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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  2nd Prius-we love this one even more - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Troy Zabransky - November 29 - 1:40 pm

  Great car with many new features and improvements over our previous 2010.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Nina - November 29 - 10:26 am

  Fun to drive. Get the protection package to prevent unwanted rattles and noises, it protects your paint too. The sports package gives it a great look. This car is perfect for all age groups. I read a lot of reviews before purchasing and noticed a lot of people said the seating was uncomfortable. I have not had that problem (my previous vehicle was a 4Runner so thats really all I can compare it to but I find it comfy). The car looks so small from the outside that its hard to believe how much space is inside. I love it!

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  Wow what a vehicle! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Andy - November 29 - 7:13 am

  I have owned my Sequoia since new and have just rolled over 300,000 Miles! This vehicle has been a real workhorse with 5 kids (4 girls - imagine the luggage) and numerous vacations. It has never let us down! The only mechanical issues I have had has been replacement of rear wheel seals twice and front ball joints (due to recall). I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. When clean, it still looks new inside and out. I have never garage kept, but paint in excellent shape. I have found that the rear door window is often faulty, but it is usually not the motor as youll see on other posts. About 200k miles ago, I put some dieelectric grease in the motor connector prob. solved.

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  2006 Rav4 Sport 4WD - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - November 29 - 5:36 am

  Just bought my 06 Rav and so far im very happy with it. The interior on the Sport is very nice, the seats are comfortable and supportive. There is almost no road noise in side the cabin, however VSC kicked in more than a few times and was annoying (we have about 6 inch. of snow in Winnipeg , Canada). There is an annoying beeping sound from VSC and there was no need for it to kick in at all. The V6 is very smooth and almost not noticable. It has good power, but not overhwelming like I read in reviews. Overall Im very satisfied with the vehicle and would definitely recommend it.

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  135,000 Miles and Wont Part With It! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By HustonAerosFan - November 29 - 4:36 am

  The best car I have ever owned. There is nothing on the market now that can replace it - especially in the area of looks (Toyotas new offerings - including the new "2006" Avalon - are SOOO ugly!). I have passed 135,000 miles on this vehicle and am hoping for at least 200,000. Very little has gone wrong with this car outside of normal wear and tear and auxillary things like batteries and tires that Toyota has nothing to do with. Significant repairs lately were a new steering rack last month (leaking seals) and a complete brake job last year. Other than that, routine replacements. It will be a very hard and sad day when I trade this guy in!

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  My third Highlander ! O:) - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Loveit! - November 29 - 12:43 am

  2010 Sport Highlander purchased 12/09! My third Highlander ! love love love it! 19 inches wheels big plus! Roomy! Moonroof! Stereo system exc! In spite of Toyotas recent problems would buy another today! All my Toyota vehicles (buying them since 1970; all new) have been problem free, routing maintenance, change the oil! Great product!

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  Tundra over here!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ct/tundra - November 28 - 7:56 pm

  Normally, I would not have bought a toyota of any type. The Tundra is my work/car truck. Gas is comparable for its size. I have put over 15000 miles on this truck, highway and city. I drive it, dont abuse it. Fun to drive, turns heads, durable, not always easy to park, must consider the size. Others have had problems with their Tundra. I am 64, owned many vehicles, there are some that have problems. That is not an overall picture of the new Tundra. My wife & I enjoy our Tundra very much. In fact we leave her 2008 Camry parked and take the road in the Tundra. The 4.7 has all the power needed for the average home owner. Heavy duty work go for the 5.7 and turn more heads.

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  My toyota corolla le - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By lynn - November 28 - 9:40 am

  This car is getting 41 miles to the gallon most times and I am loving its cost effectiveness on gasoline. I love this car....

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  My first Toyota P/U - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By bigr - November 28 - 9:10 am

  Well it has been one week since I pick up my Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD Dbl Cab. I have to admit that I love it. It is well built and very comfortable. Today I towed a trailer with 2 yards of wet topsoil and I almost forgot it was back there. Great power and fuel economy (I hope, Im still on the first tank of gas). After driving a Chevy S-10 ZR2 for 130,000 miles I was not sure about a Toyota, but it had everything I was looking for, appeared well built and the price compared to equal vehicles was reasonable. It is like driving a car with all the abilities of a truck. Our two Saint Bernards love the back seat and it has enough toys to keep me busy for a while.

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  Say goodbye to your SUV - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Clarke - November 28 - 4:20 am

  When I first started looking for a replacement for my SUV, I only looked at sport luxury cars. I was already spoiled with powerful acceleration, leather seats and smooth handling, I just wanted something easier on the gas mileage. One drive in a fiery Matrix XRS changed my perception. It has just as much space as my SUV, as well as the handling, gas mileage and features of a luxury car. Additionally, the XRS model puts out 180hp in a 6 speed manual which provides more than enough power for me. This car looks great inside and out, the gauges are set back into the dash for a very sporty feel. I absolutely love this car.