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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  2008 Highlander Hybrid a success - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By TLB - November 7 - 11:56 am

  The Highlander Hybrid is almost everything we hoped for, typical Toyota near perfect fit and finish. Mileage is averaging 25 after 1st 1200 miles. High tank on Oregon Coast trip of 29 MPG, low tank MPG 23. My experience with hilly areas with any hybrid CVT produce lower mileage figures and holds true with the Highlander. I have owned Escape, Prius and Civic hybrids with this being smoothest drive train transition of any hybrid. Decision between RX 400 and waiting for Highlander has been good one. More room and seating configurations, better mileage.

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  Prius w/over 48,000 miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ronnie873 - November 7 - 4:33 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Prius. It now has over 48,000 miles. My primary complaint is the exterior door material. If you barely hit the door, it leaves a mark or a ding (my car is white). Also, the interior is extremely difficult to keep clean. The armrests are very worn. The fabric seems cheap. Other than that, the car is great. I always average over 50 MPG. I routinely drive the car on the highway at speeds greater than 70 MPH and I still get great gas mileage. I traded in my Jeep (14 MPG) for the Prius and Im so glad I did. The car is quiet, smooth and a joy to drive.

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  Huge Improvement over previous - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Skylandry - November 6 - 7:23 pm

  I owned a 2000 Frontier and a 2002 Tacoma crew cab 4wd. The 2005 is light years ahead of the both. Ride, comfort and inside finish are excellent. I compared it to the Nissan which had much to offer but the ride and seats were marginal. If you want a compact 4wd truck, the Tacoma is the best truck/value in the game. This truck is even great for long highway commutes. Only thing they need to add is the power window in the back like the Tundra.

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  First Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Weissman - November 6 - 6:16 pm

  First hybrid owned. Amazing amount of interior space; most versatile small hatchback around. Interior fit and finish a little disappointing (large gaps on chrome trim on steering wheel) and the color matching on the hard plastic surfaces is peculiar. "heads up" display of steering wheel controls not particularly useful; soft control buttons annoying. Handles well for a car with 15" tires. Have noticed the braking issue on uneven surfaces, though. Getting 55+ mph combined mileage without driving abnormally.

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  What a Great Car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Susanne Stafford - November 6 - 4:50 pm

  I love my Prius! It is beautiful, I love the design, and the headlights - she seems sassy to me. The interior is spacious and you feel like your in a much larger car. There is a lot of leg and head room, I am short and find it comfortable but have taken lots of tall folks around in it and they all agree that it is spacious. But the thing I most love is bragging about my really great gas mileage! I get an easy 48.8 mpg and on a recent trip got 48.5 at 77 mph. Great car! Thanks.

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  Our first new vehicle ever - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chad Uecker - November 6 - 11:49 am

  We love our Tacoma. Perfect for my wife to drive and park, good mileage for a 4x4 and plenty of power and room.

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  Unbelievable Drive!! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By dustino - November 6 - 6:42 am

  This Vehicle is Worth every last cent!! Went in to trade our 08 Nissan Quest in and wasnt totally sold that I wanted to be upside down in the loan but after driving this vehicle for 2 min I knew we had to have it. The smooth steering and the way this van glides on the road is very impressive.

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  Lovin it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By mejohnson3 - November 5 - 11:26 pm

  The ride and noise comfort is outstanding for an SUV, close to our 08 Camry. It is extremely spacious for 4 adults and the third row seat is very functional. My gas mileage is averaging 21 MPG with little expressway driving. The AWD technology is superior, completely automatic, and provides a reassuring driving experience for all conditions. I have a boat that I tow and the V6 provides plenty of power and the brakes are fantastic. Im very particular about my vehicles and Im completely satisfied and would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  2010 Toyota Prius IV with NAV - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By agnosto - November 5 - 6:10 pm

  This is the 2nd best purchase of a vehicle I have ever done and I have no regrets so far after over 400 miles. I used to have a 2007 TCH and traded in bought a 2010 4Runner LTD 4WD V6 with NAV and traded in to this beauty 2010 Toyota Prius IV with NAV and my experience so far is what an amazing vehicle. Only regret is I did not purchase it earlier and instead of the 2010 4Runner

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  You get what you need! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Neil Marwan - November 5 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this certified 2013 based on our need for an affordable yet very reliable vehicle. The mpg is a little under what I was looking for but filling it up at $2.80 a gallon certainly doesnt break the bank .