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:

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By financeman - May 15 - 8:33 pm

  Took advantage of the low lease rates offered by Toyota in December, leasing a Base AWD with just a few options including rear air. Did not need anything fancy, but wanted something for my wife that would seat seven without the size of a minivan. The ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable. The engine/transmission is powerful and well matched. Initial quality appears high, though I have owned the vehicle for only two weeks - time will tell. Although amenities on the base model are fairly minimal, it has the basics including cruise, tilt, decent radio, and some great features. The layout of the dashboard and instrumentation is very attractive.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By L Gigante - May 15 - 9:56 am

  Great power, economy and comfort. Lots of nice features and well thought out. Sharp looking but not gaudy.

• 

  My Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Tom Weber - May 15 - 3:56 am

  This is a very nice car! I was so surprised that I would like this vehicle this much. I have had the car for about two weeks now and I already have over 1000 miles on it. I have avereged close to 40mpg. Buy one!

• 

  05 Sequoia is like most Toyotas! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Yota Fan - May 15 - 3:30 am

  Bought mine used from a dealer in SC. One owner well maintained! In a day when most folks are cashing in on great mileage vehicles I opt to sell my 4Runner at 21 mpg avg. for a 15 mpg avg. vehicle. Sounds crazy but it is at best a weekend vehicle and vacation SUV. This is what I wanted in the beginning when I bought the 4Runner new which I still love but just lacked the room. It has decent power and drives like my Suburban which is a work vehicle as far as smoothness and comfort. I am a Toyota fan to say the least and have been for 21 years since high school with my 1983 Celica GT which I wish I had back many times. The only thing I cant get to work is the Homelink for my garage.

• 

  The best college car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By DJ Latcham - May 14 - 10:23 am

  This car is perfect for those who want a reliable & fun car while not paying a huge sticker price. Gets great gas mileage and never gives me with a headache. The engine may be a little weak, but what do you expect from that small a car. While you dont smoke other drivers on the strip, you will definelty burn them at the pumps.

• 

  Im Pleased - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Steven - May 14 - 10:00 am

  With two children and the occasional long trip, getting a minivan was the best way to go. So far were very pleased with our purchase. The ride is smooth, safe, and quiet; the comfort is just right, and the kids are in the back! Have averaged 21 mpg and plan on getting the oil changed every 3,000 miles at the dealership (received a little coupon book)to avoid "the sludge". If youve done your research, you know that the Sienna is the best minivan (safety, quality, holding its value, and comfort) in its class for the price. Absolutely no complaints.

• 

  Shes Wild - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By azsnyder - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fun, fast, and reliable. It is my second Corolla and not my last. I had a Camry for 8 years before that. Toyota is great! In this car, I did not like the smaller trunk size. I have never liked the drink holders right in front of the radio, which made it difficult to pull the glass/cup out quickly in traffic. Other than that, no complaints! I have now driven the 2003 Toyota Corolla for over a month as a rental and I prefer my 2001 overall.

• 

  My Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nelson - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I found the Highlander to be an excellant mid size SUV. I replaced a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Highlander is far superior than the Jeep in style, comfort & reliability. There is enough room in the back for 2 child car seats & the leather seating in the limited is very comfortable. In the 7500 miles that I have owned the car (7 months) I am very pleased with all aspects of the car.

• 

  San Antonio, Texas Toyota Tundra - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim Minteer - May 14 - 8:36 am

  Bought new Dec. 2014 during Toyotathon days. The 5.7 engine roars with plenty of passing speed with a smooth shifting 6spd transmission. I live in South Central Pa and this Winter has been rough, but not a problem for the Tundra Crew Max! This truck drives like a truck not a car like some of the newer big 3 trucks Ive driven. It sits nice with a firm quiet ride without the big truck feel.Gas mileage averaging 15.5 mpg.

• 

  Almost a Lexus! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ernst Bakerquist - May 14 - 1:06 am

  I researched the 2007 RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX7 before selecting the RAV4. The ride is very comfortable. Steering is precise and effortless, although being FWD, theres always a slight tendency for oversteer. Still, its far less than the 2002 Mazda Tribute it replaced. Wind/road noise is nicely muted, even with the sunroof in tilt-up mode. Fully open, and with no deflector, its still not so loud as to bother me. The controls and gauges are easy to reach and see. The daytime running lights...a $40 option...are a joy. Fit and finish are generally very good to excellent; nothing feels "cheap". I got a "Champagne" colored vehicle with the ersatz wood grain trim; it looks great.