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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  Land Cruiser - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By DC - June 28 - 6:46 pm

  This is the best SUV, period. I had a Ford Supercrew, nice, but no comparison. The towing power is great. I tow in mountains and the low gear is incrediable. Great family transportation. Will get another one for sure.

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  2010 Rav4 Sport - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Greg Wilson - June 27 - 11:00 am

  I have the run flat tires and the Sport package. I am getting 25.2 mpg ave. for the first 2000 miles. I am a handling nut and this car is very stable, has a very good steering feel and good brakes. The V6 has excellent power yet as previously noted gets excellent gas mileage. Overall I am very impressed.

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  High Mileage pitfalls - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By shaggs - June 26 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this SUV new in 2003 and have it maintined regularly at the dealer. I now have 216,000 km on it and am starting to experience some high mileage wear items that have become prohibatively expensive. The oil cooler developed a leak and cost $1,000.00 to replace. The rear hanger bearing on the drive shaft (the shaft that connects the front transfer case with the rear) is noisy. For a worn bearing or universal joint the whole drive shaft must be replaced at a cost of $1,700.00 just for the part. I am looking for a good used one but am finding it impossible. There are no after market shafts, only ones available from the dealer. Highlanders will last many years, but at what cost!!!

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  The joy of steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By PN - June 26 - 10:20 am

  Got the car on the last day of 2009 for two reasons: needed a new car asap since my car was totaled, and wanted to avail of the sales tax credit for 2009. Car is okay, very bland people transporter, but the great gas mileage makes up for it. Complained to dealer after two weeks from purchase about "wandering steering"-not sure if it was related to tires, alignment or the steering system. Dealer tells me they have never heard of this complaint and to bring it back later if problem persists so they can check. And now here is Toyota claiming the Corolla steering MAY have some problems. Fun times ahead for all of us new Toyota owners.

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  I beg to differ with you on this one - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Hank J - June 26 - 9:26 am

  I love the car and most people who ride in it are plesently surprised at the roominess, comfort and gas mileage. Until we can get some of the more stylish small cars from Europe, I will continue to enjoy my Echo. When its paid off, I will keep it for just commuting to work and get something else for show.

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  limited? - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By randyr - June 26 - 3:13 am

  i enjoy the smoothness of the ride. I really hate that bouncy typical suv feel. i have always driven a honda, from a civic to the accord. now its time to move up to an suv. i didnt like the honda pilot b/c it felt like a truck. so i thought id try the highlander b/c of its car-like feel. i wish there were more standard features for toyotas limited class like memory seats, illuminating side panel buttons, a station display somewhere on the navi system or anywhere, deeper cup holders (sharp turns are a disaster!) over-all i like the highlander, but i guess i was expecting a little more.

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  2012 HIGHANDER 2.7L i-4 w/ integrated Nav - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By bigdave5 - June 26 - 2:17 am

  Purchased this vehicle in October 2011. Now have 27,500 miles on it and still love it as much as the day I first purchased it. Gas milage averages 23/24 around town and 26/27 on the highway. NO other SUV in this size and class gets that kind of milage. I dont need all the fancy upgrades such as leather and power seats. All I wanted was the integrated Nav systems which does a good job for the most part. It has all the power/pep I need for living in big flat Florida! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  I Love This Car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Olympia - June 25 - 11:56 pm

  Easy on gas, fun to drive, roomy, sporty and everything (almost) works well. Whats not to love? Even the paint looks great after 8 years (and no garage). I had a dead battery once, big deal. The biggest problem I have had were lame brain other drivers bumping into me in parking lots. The doors had bad problems with not wanting to open in the winter and one door lock stopped working altogether one summer (had to operate on it and fixed it). If that hadnt happened, I would have kept this car for ever. However, I am buying another one, so that shows you how much the positives outweigh the negatives.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By John - June 24 - 10:03 pm

  I have always owned Chrysler products. This the first Toyota Ive ever owned but it will not be the last. Have not one problem with it other than the routine oil changes it has never been in the shop. The only complant I have is that it lacks a little power when the AC is on and no remote trunk release with keyless entry.

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  Great car for a great price! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Mom of 2 - June 24 - 4:16 am

  We sold our Honda Odyssey because it was getting terrible gas mileage. I decided to test-drive a Matrix as several others I know have a Matrix. I LOVE IT! The only complaint is the paint job seems kind of poor and scratches v. easily (silver is my color). But so long as it get 32 mpg and is dependable thats all I need! Great little car and fits me, my 6-year old twins and our 2 dogs just fine! I would not hesitate to buy one! Love the hatch-back too. Very sporty and fun to drive (I have the basic 1.8 ltr/automatic).