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 sub - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By canadaboy - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Great suv - looks good - drives great

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  the best SUV yet - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Scott Hicks - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The highlander was a smooth ride, excellent handling, luxurious comfort, and just an overall reliable vehicle.

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  Very Satisfied! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Rodc1 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Have driven Navigators last few years. This is a much easier vehicle to drive. Much more practical space for kids, hauling, etc. The wife now asks to drive the van, something she never desired with the suv. Now that i tasted the good life cant see ever going back to an suv.

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  Smooth Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Shania Jackson - June 10 - 8:06 pm

  Its like Im driving a smooth toyota car but Im sitting up higher. It maneuvers smoothly around NYC corners and its easy to transport the elderly in it.

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  Nothing bothersome or disturbing - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Fastlane - June 10 - 4:46 pm

  Had mostly higher end wheels. Always new such as Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Land Rover, Volvo as well as wild exotics and quite a few SUVs and pickup trucks. This is my first experience with Toyota and Im loving it. I feel like it took a while but now I get it. Had to have the 50+ MPG - a political thing to be sure but I am sick of sending my hard earned bucks out of the USA and to big oil companies. I also believe that global warming is real and this car is really low emissions. This is a really well built fun to drive car -and a gadget freaks dream car. Its roomy, very quiet and really has nothing bothersome or disturbing at all. Its unique - in a class by itself.

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  Wish I had bought one sooner. - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Tricia - June 10 - 3:51 pm

  Every Chevy or Ford Ive owned needed constant repair. I bought this last year, used from a dealer. What a great lil suv. The only thing Ive bought are tires, oil and filter. Its never left me stranded. Ive never had to call my dad to come rescue me. Gas mileage is awesome. Mine is the sport with the Hood scoop. My dads getting too old to keep working on broken down vehicles. I think he loves that Ive had it with no issues. Parking in tight spots is a breeze too. Ive got 149,000 miles and runs like its brand new. If I could change anything it would be the awd to 4wd .. I like to control that myself. But Im not complaining. Ive read they can go to 300,000 so Im crossing my fingers... love this suv!

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  this is a fine car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By James Giesel - June 10 - 3:07 pm

  ive ony owned my new rav4 for a few weeks which makes many of the above value judgments sort of meaningless. But so far I have no complaints. The happiest aspect of our short life together is fuel economy - 28.5 mpg overall with a healthy dose of town driving and 31 and change on the interstate. My guess is that a light foot is the answer. We try our best to keep the "eco" light on and it pays off. Otherwise, the seating is more comfortable than it was in our 2009 rav an theres plenty of legroom in the rear. Havent tried to load her up for the annual trip to AK and am hoping that the lack of storage space under the rear floor wont be too much of an issue. Cant wait to try the off road performance!

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  Great Car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By aklemme - June 10 - 12:33 pm

  This was my first new car that I bought. The outside design is nice, as well as the inside. Its a very reliable car and works great as a commuter. Gas mileage is great. Has lots of bass in the radio, could make it a hit or miss.

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  The Best Vehicle Weve Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  My grandfather purchased our 2000 Toyota Camry XLE V6 brand new in fall 1999 fully loaded with all the options and accessories: with only one option lacking: fog lights. I am happy to say no one has suffered as a result. It was effectively a Lexus ES. The 3.0L V6 engine in this car makes it the most responsive car I have ever driven. When I need to pass someone on the highway, its a snap. I cant imagine having anything less under the hood. Yet its so quiet at idle that I can barely hear it. This car can barrel down the highway at 80 miles per hour as smooth as silk. I will drive this car forever, or until it dies, which doesnt seem possible anytime soon. Its 100% reliable.

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  Awesome Truck! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Slvrado03 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1997 Toyota Tacoma used. It only had 46,000 miles on it. I have never owned such a great vehicle. This is my first used vehicle, and I have had not one single problem with it. Even after 72,200 miles. I would recommend a Toyota to anyone looking for a vehicle.