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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  Very Happy Highlander owner - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By dubrich - June 25 - 2:50 pm

  Traded in a 05 MB E320 after being fed up with avg annual maintenance of $1000. Drove it from SC to Dallas, TX and EVERYONE loved it, ESP. the kids. Very roomy for the 1st 2 rows. 4 Adults and 3 kids {ages 9,8,7} fit comfortably without the center seat on the 2nd row while driving around the city. 0% for 60 months also makes it even that much more enjoyable! 2nd Toyota purchased within 2 weeks of each other {due to 0%}. Also averaged 27, that is right, 27 MPG at an average speed of 70 MPH over a 6 hour stretch of flat interstate. Always dreamed of owning an E-class since middle school, but I DO NOT MISS IT! Love the HL.

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  Fun and strong SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By pat - June 24 - 2:36 pm

  We have had the Highlander Hybrid since January and love it. While we all would like better mileage, especially at $2.50/gal., we are happy what with this vehicle delivers. If you pay attention, you can get over 32 mpg even on the highway. We typically get 29+ in the city during the summer. So far this winter I believe we are down to 26-27 avg. Its been cold. We are looking forward to many years of fun and transportation with this vehicle.

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  GREAT!!!!!! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By n n beckett - June 24 - 2:09 pm

  the car is not really suitable for the shak oneal size, better for us smaller folks! It is great to drive, has made us more energy conscious! better mileage than what has been published....huge learning curve for the electronics, maybe well know most by the time the car has logged 50,000 miles. husband has an antique muscle car, threatens to record the engine noise on a disc, play it in the prius at a stop light (with the windows rolled down), but he loves the prius!

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  RELIABLE, ECONOMICAL TRANSPORTATION!!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By CAMRY ROCKS! - June 24 - 12:03 pm

  If you actually READ THE MANUAL, and drive it gently for the 1st 3,000k, this car will be the most reliable car youll ever own! I bought my camry with 26K miles and its still going strong @ 88,600!! NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM!! You would be among the people expecting 250K+ miles on regular maintainance without major repairs. (brakes; depending on your braking habits and tires, maybe an o2 sensor) It even went through a 1,400- mile road trip to CANADA!!

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  Love My Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By pland - June 24 - 11:40 am

  Went to the dealership looking for a Highlander (same size as a Highlander). When we drove the Venza fell in love with it! We were impressed by the smooth drive of the car and the pick up on acceleration. My husband loved it at first sight. Love the comfort and room.

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  Highlander 2005 - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By SUZ - June 24 - 11:00 am

  This is the greatest vehicle that I have owned. Its fun to drive, very comfortable and I would buy another in a heartbeat. I have had several different vehicles including 3 SUVs and I love this one the best. Having the 3rd row is like a bonus. We dont use it much but it is nice to know its there if we need it.

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  Love My Camry - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Cynthia Henry - June 24 - 7:29 am

  This is the 2nd Camry that I have bought and I love the power and feel of the vehicle. I am now a Proud owner of 2 Camry LEs!!!

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  Toyota Corolla CE Manual - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert - June 24 - 1:30 am

  I just bought the 2005 Toyota Corolla CE manual. Its my very first car ever and I went with Toyota because of their reliability and the low cost of the car. Coulnt be happier. Amazing gas mileage. Ive put 600 miles on the car and Ive only had to fill it up once so far.

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  Simply Glorius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By brenda.spencer - June 23 - 8:26 pm

  Ive never rated anything ALL 10s before. That sums up the Prius experience for me, and I hope it will encourage you to "go for it." You will not be disappointed in any way, if you are deciding whether or not to buy one.

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  Exteremly Happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Eve - June 23 - 7:23 pm

  I have had a Saturn Vue for several years, and I hated it. The MPG on the Saturn was 19. When the new style Highlander came out, I dragged my husband to the dealer to test drive it. I fell in love with it. I has everything I could want in a SUV. Its the best investment I could ever ask for. And the gas mileage is great. I am getting between 24 to 26 MPG.