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:

• 

  I love the car. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dennis - February 23 - 8:23 am

  This is the best car in this class. I test drove a BMW-3. Even ignoring the price difference and the fact its in a different class I liked the Solara better.

• 

  Intermittent buzzing sound - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tophe - February 23 - 7:07 am

  Toyota refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with intermittent buzzing sound. I complained to two dealerships but Toyota said it is as designed. COME ON!!!!

• 

  Design unfriendly. - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Masood - February 22 - 11:40 pm

  The drivers seat is very uncomfortable in a city driving condition. It does not hold you in at turns, very hard to sit on. The height adjuster for seat is not easy to work with. My Corolla LE 2008 has only 12700 miles, but the engine makes a popping noise and a shifting noise when I either put it in Drive or Reverse gear. I constantly have to adjust the side view mirrors to match the seat height. The car gives me 28 mpg in town. Its hard to see the side of the car at turns. There should have been a turn signal built on the front side like 10" behind the head light on both sides. It will be easier for other cars in the lanes next to Corolla to see. Same signal should be on all four sides of the car.

• 

  Initial Impressions - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MJS - February 22 - 9:20 pm

  ~200 miles so far. Comfortable but chassis is geared for grandma. I prefer more responsive steering and suspension feedback but hey, this is a Toyota. I bought this for the MPG only and the need for a SUV. Otherwise not too exciting. Ride is quiet but steering is a bit loose at highway speeds. Too much assist and its not the speed sensitive type. Center console lacks imagination. No coin slot for individual coins amongst others. I can fit a rear facing carseat behind the passenger seat and someone can still ride in the front. Too bad you cant put the child seat in the center and have two 2nd row passengers (seat belt interferes) So far about 24mpg... lots of breaking in left

• 

  Love It - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Tom Crowley - February 22 - 11:16 am

  I traded in a 1994 Lincoln Town Car on the Highlander. A very good decision. My first impression was the short turn ratio. My second, was that the V6 is the size engine that handles this weight vehicle better than the 4- cylinder. Finally, it rides like a passenger vehicle...most of my passengers make that comment. Rides five comfortably. My understanding is that it rides on the Camry chassis.

• 

  Luxury Car without the Luxury Price - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Power2g - February 22 - 10:50 am

  This is a great car with plenty of luxury and power. The fit and finish is great, the drive is luxurious with power to pass even the sports car. I cant believe this is a Toyota even more so I cant believe it is an Avalon. As you drive the Avalon you will feel like you are in a Lexus more than a toyota. There was a lot of thought put into this machine prior to going to production. With the economy the way it is saving a few thousand dollars on a vehicle is great.

• 

  Great Car...Never a problem - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Burnie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This car handles like a dream. In nearly 6 years of ownership, Ive had but one problem, an electrical quirk with the passenger side window control being erratic when the passenger tries to control it. Problem is relieved with touch from drivers side, then passenger side control is resumed. Service Dept. could not nail down problem, so Ive lived with it. Otherwise, theres not a thing wrong with the car.

• 

  Great for Large families - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bbrown - February 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love taking our family of 7 on trips in our Sequoia. We fit very comfortably. My second youngest son who is 6 sits in the back row is comfortable. Im 65" and have plenty of legroom in the driver or front passenger side. This SUV handles great.

• 

  Almost perfect - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By JB - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car in a congested city every day. It is perfect in traffic. I always feel "comfortable" with my speeds and I have a tendency to go over the speed limit, but it holds the curves good. I drive occassionly on a 65 mph highway and before I know it, I`m up to 75 and 80 mph, without feeling any scary moments. The only time I get concerned is on those "draw bridge grids". The tires may not be wide enough. The one thing that I absolutely can`t stand is the ice-cold air does not come on soon enough. I "melt" down before the air is cold. At least 10 blocks to get cool air. Evidently there is NOT enough insulation. Thank you.

• 

  Sparky - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Sanchez - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a wonder! I have not had one single problem with this vehicle. The quality of the fit and finish is second to none. The economy and ecology are more advanced than most cars on the road today. Once you drive it you begin to drive wonder why this technology hasnt become common with more vehicles on the road today. When in stop and go traffic with only the electric motor on, you understand just how wasteful gas only cars are. I have 75000+ miles on this car and will buy the 2004 Prius with every option I can get.