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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  Where is the gas?and the mileage? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TJ mellow - July 18 - 2:00 am

  There also is a major problem or design flaw with the gas tank/or bladder.Apparently there is some kind of a flexible bladder that the gas goes into that expands and contracts.When the gas gauge registers empty and you fill the tank with gas you can only put 6 to 8 gallons of gas into the tank as there supposedly is still 3 to 4 gallons of gas still in the tank even though it was registering on empty.The Prius is supposed to hold 11.9 gal.of gas.Since you cannot trust the gas gauge I must fill the tank whenever it says empty.Mileage between fillups varies from a low of 270 to 390.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Art Henry - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I too test drove numerous mid-sized SUVs and really liked the "Runner". I also currently own a 2002 Explorer. What a difference between the two. While the Explorer is somewhat bigger, the ride quality is no match for the 4 Runner. The 4 Runner seems lighter, more nimble and just more overall fun to drive. Kudos on the new body style and engine horsepower!

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  Too much missing - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By customsmn - July 16 - 9:20 pm

  2014 Tundra 1794 edition. The more I drive it the more disappointment in what is missing from Toyotas highest line truck. Since new design for 2014 I expected more than what you get. No push button start as on most toyotas, keyfob not linked to memory seats, no lane change turn signals, no trailer brake controller, you can add aftermarket, just looks like an add on, only two door switches are lit, not even memory switches lit, no power lock on tailgate, no default for in call volume on bluetooth phone and even when on MAX setting not great, no rain sensing wipers, slow GPS nav. LED lights front not back,Good truck but could use some updated equipment.

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  Very good vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick - July 15 - 11:03 pm

  The Highlander is not very exiting to drive but a very good all around vehicle. It has a smooth ride and is fairly quiet. We average 21-23 MPG. It has been rock solid without a single problem in 47K miles. I agree with the person who wrote in about the wind noise with the back windows down. It really hurts my ears. There is plenty of room for passengers, but at the sacrifice of a little more cargo room. I like that you can step right into it without stepping up or dropping down. Drove it from CT to FL and I wish the front seat was a little more comfortable. Once complaint is that it seems to require constant corrections to keep driving straight on the highway (alignment is fine).

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By daigs - July 15 - 7:33 pm

  I could not be more satisfied with my Corolla. Sharp exterior looks and a decent interior. Not the highest end interior but not offensively cheap. The best part of the car has to be the excellent fuel economy. I average between 36-39MPG regularly. The the manual transmission, power is there when it is needed. Is the car a racer? No. But for good, reliable, economic transportation that youre not embarrassed to drive, the Corolla is your car.

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  Go 4 cylinder / Forget hi-$ hybrid - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By JMcVicker - July 15 - 9:56 am

  My wife and I have gone down to Florida, averaging 25 mpg with this 4 cylinder Toyota Highlander. The torque ratio is amazing and this SUV has good power on demand. We never felt threatened while on I95 dealing with the 18 wheelers. Were not anti-green, just anti-premium. Why pay over two thousand dollars for the hybrid when you can get close to the same real milage from this four? Wait until they come down in price. One mans opinion.

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  Horrible front seats rest is great - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Rienolf - July 14 - 11:56 pm

  Nice SUV, just finished breaking it in. Front seats are really bad though, especially on long trips. Cant lay back comfortably, sitting up you get a bad neck ache. Best friend refuses to ride in it unless a figure out some fix for the seats. Could ride better on pavement. An option of touring non-all terrain tires would be nice, the A/Ts are overkill for me, bit loud. Very flexible engine, though MPG suffers at high altitude in the mountains. A fine daily commuter aside from the seats. Could use better speakers also. With just the regular CD player they are overwhelmed.

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  2001 Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By john harper - July 14 - 6:40 pm

  This car has been good for 45,000 miles and five years. I plan to get another five cheap years out of the car. The car is reliable.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By sambot - July 14 - 11:53 am

  I drove this thing from Waterloo, IA all the way to PHX, AZ without stopping (besides to get gas). Never overheated, and I was hauling a 8 foot aluminum trailer. Engine is not powerful by any means, but it is reliable. Seats are comfy and interior design is simple with room for mods. I honestly believe this SUV was the best ever made.

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  Great Car!!!! - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By A. Croyle - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been excellent! I got it used from my Grandfather who used it to deliver the mail in the country. The car body sure took a beating on all those dirt roads, but I have had no mechanical problems with it thus far. I have had it for over 4 years. It gets GREAT gas mileage even in the city. Even with such high mileage, it has performed great--unlike my parents American-made cars(GMC Yukon and Ford Mustang) that have had MAJOR problems within 2 years of buying brand new. I am very impressed with Toyota and would highly recommend this car to everyone.