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:

• 

  Great Ride - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Happy w/Toyota - August 6 - 11:06 pm

  This is my first Toyota and I had very high expectations from reviews I had read about the Toyota brand. I looked at many other cars before I bought the Solara, but decided on the Solara because of its quality and driving experience. Ive had the car for about a year now and I am extremely happy with the decision to buy it. Overall fit and finish is excellent and the car is very quite. Wind and road noise is very low. You really cant hear the engine when the car is in park either. The back seats are quite large and can comfortably seat two adults. I chose the 4 cyl engine for better gas mileage and I am averaging about 29-30 mpg in mixed highway and city driving (thats with air/heat).

• 

  Early Review - Good Car, Good Value - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - August 6 - 5:19 pm

  I took delivery of this car just a month ago, so this is a preliminary review. I cant comment on reliability, maintenance cost, etc. I havent owned the car long enough, but my experience with Toyota has always been outstanding. Currently, we only have 750 miles on the car, so most of the "review categories" with respect to reliability & value that I rated "OK or N/A" could not be rated because I havent driven the car enough. So, disregard those. This car for me was a downsizing. We traded in a 2011 Sequoia SR 5 4WD with 54,000 miles. It had never been back to the dealership after delivery and was trouble free. We purchased the car in November 11, after the 12s were on sale, and walked out the door with the $40,850 sticker price Sequoia for $35K exactly. Anyone who disputes Toyotas resale value, I received $22K for this trade 61 months later and 54K miles later. So the car cost me $213/month. I couldnt have leased it for that price. Additionally, Earl Stewart Toyota in Palm Beach, FL discounted my new Highlander by $2700 off the sticker. No hassle, no haggle. What a great dealership!!!! Now for the Highlander. The XLE for 2017 now comes with blind spot monitoring, radar cruise control & lane departure warning standard. These were not available on XLE trim in 2016. It also comes with start/stop technology & Toyotas new 8 speed transmission. It cost about the same as the 2016 model that didnt have these features. The Highlander is much smaller than the Sequoia, (193 inches vs. 205, and a little smaller in width) and is much easier to drive. There is plenty of space in the front & middle rows. It is the 3rd row and cargo area where most of the space is lost. Space it tight back there compared to the Sequoia for any adult no matter how much the front two rows are adjusted. The only 3 row, mid-sized SUV with a roomier 3rd row was the Honda Pilot, but its interior design paled in comparison to the Toyota & the advanced safety features I mentioned required taking a high trim level Pilot costing $1000s more than the Highlander. With the third row folder, cargo capacity is generous, though not as large as that of a Honda Pilot. As far as performance is concerned, even though we keep the Highlander in "economy mode", acceleration is plenty brisk, and there is no trouble merging onto a highway. Those who report this car is underpowered are misguided. Its not!!!! Its not a Mustang GT or Corvette fast, but next to the Pilot, CX-9, Pathfinder & MDX, it is class competitive. The interior is very well put together, somewhat elegant, with lots of storage and the leather seats that are very comfortable. The ride is generally supple, especially on smoother roads, but harsher impacts are a little more noticeable than in the Sequoia. The back up camera & navigation work extremely well. So far mileage appears to be better than expected. We drive conservatively, which helps. Doing mostly stop & start, city driving (75 to 80% of the time), with the air conditioner on, Tank 1 yielded 21.5 mpg and tank # 2 returned 22.5 mpg. EPA is 20/26. The start/stop technology works well, but it can be felt. So far, We are extremely pleased with the Highlander. Its perfect for a family of four or five, provided the 5 arent all adult size individuals. Ill post an updated review in a few months once we have accumulated a few thousand miles.

• 

  Still love it 3 yrs later! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By toyotalover - August 6 - 4:23 pm

  Always wanted a Toyota and I love driving it now as much as I did at first. Always dependable, no problems whatsoever. I like the tight steering, low turning radius... drives like a car. Easy to handle, even when loaded with weight. 4 cyl. is plenty of power for me. Big enough for my 62 stocky husband. I get about 20-22 MPG mixed city/hwy driving... wish it was more, but hey, I cant complain. I love this vehicle.

• 

  So Far a winner! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bruce - August 6 - 11:53 am

  A month and 1800 miles + and we love our new Highlander. The wide luxury ride took a little getting used to after a 95 GMC Jimmy and an 89 Pathfinder but it is a pleasure to drive especially on longer trips. I do not find any discomfort in the seats. Controls are well placed, interior design is good. Features seem to be well thought out and well placed. This is the first "luxury" vehicle I have ever owned and I think I have spoiled myself. Not an off road vehicle but I expect it to be good in bad weather. Love the nav, rear dvd for the kids, and aux input on the stereo for the ipod. The visibility seems excellent and I am expecting same Toyota quality I had in my Fav 84 Celica. Very happy!

• 

  Hands down, an awesome truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By 328dude - August 6 - 10:40 am

  This is my second Toyota, the first being a Camry which I bought in 2001. I decided to start looking for a truck and test drove just about every truck on the market. I finally narrowed it down between the Nissan Titan and the Tundra. I choose the Tundra for only two reasons. First, the lack of wind noise. This is by far the quietest pickup I have test drivin and 10 times more quiet then my Camry ever was. And second, the quality of the seats (extremely comfortable) and it didnt have as much of a cheap feel like the Titan. I only have 1500 miles on her so far, but this truck is a blast to drive with absolutly no rattles, squeaks or noise. The craftmanship of this truck is top notch.

• 

  Very, Very Nice Truck! - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert L - August 6 - 2:33 am

  I have owned this truck for about 2 weeks now, I know it hasnt been long but I think I can give a review by now. Coming from an 08 Titan I can tell you the Toyota is built better. The bed is also deeper, maybe not bigger but deeper for sure. The engine and tranny are extremely smooth. The shifting is great - I can hardly feel! Unfortunately, thats the only thing that is smooth on this truck. The ride is very rough compared to the Titan. The stereo is amazing! Although the black glass looking dash has become a dust magnet.

• 

  Best Car Ever! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Anne - August 6 - 1:46 am

  While fuel economy has always been a priority to us, weve never before found this kind of fuel economy (WOW!), convenience and comfort (luxury for us), AND "sports car look/feel" along with a comfortable "get-in and get-out" (for our back ease). All of this, plus the "get up and go without hesitation" when needed...a perfect car in our book!!

• 

  Nothing fancy just works - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robbty - August 6 - 1:06 am

  Nothing fancy just works. I have owned this truck for 6+ years and have nothing but great experiences with it. The thing just starts and runs every day without exception.

• 

  hooray for the automotive future - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By HYTECHLVR - August 5 - 10:30 pm

  Love this car. Mileage was a little shaky back in February of 04 at purchase but once I completed the learning curve on this car I was able to attain 54.4 mpg by summer and maintain a great mpg through the brutal winter months. Ive learned cold temps and hilly terrain has a dramatic effect on mpg but as long as one has an understanding of that fact the Prius is a car that more than meets expectations in daily driving.The Prius is its own car and not an existing car on the market that just happens to get better gas mileage.That fact alone makes the price I paid valid and fullfilling on a personal level to know im on the cusp of automotive progression.Toyota hit an unexpected homerun!!!

• 

  Read Reviews-Bought Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By NSparks - August 5 - 11:23 am

  After reading all the reviews for the Prius, I finally test drove it. Did I mention I loved it? I had to go 1 hour out of my way to get the car I wanted (right away) but it was well worth it. Interior is roomy for its size, and I feel comfortable, which is saying a lot since I just downgraded from a minivan. It seats two full carseats comfortably and rides smoothly. It works great for my commute to work, and is fun to drive (I got the BC-pkg 6).