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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  My Report - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Sport - June 13 - 6:33 pm

  The best small care I ever owned since 1963!

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  Recommended - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By StlCards - June 13 - 8:36 am

  Did some research and decided on the HH Limited based on gas mileage (better all around than my 4cyl. 2008 Accord), room/comfort, and reliability (customer feedback, Consumer Reports recommendations, and car mag editors). Smooth ride plus some nice features but youd expect that from a $44k vehicle. Also drove the Lexus RX Hybrid and Caddy SRX, both of which were equally smooth but opted for more room and a decent deal since Toyota is trying to rebuild their goodwill. Note that at the time of this writing, the Toyota 0% financing is for non- Hybrid only. My Credit Union offered a lower rate but when you start the negotiations, Toyota will match rates - but make them go lower.

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  Toyota - best car on road - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By bond bayse - June 13 - 7:50 am

  Ive owned three Lincolns and they dont compare to the Sienna. Mileage is great... just got back from a 7,230 trip and couldnt have asked any more from a vehicle... rode great, good mileage, avg almost 25 mpg for the whole trip. Traveled from NC to the west coast and back with numerous stops in between. One reason why the trip was so great was the ride was great. I give my Toyota a solid 9.75. Reason for no 10 is thatI honestly thought Id do a little better on the gas mileage.

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  Garbage - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By morther - June 13 - 2:33 am

  I wish I could return this piece of junk but I am locked in for another 2 years on my lease. This car is no fun to drive because the pickup is horrid. When you need to accelerate there is nothing there. Mine even stalls a bit before accelerating. Dash board makes a squeaky/rattle when the weather is below 50 F. Toyota has good financing but it is not worth it. The car looks great, but that is about the only thing good I can say about it.

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  nothing,but a nightmare - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By chucky - June 13 - 1:30 am

  i bought this car in 07. it has been a piece of junk. to begin, the windshield started to leak twice at 5000,and at 10000. then the brake lights went out.fix them at my expense. then it started to make a funny noise at acceleration. took it back. the diagnosis was that thier was a deformed hose leaking from the trans. oh yeah ,and that was at 17000 miles. took it back at 22000 miles because the glove compartment was falling apart. and know at 42000 miles the check engine light came on because the car jerks when acceleration. theirs other miner stuff i didnt mentioned,but these are the main ones. thinking of taking toyota to court,or get my money back.

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  Love it! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By vdurbin - June 13 - 12:20 am

  I have had my Echo for 6 years. I am about to trade it in so I can have room for my sons car seat. I will miss it dearly! I have had no major problems. I just replaced the original battery. It still gets good gas mileage!

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  WATER PUMP Failures - Majorly Expensive - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amyb6 - June 12 - 5:20 pm

  I am on my third, very expensive, water pump replacement. Toyota recalls for everything and they should certainly cover this one!!!! It is a design flaw for sure.

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  High Five to the Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Ragini Aggarwal - June 12 - 3:37 pm

  Excellent purchase. Handles like a van, not like a truck, and similar to a sedan. The leather and interior is excellent. Kids love it.

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  Short comings - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ozzyj - June 12 - 1:07 pm

  I have a 2007 FJ 4x4 with all the bells-and whistles; although I have had no mechanical difficulties, I have to say that it is not without its problems. Its paint chips if the wind blows, itÂ’s all over the road with wind over 25 mph, has dangerous blind spots, too wide for most off road situations, weak tie rods, front windows break easily due to shape/angel e, frames on some are weak and buckle, some have weak rear differential, terrible transmission, poorly designed for water usage for a 4x4, (short rods in motor so if you make a mistake in the water you will have to replace the motor), poor gas mileage, engine wines over 40 mph, even with change of tires itÂ’s squarely on slick surfaces (

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  Lexus in disguise - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By EDDY - June 12 - 12:20 pm

  Did a lot of research.Toss up between Sienna & Odyssey. I am disabled and need a AWD vehicle that can accommodate my scooter and me. I have a wooden right leg and need room to bend the leg to hit the gas. Dash board is high enough with no interference. AC outlet lets me charge scooter. The color is Silver Pine Mica with a Taupe Interior. It looks like a Lexus inside with the wood grain on the steering wheel, dash, and arm rests. Folding mirrors are the best thing they ever did.Should be standard on all vans. I have every option on this van except Lasser Cruise, HID Headlights, Spoiler & Satellite Radio. I wish it had the HID Headlights Standard with the Limited Pkg.