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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  Best front wheel drive suv - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ojs - October 11 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car with 36000 miles on it. The dealer wanted to sell us a xterra at first, but after the test drive of both cars, I came to be in love with the highlander. It has comfort, performance, and style. Now I have close to 80000 miles on it and still running strong. Only major problem was that the idle was very low aroung 200rpms. Took it to the dealer and it was the idle air control valve. But other then that no problems. I have only done the maint. on it. At 75000 I changed the tires (40000 miles tires). I have not even touched the brakes. Last time I check them at 75000, they still have 75%-50% life on them.

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  Steering a problem - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Ron - October 11 - 7:53 am

  I owned a 2008 Corolla and loved it. The steering and vibration problems with this model are a real problem. Ive taken it back twice and the dealer isnt interested in the problem. Now I know why... they cant fix it!

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  My best car ever! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By merriama - October 11 - 5:50 am

  Ive owned eight (8) vehicles during my driving lifetime, and this car tops them all. Driving my Toyota Prius is a true pleasure. Its comfortable, pretty, and energy efficient. Because I want to maximize my MPG, Im more conscious of staying within the speed limit. I also enjoy knowing that in a small way, driving this hybrid has a more positive impact on the environment than a regular gas fueled vehicle.

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  Camry now lower in standards than a Yugo - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By whoisme - October 11 - 3:38 am

  Before you buy this car, rent one . Second find a good tune on the radio and fade to the rear and fade is what it does there will be no sound . Dealer says that is how its made. If you have owned a previous model dont expect the same ride or comfort level. My prior was a 2010 LE and I would take it back if I could. Now to my last fight with Toyota, park the car on a level spot ,look from the rear, it will lean towards the drivers side its called the Toyota lean. The last spec quoted to me was 1.5" is good and no correction. I was lent a 2015 se and it also is the same. Maybe I am anal but it bugs the hell out of me. As to the interior the glove box is a joke no room, the carpet " what carpet" Oh the floor felt is very cheep maybe a little thickness might eat some of the road noise. Enough of me wining its a love hate relationship with this one.

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  A nice car - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By wai1480 - October 11 - 3:36 am

  I bought it this March 2007, XLE model with 17 tires, tri zone automatic climate control, traction control and so on.

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  I love this thing - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bodie61lb - October 11 - 2:50 am

  The truck is great. Excellent interior and comfort. The look of the truck is awesome. I have people come up to me all the time and ask me what kind of truck it is. Now Im just waiting on the supercharger to come out.

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  Best built full size SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By SRQSequoia - October 11 - 12:40 am

  I have had several full size SUVs and I must say the Toyota Sequoia is the best built on the market today. I was concerned with the smaller engine but Toyota has it geared perfect and it will out perform most domestics. Great quality, great ride, and a great value.

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  200,000 and still going strong - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By jason1974mgb - October 10 - 4:02 pm

  As a car guy I never thought I would buy a normal commuter car, but this car rocks, I bought it at 150,000 last year and have put 50k on it so far, at about 190,000 the original shocks finally gave out. for what it is (4cyl manual trans) its actually quite peppy, handles well enough to not be boring, and still gets 31mpg combined city / highway, and only uses about 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes. the only problems I have had with it are the prior mentioned shocks, and the actuator that selects where the air should go inside the car has stopped working. I will run this thing until the wheels fall off then buy another one, hopefully a convertible.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By caremil - October 10 - 1:08 pm

  The build quality is solid the layout of dash well thought out and the cabin user-friendly. The drive is very quiet and the seats are very comfortable. (good for long driving distance) The integrated Navigation, Bluetooth and JBL sound system are easy to use and sounds great. Got the tow package to pull my boat, good for 5000 lbs. Live in the north and the awd V6 engine is powerful and handles the snow very well.

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  FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mjmiller - October 10 - 12:36 pm

  I like how it drives and handles. There are major flaws in the craftmanship though. The sun visors are so small they have no purpose. The stereo system is lacking. The roof rack is weak and I busted two supports already since theyre made of cheap plastic. The engine is powerful and it is a lot of fun to drive. But the gas mileage stinks.