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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  So far, so good! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By TC - January 21 - 3:30 pm

  Traded in our 08 Highlander Limited, needed something over 6001 lbs for business tax advantage, very impressed with new model, drives very similar to the HL, but definitely a truck vs HLs car-like drive. We actually prefer to be up a little higher, but it does lumber around like a truck, no worries for us tho. Just as roomy, third row seems smallish, but ends up almost exactly same size and functionality as the HLs. 2nd row has plenty of room, fit and finish are excellent - thx Toyota! Gas mileage as expected - this is not a Corolla folks, dont get a heavy V6 truck and think you can coax 30 mpg out of it, considering what the 4Runner can do, 19-23 mpg is fantastic! no complaints

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  Well Worth It! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By JRNJ - January 21 - 9:26 am

  I just added two more kids (total of 3) and needed to upgrade from my Pilot. I looked at all minivans and Ford Expedition..I looked at the Sequoia (after spending two months trying to find one that suited my needs) and was sold immediately. It has the best combination of space, comfort, performance and reliability that would suit most larger families. Excellent build quality is evident. Suspension is firm as suspected but not uncomfortable by any means. Plenty of room for 8 adults(I mean it!) with cargo room to spare. I especially like the options you get with the SR5 standard..such as power moonroof, rear seat digital climate control, XM etc. I would recommend it to all.

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  Very Happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Eric - January 21 - 9:03 am

  I just picked up my 2008 HL Ltd. on August 2nd, the Canada wide launch date. I ordered it in black with black interior in May when local dealership placed their first orders without knowing final price. Seriously considered 2007 MDX and Lexus RX 350. Decided to wait for HL and very pleased. Just returned from vacation trip to Lake of the Woods Ontario and it handled beautifully over hills and highway. Looks much better in person than in pictures. Ride quality, performance and JBL premium stereo are top notch along with fit and finish. Great room legroom and headroom. Upgraded from 2000 GM Montana van, will never consider GM product (Acadia, Enclave) after major problems with Montana.

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  Small Car, Big Performance - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Handymanron - January 21 - 2:53 am

  This small gas-sipping car is really a sleeper. It doesnt look fast, but considering it has only a 4 cyl. engine, it is QUICK. My wife and I both have marveled at how quickly youre doing more than the speed limit. Good thing we got cruise control!! Lots of legroom, more than a Corolla or an Accord. Headroom is a bit tight if youre over 6 tall. Just a fun, zippy little car with great gas mileage. Youll feel like youre driving a sports car.

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  Great van for a growing family. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert Cartland - January 20 - 11:30 pm

  We are expecting our third child soon and needed a larger vehicle. We chose the Sienna primarily because it is the only van to offer eight useful seats -- the 8th seat offered by the Odyssey is too small to be useful. We also like how the center seat can be moved forward for easy access to our expected baby. Add Toyotas powerful V6 (with a timing chain versus a belt) and better real life gas millage and the Sienna was for us. We have been enjoying our van, including a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It was great being able to bring along the kids bikes by just putting them in the back of the van (no need for a bike rack). The van was a gift for my wife and so far she loves it!

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  Very Satisfied - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron - January 20 - 9:51 pm

  This is a well engineered vehicle. Very comfortable seats, very quiet in the cabin. Birds eye camera and saftey features ie. blind spot and lane sensing are fantastic. The only thing I would like to see added is a power passenger seat. Buying the Hybrid was a no brainer...I think it was only around $700 more than the gas model. Checked my mileage this last refill and it was 33.95 mpg. The computer read out indicated 35.1 so very close to actual.

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  Incredibly roomy! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By VenzaYaris - January 20 - 4:46 pm

  Proud owner of a FWD V6 Venza w/ premium package for over a month. Ride isnt as bad as others have complained -- we do feel some of the bumps on the road, but its nothing to lose sleep over. Storage capacity is incredible; weve taken ours for a 1200km shopping trip and was able to load quite a bit of stuff in the rear. Fuel economy is alright, considering its a v6 (avg about 23mpg mostly city so far). The amount of power & torque in the V6 is pretty amazing; Im not surprised if this thing can do 0-60 in 6.5 secs!

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  Very good MiniSUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Pancholo - January 20 - 3:16 pm

  I love driving my Limited RAV4 6 cyl 4x4. It has very good acceleration. The brakes could be better as it should stop quicker than it does. It rides smooth for an SUV. It is very reliable. After driving this fun miniSUV on long trips for 3 years, it only gave me a problem once. The dealer had to replace the steering box after off road trips and it started making a soft thunking sound when the wheel is turned all the way to the left (but it was still driving well). Warranty replacement of course. I would buy another RAV4 after this one gets to be too old.

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  Barcelona Red Toyota Rav-4 sport v6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ferrell - January 20 - 11:06 am

  What can I say besides I absolutely love this suv. Previously I owned a honda crv (I was glad to see it go). There is so much more space in the cabin and a lot more power under the hood. I also take pride in knowing that I could race a bmw x3 and leave it in the dust (hands down). It only takes about $25-30 to fill up (for now) but I find myself stopping for gas more often than I did with my old crv. I also like the options that were included on my vehicle --- I have the side curtain airbags, uphill and downhill assist control, the in dash 6 disc player with the subwoofer,and the tourneau cover and net. I really like driving on the freeway because the passing/merging power is second to none.

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  I love the Sequoia. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By rpnuge@aol.com - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Finally after 2 years of talking and watching other people drive by me on the highway, I bought an 03 Phantom Grey SR5 Sequoia. This website was great in helping with reviews and what I should expect for price. The dealership had plenty in stock and we picked one off the lot. It drives great, is comfortable, looks sharp, and is all around fun to drive. I feel comfortable in it wether dressed up for dinner or road tripping with the back jammed. Great SUV and hope it lives up to the great anticipated quality and value. Gas mileage is as expected 14- 17MPG, but still tough to swallow.