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:

• 

  Simply better made and thought through - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By inbox - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We upgraded to Sequoia from a Chrysler T&C. Talk about night and day. Gone are the just-off fit and finish issues. Gone are the why didnt they just put one of those here... disappointments. This is our first non-"american" car, and I feel a but foolish for having clung to inferiority simply out of patriotism.

• 

  Gotta Have One!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BassMaster - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have driven many vehicles in my day ~ & this one most certainly takes the cake! I think my cheeks are still blushed from all the compliments I have received in the first month of ownership!

• 

  Highlander review - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By lin - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the quite drive. It handles like butter. It carries my Siberian Husky and I can still see the road safley.

• 

  Highlander Smooth Rider - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mktennis - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander is as complete a package in the mid-sized SUV around. The cockpit is well thought out and convienent. The AWD version sits up nice and high and handles rough unpaved roads with no problems. Interior is large enough for 5 and luggage.

• 

  I love my Camery - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Amy B. - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my camery for 4 months and I love it. Im 21 and have a 1 yr. old daughter, so I was looking for something sporty and roomy for the car seat. I had a corolla before and it was safe and reliable so I felt like another Toyota would be the best thing to get. I test drove the Accord because my husband wanted me to and I could not wait to get out of it and back into the Camery. The Accord was so uncomfortable and loud. My Camery is so confortable and roomy....my husband does not have to sit with his knees in the dash when hes in MY Camery.

• 

  Toyota camry the boss - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Paul Hyde - June 4 - 12:09 am

  My brothers toyota camry is at 345,000 miles and still runs with no major problems. Very little maintenance over the past few years. Did have an engine rebuild at 165,000 miles because of recall. The best car my family has ever owned.

• 

  Simply A Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By HappyHybrid - June 3 - 7:56 pm

  This is a superb car to drive or for a ride. It has more than enough power to get you into interstate traffic or pass other cars. I get about 42.3 MPG, the other driver gets about 38.6 MPG. Our driving is at the edge of the southern end of the Rockies @ an elevation of 6,000 feet. It handles both the hills and elevation with ease. Handling is sure. The fit and finish are what Detroit dreams about. Seat adjustments make interior comfort great for the driver and passengers. The A/C is superb. In summer, the car really cools down quickly, even in our desert environment. The sound system is the best "standard" system I ever had in a car. It is quite pleasing.

• 

  Very reliable car, I love it!! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By pwijegun - June 3 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this car with 158000+ miles back in 2004. I have put on another 30,000 miles since. I drive a lot and this car has not let me down ever. I even went on a 50 hour (round trip) road trip in it last year. If my car drives this good when it has 188000 miles, I can only imagine how good it was brand new. I would always buy Toyotas with no fear (new or used). Great car!!

• 

  Excellent Family Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By stinkytofus - June 3 - 2:56 pm

  I have a camry 2010 LE 2.5L i slapped on michelin primacy mxv4 tires, what a difference, like riding on a cloud, only had to do oil changes, change brake pads, rotors, nothing else !! it is a 2010 model so comparing it to 2013 and 2014 models the interior and exterior is lacking but overall i am satisfied with this car, as it provides decent mpg and has ample room for my friends and family, can drive it for many many more years to come

• 

  Rav4 4x4 Limited: the BEST QUALITY SUV 4 THE MONEY - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By ncreviewer - June 3 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned at least 6 or 7 Toyotas. Land Cruiser, Camry, T100, 4Runner (3), Rav4s. The first Rav4 we bought was in late 2010: a Base Rav4 4x4 2011 model. We love it and still own it. We decided to trade in our Honda in on a 2012 Rav4 4x4 Limited. What a great vehicle! Comfort, power, all the 4x4 traction a business SUV could want. Sure, youre not going to pull stumps. But for an architect & real estate broker, it works great. We can take clients out to undeveloped lots in the winter and get back out again. The Rav4 4x4 Limited also has the way cool hands-free door entry system & 1-button exterior locking. Leather, power sunroof, bluetooth & more.