered many different vehicles including other crossovers as well as large body on frame SUVs (Land Cruiser, Ford Expedition) but settled on the Highlander because it offers great utility and people carrying ability in a platform that is relatively fuel efficient (20.5 mpg mixed/24 mpg highway) but still offers moderate towing capacity. First the good: Great fit and finish, solidly built, very high quality interior (many parts would look at home in a Lexus), smooth engine, great acceleration for a 5000+ lbs vehicle, roomy 2nd row seat, drives like a compact SUV, great projected reliability and 5 year residual value. And the not so good: 3rd row seat is tight for adults (wouldnt plan on adults in the back for a road trip), no LED/HID headlights available at any trim level, no Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Navigation looks somewhat dated, infotainment screen hard to read in the sun or with polarized sunglasses, 8 speed auto has occasional rough upshift. Overall I am very pleased with the Highlander Limited Platinum. It has almost every bell and whistle and is a very comfortable and easy to drive vehicle. Im hopeful it lives up to its reputation for reliability.

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  Best SUV in its class - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JL012860 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Sequoia! Its so quiet and smooth; nice acceleration; doesnt feel like a truck like some SUVs; very small radius of turn for making tight U- ies; did I mention it was very quiet. Sucks up a lot of gas....compare to my Honda Accord. Very happy I with my choice...as long as gas price stays below $2.

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  Great Deal for the $$$ - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Robs T - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a no nonsense truck. Controls are easy. Drives and handles great on the road, the beach and in snow. The engine is not going to have you at the dragstrip anytime soon but it is a workhorse that is loaded with torque for towing and is very reliable.This is my 5th Toyota and it is true to the Toyota quality label.

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  The best little car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By KevinP - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven everything from VW beetles to Lincoln Towncars to 24 foot trucks and this car is the best in quality and fun Ive ever seen. Dont be put off by the "new" technology. Its proven itself. Ive had mine since 9/02 and have nearly 9000 miles without a hitch. Theres more room inside than my Infiniti I30 for a lot less money. The navigation system is great and accurate, worth every penny. Test drive a Prius and see.

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  Totaled my 02; immediately bght an 03 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By CWH - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Most comfortable car that I have ever owned. 660 miles in one day and felt better than 400 in my Mercury Sable. Exceeds every expectation that I had. SAFE. In a near headon it acted just like a race car; ie. passenger cage was solid and the rest of the car absorbed impact energy. Air bags deployed and I walked away UNHURT.

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  Prius 2002 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Ralf2002 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The Prius treats you to a very high quality vehicle with great comfort and safety for a compact car. The ride is surprisingly quiet! After 3500 miles driven I have achieved 40 mpg plus in Pittsburghs hilly terrain.

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  Cant beat the price! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Amensmasher - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchase a preown off a dealership with 9K on it. it has been great so far.. Its equiped the 5 SP. Air, bedliner And it provided adeq. Power, For basic truckin need. A 2WD will do. Just its horrible on SNOW.. It slides all over the place. The cabin is made for Japanese people where if you are over 6 foot tall, it can be uncomfortable. OK.. I think I have wrote enough. Let me sums it up. This truck is perfect if you are. A) Under 6 foot tall, B) Local Commute, C) Dont want to spend any money on repair. D) Love to pick furniture off the street. And not good for. A)Giant, b)Offroad Demons, C) People who like FORD, CHEV, or Dodge. D) Family Trip.