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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  great car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Marc - February 2 - 10:00 am

  rides like a champ, handles like a pro, an awesome machine. the best car Ive ever seen

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  great car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By marc - February 2 - 10:00 am

  rides like a champ, handles like a pro, an awesome machine. the best car Ive ever seen

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  Toyota Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Nave - February 2 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car you wont want to miss with excellent power.

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  Fun-SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By MichaelStroeher - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Best driving-fun, even on sandy roads.

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  More than Expected - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rudo - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Just got the 03 Highlander today. We were astounded by the seat fabric and the interior materials, upscale look, better than CRV/Pilot LX. The engine is peepy and the acceleration is surprisingly good. The ride is very similar to our Camry. Cabin is quiet and roomy. Body roll is very noticeable when cornering though. So far we like it.

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  So far Reliable but could be greatly improved... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By trichopsis - February 2 - 8:01 am

  76K miles. Impressive power, smooth tranny, deep gearing helps pull heavy loads with ease, suspension is supple. With a double cab and full bed, it does flex more than Id like it too. However, it is well mannered, predictable and quiet. I had to buy different bushings for the cab to stop the dreaded "bed bounce" issue. Mine was unbearable before. Interior-other than the stereo being hard to reach from where i sit, some of the plastics are kind of cheap feeling. If driven at 65 it will do what it states. I average 16.4 with 90% freeway in So Cal (pretty flat). 70-75 mph. Also, it says it has a 26 gallon tank - but Ive never filled more than 21...

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  Still happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Quitepleased - February 2 - 7:10 am

  Just passed 80,000 miles and still drives like new. Three issues though; first of all, never use 0w20 oil. My lifters have been tapping ever since I did. Second, I had to replace my brakes after only 8 months. Since then, drilled/slotted rotors w/ ceramic pads still have 50% on them. Third, what the heck is up with the tires? I was literally forced to purchased sports car tires for this sedan! The originals lasted 70k but now I have 40k warranty tires that cost more than the originals AND Ive lost an average of 6 mpg! This is stupid!

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By exraver - February 2 - 5:00 am

  Its ok. Just ok. Just enough power. Quite disappointing mileage. Cheap feel to everything, especially closing doors. Sounds like tin can. Wish wed looked longer. Id be depressed if this were my car, its my wifes and she doesnt notice. Whew. Dealership staff were great to deal with however.

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  2002 Highlander Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Jerry - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Highlander 6 years ago after much research. We moved to the city so this is our only car which does it all. It was an excellent buy and have not had a major problem, worst thing to happen was heater switch had to be repaired for $350. Highly recommend. We have a 2WD V6 which we both feel handles great and gets 20MPG in city and 24 on road with 87 octane. Drives just like a car. We buy cars that last and drive them till they die. Our next car will be a Hybrid Highlander but it may be a while before this one quits!

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  Love at first sight - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By ssaechai - February 2 - 1:10 am

  I test drove my car when it had only 3 miles. Right now, it is about 19000 on my odometer. I really love my car. I took it for 3-4 road trips and it was doing very well. Never had any problems. I paid only for regular maintenance. Good gas mileage. I get about 40 mpg in the city. I love the way the car handles and I really like the exterior of S model.