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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  Not all vehicles compare for this model - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sheri - August 30 - 12:20 pm

  Have had the vehicle over a year/ overall pleased w/the quiet engine running on battery. Disappointed by mileage, highest ever for brief time mpg. Mostly got the car for environl purposes, but still expected mpg a little closer to sticker estimates. According to what Ive read here, I would have still bought the vehicle, as most owners report better mileage, but why are some of us not, even though I drive carefully, do a lot of coasting etc.? There seems to be no help through the dealership. Dont like the jerk of motor at times as it starts up. otherwise like the look and handling of vehicle while driving.

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  Adjust Your Mileage Expectations - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob in Minneapolis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car with high expectations. It has performed well compared to most comparable cars. Our mileage, however, has not met our expectations based on reviews and the EPA rating. Mileage has been in mid 30s. Its warmed up here the past few days, though and mileage has improved. We hope that mileage will increase as spring comes. While the styling is not our favorite, theres not much that can be done to adjust aerodynamics. Overall, though, its a good drive and were pleased with our Prius.

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  Great Truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By PaulChadband - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I drove this truck hard and put it awy wet many a night. maybe 20% of these miles are in 4X4 over lava rock here in Hawaii. Except for an O-2 sensor that no one can figue how to fix or replace This Truck is Great

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  reliable car, more power desired though. - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By GM - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I now have driven this car for over 3 years, it has 57k miles and Ive only had to buy an airflow meter since my last review and I installed it myself to save money. The rest is usual upkeep, wheel alignment, air filter, fluid & oil changes, ect. No more hassles with repairs at dealerships for years now thankfully so the car has been problem free since its rough start. I have found that 93 octane gas eliminates the foul odor, the other octanes cause it to smell bad.

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  toyo - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By geizz - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have a lot of fun going off road. It performs really good. On the road the ride is good but not the best it bounce a little too much. You cant fit an adult in the back (I have an extended cab). The passenger air bag is rattling like a snake and the clock is in the worst position that they could placed it, you cant see it because the steering wheel cover it. I think that the gas pedal and the brake pedal are too close, I sometimes when breaking accelerate at the same time when I am wearing my work boots. The power is there I have no complaints when I haul the trailer or when I have the bed full of stuff.

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  the car of the under paid - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Gentil - August 30 - 2:00 am

  nice drive nice exterior but the worst interior also not enough power for the size of the car..........

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  Pretty Nice - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sandi X - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car used with 6,726 miles on it for 13.6k which I think was a lot, but the dealer said it was a demo car so no one owned before me. I like the fact that it runs so smooth and picks up speed..sometimes a little too much. I dont even realize it sometimes and Im going 60mph on a residential street. I wish I had power doors and locks, but the CD player is pretty good. I also get that rotten egg smell at times which I think is very unpleasant and Toyota needs to fix that problem. Everyone I know likes it and says it has more power than they thought. I had a 1989 Honda Accord before and I loved it, but I think Toyota is pretty good too.

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  A van of luxury - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By yzfr1 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  It is a hi-tech van that even a "dad" would not mind driving on a daily basis.

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  Great SUV overall, Technology is lacking - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike P - August 29 - 3:54 am

  This is a wonderful SUV, my only complaint is the entune system lags behind the technology on the market. Inconsistent connections to entune to play things like pandora, and no android auto or similar screen sharing with a phone.

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  An all-around nice car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By JimH - August 28 - 10:00 am

  A good family car. Rides nice. Looks nice. Feels nice.