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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  mr 2 spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dave d - October 20 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive but i think for the price it could have more horse power and the sound system could be better it only has four speakers in it and it ok but i think it could be better everything else is ok

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  Almost perfect - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By LeeOfB - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Almost perfect mid-size SUV, but the leather seats are as slippery as ice. I often cant lay anything on the seat - it slides off during normal stopping. Also, the car has no back-up lights! Also would enjoy sound system controls on the steering wheel. Finally, my only other issue with the car is ego- related. I wish it looked more "butch". But I love having all the advantages of a SUV in a vehicle that delivers decent, civilized gas mileage yet rides like a car, with plenty of power. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Beware of dealers - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By abused - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The sienna drives nicely on even pavement. It can get bumpy/bouncy on regular roads. It has great sites to see cars in the usual blind spots. The carpet mats are chincy for such an expensive minivan. The air vents are either to cold or not cool enough-- maybe too close to the driver. The side opening doors are great and rear hatch. The sensors are great too. The engineer did a good job building the minivan. The dealerships need to get a grip and not be so arrogant and abusive to customers. Maybe headquarters should take over.

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  Nothing Like it - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Oceanwave38 - October 19 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 160,000 miles just because it is a Toyota and I know they will run forever! Vehicle drives excellent and handles well. The only problem I have encountered that I was told that is a common defect that should have been recalled by Toyota is the rear axle. The rear axle had to be totally removed and new bearings, brake shoes etc had to be replaced. I was told that this could be very very dangerous as fluid from the axle had leaked out over the brake shoes. I was told that had I had to apply the brakes very hard at sometime that they could have locked up causing the vehicle to go out of control. Toyota dropped the ball on this one for not recalling as is common prob

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  Everything is perfect - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By manny52 - October 19 - 11:55 am

  We purchased this vehicle for 9 months and are totally satisfied. We tried the Ford Explorer, the Honda Pilot and the Nissan Pathfinder but they all had one or more irritating aspect. The Highlander was perfect; everything was just right: the horsepower, steering, suspension, seats. It drives like a car and can transport 6 or 7 people (but not their luggage).

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  Good Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By graphical87 - October 19 - 2:58 am

  Ive had my Toyota highlander for about 5 months now. When I first got it it had almost 216,000 miles. Its a great SUV and pretty reliable with decent gas mileage. At about 218,000 miles the temperature gauge started going up , almost to red. It would go up and then down to normal and repeat. Turned out I blew a head gasket. While it was at the shop being repaired they found that the head bolts were stripped which is a known problem with this year ,make and type of engine my highlander has. Ended up paying $3,700 to get fixed. Despite the major repair I havent had any other problems with it. Im at 222,000 miles and it runs great. Im hoping on making it to 300,000 + miles.

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  Love the new Toyota - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Tinh - October 17 - 3:22 am

  This is my third Toyota Camry, my first one was 91 Camry V6 LE... perfect, even with major accident, the car remain perfect. the second on was 98 Camry LE.. drove until now with more than 200K miles. Still working condition. Unfortunately, the dealer (Arlington Toyota, IL) only offered me $200 as the trade-in. So I refused and gave it to my sister-in-law. This new Camry is for my daughter and she love it. My family now own 3 Toyotas.. 06 4Runner (my wife), 06 Solara (that mine) and the new one is for my oldest daughter. - As for Edmunds.. I brought my Edmunds quote to the dealer, most of the dealer welcome the quote.. except one.. Grossinger Toyota of Licolnwood, IL. may be just an act of a single sale person - he refused the Edmunds quote.. any way.. I give Toyota and Edmunds an A++ for all the services.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By hop18 - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  All I have owned since I began driving is sports cars. I am engaged to be married so I bought this as my family car. I couldnt be happier. This car is the first automitic tranny vehicle i have owned. It is responsive and handles better than some sedans I have driven. Great Truck

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  2001 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Brett - October 16 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my Toyota and it already had 80K miles on it. I used it to tow my G35 coupe on a car hauler from Michigan to California. Probably was approaching the max tow capacity of the Toyota but it pulled through like a champ. Even through the mountains of Colorado it pulled fine. It is a great drive and very comfortable as well as roomy. Tremendous quality and peace of mind with this vehicle as I would expect from Toyota, particularly in the fit and finish. No rattles, no funny noises of any kind. At over 90K miles it drives like new. I would buy a Sequoia with 100K+ miles on it before a new domestic any day... very unfortunate for the American companies.

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  You just cant hate this vehicle. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Alex - October 16 - 9:40 am

  I did not like this car in the beginning. But ever since my wife bought one I just cant stop driving it. Where else can you find a reliable under 20K brand new vehicle (fully loaded) that can haul a 30+ inch tv and some, but still get 28 miles to the gallon. And with Toyota reliability and resale value, you really cant go wrong.