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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  5.5 years and still loving it! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Gerri - July 23 - 1:50 am

  I originally bought this car, my first Toyota, because it was rated #1 in Advanced Safety (the lighted running boards were a plus too!). Over 77,000 miles later, it still gets 22 mpg around town, 26 mpg on road trips and Ive only had to replace the tires at 56,000. No other expense except for oil changes every 3,000 miles. That emissions light does come on with the gas cap issue, but I just let it stay on. Cargo compartment more than adequate for my needs -- 400 lbs of chicken feed and two bales of hay on the luggage racks on top! Back seat comfortably seats three if you need to. I just had it detailed so it is brand new all over again and I couldnt ask for a better, more dependable car

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  2006 4Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By MarkV - July 22 - 9:06 pm

  Overall very satisfied with the vehicle. It is a smooth and quiet ride on the highway, but can be uncomfortable on uneven surfaces. Suspension is tight and you can feel it. The safety items are great. Traction control and stability control are worth it. My wife complains when she dives it in rain/snow because the traction/stability control is too contolling. But she also spun my old truck in the rain one time because she just gave it more gas when the wheels spun. The 4Runner doesnt let you mess up like that.

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  Tacoma review - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jhartt - July 22 - 6:13 pm

  Its a very practical vehicle for light efficient use and is extremely reliable.

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  Everything is perfect!!!! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Dimitre V. Vasilev - July 22 - 1:26 pm

  Excellent car!!!!

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  this aint no cupcake - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jfalbanese - July 21 - 1:30 pm

  Traded my 04 tacoma in for this bad boy. Totally redesigned for 05. Interior is luxurious, and huge. Exterior is a real head turner. Love the longer bed, looks great with the toyota aluminum tool box. 4.0 litre is a breath of fresh air, compared to the gutless 3.3 litre from last year. Ive only driven it a few hundred miles, but cant find a negative thing to say about it

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  7000 miles in three months - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jasper Pearl - July 21 - 11:43 am

  I have owned a TCH for over three months, the mileage has been around 42 MPG on every tank since 2500 miles. It must have some brake in parts that take time to jell. It now runs on pure electric at 40 MPH on the flat and indicates over 60 MPG at 80 MPH on the flat. Great car and with the miles we put on it, the pay back will be quicker than the six years I estimated. The ride is not equal to the Volvos that we own, but the design is very quiet at speed. Ill keep mine until fuel cells are up and running.

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  Work Horse in Style - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Travelmeister - July 21 - 11:01 am

  From a mans point of view, I wanted to have only one new vehicle for both intown and cross country travel. This 2017 Highlander LXE replaced a 2009 Highlander AWD Sport with 200K on it that only had one part (less than $400) replaced. Obviously that vehicle was passed down in the family. We pull a 4300 pound travel trailer and with wind and elevation gain the 09 got around 9 to 10mpg at 70mph. With no bike rack or trailer, it averaged 23-24mpg on the highway. The 2017 gets around 15mpg pulling the trailer and pulls much easier with the additional HP and speeds. My wife enjoys all the safety features, GPS and phone system. We have had the vehicle for only 1 month so can not comment on reliability,

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  Excellent Investment - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Airedale - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Totally satisfied with power, ride, and comfort. Goes over bumps and railroad tracks smoother than my previous larger car. Excellent visibility all around and more space than needed.

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  Awesome Little Spunky Car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By kievyn - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Must have for the small budgeted individual. Has style, spirit. A great little "puudle-skipper!"

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  So Far so good - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By killa21 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had it for a year now and I am completely satisfied I invested in such a truck because I havent had any problems so far and I put around 30,000 miles a yr on it so far and its still like new...!!!