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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  Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - June 30 - 7:10 pm

  Very soft to be driven. I think it is one of the best cars I have owned. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody who wants a sedan.

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  Love It, Great Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kenc9 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, this is the Bug that VW should have built. Low price and high mileage. The gauge area was a concern at first BUT a few days later and this layout is fantastic. All the compartments in the dash, the MP3 jack the huge inside of a small appearing car. I should be hating driving a cheap car like this, I bought it for my daughter that is going to college soon. I am 52 and it is a solid car that gives me the feeling that this little car will tick away forever. Everyone stares at it or smiles when I pass them. Nobody did that even in my BMW X5. Everyone I have sit in it and sees the room inside says WOW!

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  FJ wont disappoint - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rachel Tellez - June 29 - 2:26 pm

  This vehicle handles great even on a very windy day. The three windshield wipers can be a little distracting at first. Taller passengers who sit in the back do not have as much support for their shoulders as the seats are a little short:however,using the headrest really helps. This vehicle is very fun to drive and its ride is very smooth. It is extremely easy to clean as you just wipe it out.The lights on the side view mirrors give me more visibility when I am driving down the street. The rear tire sometimes blocks visibility. My only disappointment was the gas mileage. While it is a 6 cyl, it uses more gas than my previous Toyota 6 cyl. Altogether I am having a lot of fun owning it.

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  Super Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bill - June 29 - 12:20 pm

  Needed large SUV so we drove Expedition, Tahoe, and Sequoia. Great deals on all. Features very similar but the quality and execution of the Sequoia is superb. This vehicle is designed to Lexus standards and it shows. Engine is strong and trans is great. Fast, quiet and both my wife and I are fighting to take it. Just had six in it and they all loved it. Drives like a smaller vehicle and is easy to park.

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  Outstanding new auto experience. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By asmith9779 - June 29 - 7:23 am

  Purchased the Camry for my wife. It has everything except global positioning. Gets 31 to 37 MPG at 70 MPH. Depends on gas quality & wind conditions. It gets around 24-26 MPG with our town & highway driving. My wife and I are very impressed. She had a Olds 98, & I have a 93 Cadillac. Hard to believe, but the Camry drives & rides better than either GM car. At 15000 miles, there have been absolutely no problems. Acceleration is excellent, contrary to what I expected from a 4 cylinder. It climbs hills far better than the Olds 98 V6 ever did. Altogether, it is a great car. We couldnt be more pleased.

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  awesome car !! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By barbara - June 29 - 4:33 am

  I just got the AWD Matrix yesterday. I love it !! I am down sizing from a Toyota 4 Runner. Its fun and easy to drive. As fast as a bullet ! I got the radiant red loaded one. I have never had so much fun driving a car. I am 47 years old.

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  Highlander Wins Again - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jan - June 28 - 6:32 pm

  After hours of combing through Consumer Reports, various websites and test driving SUVs, we chose the Toyota Highlander. This is our 2nd Highlander. It is our main, family of 4, vehicle. We had a base model 2005 Highlander for 12 years & loved it. It was very reliable as we pretty much only had to do routine maintenance. Our 2016, we purchased, was previously a lease vehicle. The safety features are fantastic. The back seat has captain chairs which my 2, 510" tall, teenagers love. The 2nd & 3rd row has more leg room than our previous model. We only use 3rd row seat for short trips. Overall, the 2016 feels roomier than our 2005. Im not a fan of the plastic cargo cover in the back. Id rather have carpet to help keep things from sliding around. Also, the storage center between the front seats is awkward/bulky. The tech features are easy figure out & use. The ride feels smoother & is quieter than our previous Highlander. We test drove the 2017 Honda Pilot at least 4 times & liked it too, but the tech had zero knobs & was not as easy as Highlander to figure out. The Pilot seemed to sit lower than the Highlander & the steering felt looser. In the end we purchased the Highlander, because we know it will be reliable for years to come & we wanted a sportier look.

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  It does everything - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Antonio Ramos - June 28 - 5:10 pm

  I am going to Home Depot to get my weekly supply for my projects on my Prius. I am not driving my Toyota SUV at all. The Prius is perfect to go to work on San Diego roads and large freeways. Perfect to go to school and the supermarket. Now I go to Home Depot or other home centers for maintenance type of goods without thinking about a lot of room for shopping. This is like been in Europe again. We do not need a large vehicle to do your every day routine. Americans move on. Hybrids is the only solution at this time and for a while. Sorry Detroit for been so stupid again!! Tell me about any other type of vehicle that turns the engine off when you are waiting at the traffic light?

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  A Wonderful Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Efficient - June 28 - 3:26 pm

  This car has everything one would desire. The build quality is equal to cars costing $30,000+. I have had it for 3 days and the gas gauge has not moved after 100 miles of driving. This car is the answer to all the price manipulations by the oil industry. With this car you do not have to give up comfort and good acceleration. The build quality is similar to a Camry. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Love It - But I Knew What I Was Buying - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - June 28 - 12:03 pm

  I have seen reviews for this car all over the map. In my case, I had low expectations going in and find myself loving the car more each time I drive it. I have the 4-cyl auto sport. I would not have passed up the 6-cyl if I could have found one, but the 4-cyl is more than adequate. The SE package gives it a tight, fun ride that I did not expect and looks that separate it from the standard style you see everywhere else. Fit and finish are exquisite, the interior is extremely well designed, looks good, fun to drive. What else do you need? Youre really not compromising anything here in my opinion. Its a Camry, not a BMW. Remember that, test drive it, and judge for yourself.