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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  Great machine - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By bobacco - January 11 - 2:00 am

  After 80000 miles I still love this truck. The high ground clearance is very useful. The engine runs like a Rolex. I have owned 23 cars. This one is the best all around vehical so far.

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  Grandmas Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By LowKey - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, lots of car! I am a big fan of Toyota.

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  Just got it - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By TrishG - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my Highlander today. I traded in a 1999 4Runner with high mileage. So far, so good. I really had my heart set on another 4Runner, but, I really enjoyed the test drive. Its got great pickup a smooth ride and great handling. Im going to ease into it adjusting for the 4Runner- but Im sure it will be a breeze

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  Downgrade from an MDX? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By trader_dave - January 11 - 2:00 am

  With the arrival of our 3rd son, we needed the rear seat access/extra cargo room that a minivan offers. To us, the best of the minivan bunch, this purchase was a "downgrade." I was hoping for more of a "Lexus" of minivans for $42k. Handling is adequate, road noise is evident, but tolerable. Navi/entertaintment system user interfaces are really complex. Our 3 yr old Acuras navi system was slower but could be used without a two hour tutorial. The fit is generally high quality, but many of the finish components feel a little too plastic and flimsy. Given whats on the market, Id buy the vehicle again, but I wish there were a luxury brand in segment.

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  Good Family Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Bratton - January 9 - 11:21 am

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  Hmm.... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - January 9 - 7:13 am

  Im eighteen and my parents suggested a 2007 Camry LE after my sister totaled my 86 Cressida. After putting 5000 miles onto my car, I noticed that my fuel economy is so-so, around 30 on highway, but significantly lower on city streets (my best was 21 mpg). I hate the transmission as it always hesitates to downshift when the power and speed is needed. I end up shifting it myself to keep people from cutting me off on the freeway. The brakes are too soft and not responsive enough. They also seem to squeak a lot. I will take my car back to the dealership for a fix soon. For the comfort and entertainment of the ride, I like the Camry. The performance makes me miss my 86 Cressida.

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  Scary feeling with high winds gust - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Pris - January 7 - 9:10 am

  I bought this " 2007 Certified S Corrola" with 45,315 miles in January 2009. No Car Fax Report. Whenever I travel on the highway with wind gusts around 20 to 25 mph, this car shakes alot. It feel like you drifting off the highway. This has happen to myself, my parents and my sister whenever we drive this vehicle by ourselves. My parents suggest I add 100 pounds of sand in back of my trunk. My parents also notice they are no "Safety Indicating Brakes Lights or Other Equipment" on this vehicle. Average highway mileage is 27 mpg. Suppose weight of this vehicle is 3500 lbs, my father old 2001 Toyota Corrola LE weight 2600 lbs.

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  Sensible Choice - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By sn04 - January 6 - 9:26 pm

  My disclaimer is that I have brand bias. My previous car was a 98 Corolla that I drove for 7 years, and it was so good to me (died once due to the battery; always started at the first turn). Purchasing a 2011 seemed a safe decision. I researched comparable contenders: Honda, Mazda, and was actually excited about the Chevy Cruze (but unenthused about the reviews for it). No, the Corolla hasnt improved much in 13 years, and it may not have great options, but I know I can trust this car. It hides nothing and delivers exactly what you expect.

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  Good car until it rolled - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Anne - January 6 - 11:00 am

  I really enjoyed this little SUV, it had over 40,000 trouble-free miles. Never thought it would "roll" easily. My daughter - good driver - in her 20s, no previous accidents - was going about 20 mph and hit the back of a black parked car on a very dark street. The Rav basically tipped over - it ended up on its side almost even w/the car it hit. Paramedics and police at the scene said, yes, SUVs do that. Ive heard of larger SUVs rolling but I thought youd have to be traveling much faster. No airbags went off because she wasnt going fast enough. Thank goodness only minor injuries. Be careful in any SUV, even the great little RAV. Hopefully this was a fluke of an accident.

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  Over All Pretty Satisfied - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By D.W. ESQ. - January 5 - 8:16 pm

  Driving mostly American made cars in the past, I would have to say I am more than happy to have made the switch to Toyota. Good fuel economy, great styling with the right package, plenty of passenger room, options, safety features, luggage space, and on and on. Toyota was not typically a car I would consider buying but when I first noticed the new design of this style Solara it had my attention right away. Being in my late twenties, I found this to be a "smart" purchase to combine safety, pleasure, and price. This vehicle "turns heads" of all ages. "Class" and "youthfulness" are both expressed through its design.