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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  Dependable car but uncomfortable seats - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Shelly - September 12 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car for the dependability and easy handling. You dont need muscles to turn the steering wheel or stop the car. However, the drivers seat is uncomfortably hard and I hurt after a few minutes of highway driving. Also theres no lateral support. The head thing hits me when Im on the road. I never feel like I can relax in the seat. I have to sit leaning forward, lumbar deflated, grasping the wheel at 10 and 2, or Im in pain. Ive had pains around my hip muscles and lower back since buying this car. Also, I cant see behind me when backing out of parking space due to pillars. Otherwise, it has a nice ride and looks good.

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  Long Ride Comfort - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Tregos - September 12 - 10:13 pm

  I traded my high mileage Subaru Outback for the new 2008 Highlander Limited. I wanted to get back into something with more room. I researched for 6 months before deciding that the Highlander was the best crossover SUV. I chose the Highlander over the Subaru Tribeca, my second choice SUV, because of gas mileage and the larger gas tank in the Highlander. Ive been driving the Highlander for over a week and must say that the ride is smooth and quiet and it is very comfortable. So far I have absolutely no complaints. The vehicle has been averaging 23/24 MPG on the highway and 15/17 in the city. Not too bad for a large vehicle with 4 wheel drive.

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  The car we needed. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Benny - September 12 - 4:33 pm

  We want to buy two now. It is everything we needed in a car. The gas mileage is not as advertised but it is better than anything we have had before. Great car!

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  Worth every penny. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By N. Salos - September 12 - 3:13 pm

  Only item needed are in the roof rack, it has no extra hooks to tie things up.

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  Dream Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - September 12 - 10:33 am

  We test drive Sonata, Galant, and Altima, but when we drove Camry we knew this is it. It cost us a little bit more but its worth it. This car is perfect. Me and my wife just love to drive. If you look for perfection then buy a Camry.

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  I Love It. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By WLamey - September 12 - 8:26 am

  Great performance, great gas mileage (even with the V6), superior quality - I always thought of a Camry as just a practical family sedan. It is all that and more. Its fun to drive and I love the luxury.

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  Needs extras - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe - September 12 - 5:40 am

  Traded in my wifes 03 G35 for the Touring sedan because the rear wheel drive was dangerous in bad weather. Love the interior. Plenty of room and comfort in rear. If the gas mileage indicator is correct (never checked), the mileage is much better than I expected (32 hwy). Nice smooth ride and quiet engine. Good in inclement weather.

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  Long lasting - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Shelby - September 12 - 5:14 am

  I have had this car for about 11 years now and it is still going strong! It is at 302,000 miles on it and has had no major problems. It hasnt needed anything besides routine maintainance and a new battery. I will be sad when my Camrys time comes. Very reliable car.

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  Bought Another 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By APRZR - September 12 - 5:06 am

  We traded in a 2001 V-6 Limited 4Runner for no other reason than the lease was up. It never had a single problem, and its trade-in value was significantly higher than the residual payoff, which actually gave me good equity for the down payment on a new one!!! We liked the look of the VW Toureg (but some reviews scared us about potential electrical problems). Also liked the Toyota Sequoia, but didnt want 3rd row seats, because we wouldnt use them. So we stayed with the 4Runner, but upgraded to the 2005 V-8 Limited, with all the toys. It handles extremely well, smooth/quiet ride, nice interior amenities. Have had excellent prior experience with Toyota reliability & service.

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  Love this 4runner; loved last 4runner - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnersRock - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Sold 1998 v6 ltd 4runner for 2011. Couldnt afford Ltd, but no regrets. Tried a few crossovers first(Highlander & glitzy cheaper Veracruz) but once in 4runner I knew it was the one. V6 in 2011 is so much more powerful than v6 in 1998(w/o giving up same gas mileage- avg 19.8 mpg), more spacious too & rides high which makes me feel like a queen & easy to see when navigating traffic. Love Toy kept the power tailgate window (no one else has this). Fold down flat back seats- great for dogs & hauling long items. Cargo space better than crossovers. 4runners great quality, reliability, style, rear psgr heat, & 2-year Free maint very nice to have. Will keep 12+ yrs again. Very happy w/ choice!