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 Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rav171 - January 13 - 3:20 pm

  My Highlander has over 33000 miles. To get the best mileage, the driver should make maximum use of the cruse control. That allows the computer to control the engine torque and continuous variable transmission (CVT). That way, the computer maximizes the gas efficiency while maintaining the speed that is set. I get 32 MPG driving 60 MPH on up and down highway roads in upstate New York. I couldnt be happier with the mileage.

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  Artenas Funtoy - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Artena M. Tharp - January 13 - 12:40 pm

  I have wanted this particular for years; now that I finally have one, I am more than pleased with all the features and I am completely satisfied with the amount of gas the tank holds, the mileage that I get with this vehicle, and the complete luxury and comfort of this vehicle. I would strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone that can/cannnot afford it. Its worth the money and the experience. This vehicle itself is a look of the future comings. I just really enjoy this vehicle to the fullest; the children enjoy the entertainment as much as I enjoy driving and owning it!

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  2 years experience - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Tracy - January 12 - 10:56 pm

  Ive had my Highlander for two years now. I still find it a great car. My mileage varies tremendously, depending on my driving frame of mind and on the temperature. This past summer I consistently got trips of 30-40 MPG around town and tank averages of 29 MPG. But the cold weather is coming and this will knock me down to about 20 MPG avg per tank. If I zip around town and dont glide a lot or try to keep it on electric, the mileage goes down. This car has taught me a lot about how to drive to save gas. Its a comfortable car for both long and short trips, and the flexible seats allow for multiple configurations. I agree with other reviewers that the 3rd row seat is not needed.

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  Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By koy mack - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  As a previous chevy tahoe owner I dearly love our highlander hybrid, smaller, more fun to drive, play a game with gas mileage, its very quick, no problems merging into interstate. A great vehicle for a 78 year old .

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  Just purchased - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By siennadaddy - January 12 - 3:53 pm

  Just purchased 2011 Sienna XLE FWD with Nav pkg. Silver Sky Metallic. Since the car has only 100 miles on it, cant tell hows the mileage. Drives and feels like Lexus. Very quiet cabin and minimal wind noise. Turning radius is great. When compared to 2009 Odyssey EX-L with nav and RES (my brother has one), feels much luxurious, quieter, better leather material.

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  My experience. - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By wavrunr - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Most comfortable and well performing car I have ever owned.

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  Comfort and Security, but.... - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By cageym - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Despite careful break-in period, good maintenance and conservative driving, the gas mileage is worse than anticipated. Otherwise the comforts are there, fit an finish great, and winter handling impressive.

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  2011 RAV4 Sport - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom - January 12 - 4:32 am

  The vehicle is very steady even in sharp turns, as it has electronic stabilization control. This is also a very powerful, fast vehicle for an SUV! Only drawback is gas mileage averaged 21 mpg over 39,000 miles.

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  lucies best - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By lucie - January 12 - 2:00 am

  whoopie! why did they stop making it drives like my 1952 MG

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  fantastic car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By nursebrad - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable car ive ever owned. It performs super and other than the 4 cylinder whine when you need the power you would never think of it as a 4 cylinder.