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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  $mart Choice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By stephen - April 6 - 8:23 pm

  Purchased vehicle new w/ leather, sunroof, JBL, 30 months/21K ago. Choice was based primarily on "return of investment" having shopped for used versions (CRV/RAV) realizing their high resale values. I am still pleased with my choice, my RAV is roomy, rattle free,comfortable, easy to live with, nimble, relatively quiet, dependable, versatile and averaging 23 mpg in mixed driving. Sure I see more exciting, faster, sexier choices out there (I still struggle with the tire on the back) but whether hauling 4 adults to the airport, 3 dogs to the groomer or 30 bags of mulch I am hard pressed to find another vehicle that comes close to doing them all as well. The RAV has been a $mart choice.

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  I Hate this Car! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Carol - April 6 - 6:50 pm

  The engineer who did the interior layout of this car should be fired! It is the most random placement of the rear A/C controls (above and behind the left rear seat?!). The Navigation system told me to make a u-turn and then after 100 yards told me to make a u-turn again! It shows me on roads Im not even on! The voice activate button doesnt work! The rear seats fold up in a complex non-user friendly way and then to hold them up you hook a strap to the overhead handle! This SUV is so OVERPRICED! You cant get tires for this thing because they are 18" wheels! Its got too much body roll! The tailgate makes it imposible to reach in the back!!

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  Crazy about it! - 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By quipepeo - April 6 - 6:08 pm

  I am averaging 30.2 mpg and just as surprised with the performance of this Hybrid. I spend a lot of time researching six- and seven-passenger SUVs to drive 26,000+ miles per year. I am convinced I made the right choice. The car offers the perfect balance of power/fuel economy, space/size and luxury/utility. The interior of this Limited version is very attractive without seeming opulent or grandiose. I love the car for its comfort and handling but most importantly for the confidence it seems to inspire while driving. Its a sense of feeling at peace.

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  Smart Choice! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Patrick Law - April 6 - 2:06 pm

  Prius is probably "the" car for a geeky engineer like me: Drive by wire throttle, hybrid engine, re-generative brake, computerized engine display, etc. You also get the build quality of a Toyota. It may not be a big deal for its gas mileage nowaday as gas price is just a bit over $1. But as a VULEV (very ultra low emission vehicle), I feel a lot better driving this car around.

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  Reliable car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By rita adams - April 6 - 1:30 pm

  Very reliable car.

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  Good move to buy Camry XLE - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - April 6 - 9:46 am

  I find the handling great and the fuel economy wonderful. Thought about a Lexus GS 300, but made a better decision with the Camry. Like the 6 disc CD changer and sound system very much!

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  Everything you would expect from Toyota - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By BC - April 6 - 9:13 am

  I drove the Sonata, Accord, and Malibu before choosing the Camry. I enjoyed all the cars except for the Honda. When 0% interest hit I took the Camry out for a spin. This vehicle is smooth, quiet, and surprisingly peppy. I have read the reviews about the interior and I feel that it is very adequate. I also enjoy the ride and like the steering feel. As a commuter or family vehicle you cant go wrong with the Camry. This is my first Toyota and I am impressed thus far.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bong Alquiroz - April 6 - 7:36 am

  When I bought my 4runner in 2004 I am not expecting that this car is that good, I am satisfied with the power and the stability when you are driving in the freeway, going up in the mountain and offroad, the engine is very quiet, gas mileage? Just right. What else can I say..it is an awesome SUV.

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  Stylish Step in the Right Direction - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Guy - April 6 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my Limited AWD hybrid Highlander for one year now, and no problems yet. Its acceleration is a lot of fun. And its wood and leather interior, and "gold package" metal nameplates on the exterior, all give this vehicle a lot of style. Highway mileage is the 27/31 hwy/city mpg as advertized, as long as I dont go above 65 mph. Otherwise it drops to 24-25 mpg. No chance to measure city- only mpg, but it is higher than hwy mileage, maybe 31. But with sunroof, headroom is a little low for my 62". Legroom barely adequate. And though William Shatner was right about its smooth ride, seats seem way too firm for much comfort on long trips.

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  Wish I Could Own It Forever - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Happy Camper - April 6 - 1:03 am

  Just passed 326,000 mi. on my Sienna. Purchased new in 1999 - absolutely the best car ever! Faithful maintenance seemed pricey at the time-timing belt every 60,000 miles, e.g., but I stuck to it & can count the number of repairs on one hand. Water pump at 200,000, stuck seat belt, tie rod ends @ 250,000. Had 3 prior Chrysler minivans, none of which lasted more than 140,000; all needed new radiators, transmissions etc. Inconceivable on this van. Not even broken plastic parts. Didnt use the tow package til recently. Added a trailer hitch and took a full U-haul across the Appalachians at 300,000 miles w/no problems. Driver seat has great lumbar support - when my back hurts I go sit in my car.