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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  exceptional suv - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By rollingib - November 12 - 2:00 am

  very nice vehicle, i will probably trade it in on the new 2003 version. best vehicle i ever owned.

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  When is an option not an option - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By buzz006 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I was moving up from a 1990 Toyota Corolla. I could not fathom why the Heavy Duty heater option with the rear windshield wiper was an option, but every car had it. Every time I brought it up, they said they could not do for me what I wanted. I suggested the just raise the price $250.00 and call is standard rather than an option. I ended up buying what they have in stock. Today it went down to freezing and I turned on the wipers and nothing happened with the frost on my Windshield. I turned them off and put on the air on high and defrost on and heat on. Winin about 1 minute the windshield was clear. I was happy to see this.

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  Great SUV! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Tony the tester - November 12 - 2:00 am

  We love our Highlander I4 with convenience package. This car has all the features I need and nothing you dont need-perfect. We love the space and comfort, ride quality and general feel of this car. The assembly quality is first rate. It had defective water pump after one year but it is one of the first ones that they put together. In any case, it didnt stop in the middle of the road. The 4 cyl engine is great. It is quiet, and powerful enough to pull full load on our 1000 mile trip. It lacks a passing power a bit but it is a great cruiser and plenty of pep around town. Efficiency was as low as 19 mpg and as high as 29 mpg. Road feel is good but 6 spd transmission is too shift-happy but smooth.

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  THE SOFA ON WHEELS - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By j.d. - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I feel like I have just kicked back on my lazyboy recliner and went site-seeing. I paid a lot more for the car over the accord but it is so worth it. I had the best salesman (Jay thank you!) at Toyota World of Lakewood. Toyota knows how to treat customers which made it easy to buy this Camry!

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  Good driving - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By intrepid2010 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving 8 months and 12k miles I still feel this is a very comfortable and reliable truck. Good for off roading as well as daily commute. Averaging 19.5 M.P.G in mixed driving which is excellent for a 6 thousand pound vehicle having a 4.0 L V6(278 ft-lb torque).The silver color really shines. Seats high up and has a commanding view of the surrounding. Coming from a German sedan i feel like this is a must have for people who have bad roads in your town. My BMW had stiff ride, but now I never complain about those roads.

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  Pretty happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Parker - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving a BMW that was braking down at least once a month, and after so much money spent to fix, I am Pretty shocked by some of the reviews Ive read. I have not had any problems with my Camry after almost 4 years and 95,000 miles. never the less I have never done anything to the car but oil changes every five thousand miles. It does have a small rattle on the dashboard and may have to change the rotors soon but after 95000 miles well id have to anyway. Now after reading this reviews I wonder if I should start looking into a different car before I hit 100,000 miles. I was hoping to get a V6 Camry but now Im hesitant.

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  Great truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Reece Wilson - November 11 - 8:44 pm

  I bought the off road version. Loaded with everything. I live at 10,000 feet so going home is obviously up a big hill. I havent noticed the power problems or gear finding problems everyone is talking about. Im 61" and wouldnt want to be taller. Thats my only con at this point. Truck is very new and time will tell if I change my mind.

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  I love my Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Becky - November 11 - 12:46 pm

  I have never bought a new car, right from the dealership before. I love my Corolla. It has been reliable, fun to drive, and easy on gas. I have had to spend no extra $$ on maintenance except scheduled maintenance. I will have this car for a long time.

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  My Prius at odometer reading of 2800 mi - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jay - November 11 - 5:13 am

  Rear view mirror difficult to see. Only goes 45-47 mpg local driving ... hoping this will improve. Otherwise it is a fun car to drive ... very user-oriented.

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  College Student - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - November 11 - 3:23 am

  I bought this 2003 Carolla used from a dealership in upstate NY. It had 72,000 miles on it and since I have been driving it ive put on 3,000 more miles and it sounds like new. I bought it as a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle also which makes me feel more comfortable.