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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  First New Car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By FirstNewCar - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my first new car a few weeks ago and I am SO GLAD I chose a Highlander! You cant beat the smooth ride and easy handling of this vehicle. I highly recommend anyone looking at SUVs to take a look at the Highlander. Youll be glad you did!

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  A Great gas saver - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - July 20 - 5:16 pm

  Just after purchase I decided to take a long summer car camping trip from DC through the Rockies (NM to MT), then over to the Sierras and down to LA, then back to DC. 13,000 miles in 7 weeks. Though the Prius isnt optimized for long highway trips, it did very well. 65 mph on cruise yielded 50-52 mpg, 70-75 mph yielded 46- 49 mpg. Hills and mountains hurt mileage. My worst tank was 44 mpg when I had many long steady climbs but the car had more than enough power to climb Slumgullion Pass in Colorado (11,900 feet) without struggling. The steering is a little numb. The car handles okay in curves but isnt agile. Very stable and little affected by wind. Hatchback takes tons of gear easily.

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  Our second SE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Oly - July 20 - 3:40 pm

  We found a lot of value in our 04 SE V6 so when we shopped a new car we looked for the same platform in a 2009. So far we are very pleased with the upgrades and the same solid performance and value we expected from the SE V6. It sits lower despite the bigger wheels and has a quieter and more "planted" ride than the older model. The brakes are excellent and the engine power is enhanced by the upgraded 6 speed transmission.

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  Love my FJ Cruiser! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Susan Signorelli - July 20 - 11:08 am

  I have owned my 2008 FJ Cruiser since 2009 when I bought it new! I absolutely love it. I am so disappointed that they have chosen not to continue manufacturing them. That is a real mistake, as the FJ is a fabulous as well as unique SUV! I am currently looking to possibly trade mine in for a new one, only because I want to be able to own one longer! Toyota rules, and it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The milarky about the blind spot being a problem, as far as I am concerned, is a problem ONLY for "inadequate" drivers. I have no problem navigating this vehicle! Love it! Toyota, please reconsider and bring them back!!!!!!

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  The perfect car... - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By nphillippe - July 20 - 7:30 am

  I absolutely love my Corolla DX. Its the perfect small car. Its reliable, comfortable, easy to drive, and handles great. So far it has about 98000 miles and Ive never had any problems. Unfortunately, my car was recently struck on the passangers side at about 70-80 mph, so I can also say that its reliable in a collision. The unibody absorbed the damage. Sadly, the body is unrepairable, although mechanically the car is still in perfect condition.

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  2004 SR-5 V-8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Howard Dunlap - July 20 - 3:50 am

  Nothing says reliability like Toyota. Its off-road capabilities are legendary. The ride is extremely capable. The fit and finish on the interior and exterior is outstanding. there is absolutely no creeking, squeeking or rattling of any kind. The power is great, although they increased the horses for 2005 to a reported 282 from 235. The torque went up 10 lbs. I didnt feel a big difference between the two when test driving. The only complant I have is the seat comfort and head room. The steering columb feels like its too far away causing fatigue in my arms. Also, because I am 6, my head is only 1 inch from the ceiling. But with its distinctive looks and preceeding reputation, who cares.

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  NOT buying Black Interior in Texas Heat - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Lisa Neidinger - July 19 - 6:28 pm

  This is a great car and I was ready to buy a Red SE -- until I found out that the Red exterior color in the SE only came with a black interior. Now Im not buying this year; hope Toyota provides a tan or light gray option with Red SE next year.

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  THE Best Video Game on Wheels - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By PriusInPA - July 19 - 5:00 pm

  A driving experience that really grows on you: started out great & just gets better & better each day. The darned Consumption display is addictive - and a wonderful driving lesson for kids (and parents). You get competitive with that display/video game, resulting in better driving. The seats are comfortable but power adjustment (@ least for driver) would help w/ leg room and thigh support. Interior room is surprisingly large. Gas mileage started out OK (51) and has been getting better, but high-speed highway travel just sucks petrol. Performance is adequate (or better if ya stomp on it). Aerodynamic design, but strong gusty cross-winds can still wiggle the car a bit. Great fun, great car!

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  Best truck I have ever had - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Jon Phillips - July 19 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first Toyota, first ever vehicle that was not Ford, Chevy, or Dodge. I bought mine used and have been amazed daily at how really good this truck is. 20 and sometimes more MPG on the highway. 14 to 16 running around town on errands but most of my use requires highway driving. I bought this truck as a grand experiment because I needed a vehicle that could do long mileage and not fail me when I needed it. So far, so good. This is the most comfortable truck I have ever used.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By toyfan - July 19 - 9:30 am

  Way better handling , performance than previous gen Celica, plus better fuel economy even though its driven enthusiastically. Great job by Toyota, was hard to locate one with ABS. So far has been trouble free, seems like it will go forever.