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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  Toyota Simply the best - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Terry - December 30 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased the S Corolla and could not be happier with the car. Do not believe the negative crap you are reading. The people are no doubt competitors of Toyota who want you to think the worst and buy there cars.The S has upgraded interior, instrument panel, rear deck spoiler.alloy wheels, ground effects and fog lights all for only $800 more than the LE. Everything is perfect. Steering is perfect. 650+ FICA gives you 0% financing. AAA members get big discount plus $500 back from Toyota. We bought a new Camry two years ago and it is still perfect. Make no mistake, Toyota sets the standard and everyone else is trying to take them down. I will never drive anything else;

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  Never Considered But Glad I did - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Stephanie - December 30 - 5:16 pm

  The V6 is a must buy in the sport package. Power is not an issue as it has all the power you need. Very good sport suspension on this model. Would recommend spending the extra 2000 to 2500 upgrade from a I4 to the V6 if possible. The ride is smooth, the design with the spoiler is beautiful.Toyota is making great choices with its model changes! Gas mileage is great on this model especially the 6. No hestitation, comfort is great in front in back. Only thing would like to see is that the interior be made more available in the darker (black) in the SE. Was told they dont even make it! OR offer. I asked if its on the website then why dont they?

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  The SUV that Has it All - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By tregos - December 30 - 4:00 pm

  Got my Highlander June 2008 and have test driven it for 11,000 miles in all weather conditions. I am very pleased with all of the vehicles functions. My only real complaint is that in very cold weather the vehicle needs to be warmed up before driving otherwise it makes a lot of noise and has a major loss of power. My Subaru Outback that I traded in never did that in any temperature weather. Other than that, the vehicle has power, comfort, reliability and fairly good fuel economy for a large vehicle.

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  Terrific Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By waymas20 - December 30 - 2:40 pm

  I have had no significant problems with this vehicle. I would gladly recommend this vehicle for purchase.

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  Toyota prius 2007 - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By prius - December 30 - 11:36 am

  Love this car, fast learning curve, very easy to park with back up video, plenty of spaces for things, 2 glove compartments, remote compartment, glasses compartment, 4 cup holders, external audio in to radio for cassette tape player or mp3 - love it, love it, love it!

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  The Best SUV w/3rd row! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Tricia - December 30 - 7:06 am

  I have been shopping around for a vehicle with a 3rd row. My kids absolutely love it. There is plenty of room in the 3rd row. Gas mileage is fine for this size SUV. V6 is great. I would absolutely recommend the Highlander.

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  Knock One Outta The Park - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By nha4233b - December 30 - 3:36 am

  Have had car for 1 month. Love it. I drive 40,000 miles per year commuting and needed a car that would save me on gas. Seat is comfortable for me (58"). Rear view is nice. Can haul when you need to merge on highways. Amazing how much room is in the inside of the car!!! Rear seat space is good.

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  Love the Corolla - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By linng - December 29 - 5:11 pm

  A wonderful little reliable car. I was concerned about the horsepower in a 4 cylinder (I live where there are lots of hills) and it has lots of pep! We also have 2 kids and carpool at times and it doesnt feel too small. Used to own a 1999 and had to sell it and missed it ever since. Glad to be back in a Corolla! Am planning on it lasting forever. :)

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  Corolla performs, efficiently - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Cal Rolla - December 29 - 1:56 pm

  After nearly a year with my Corolla, Im still discovering its amazing fusion of efficiency with performance. Notice I did not use the word "compromise" between performance and efficiency, but fusion. The Toyota engineers have managed to create a car sips gasoline but can kick butt when I ask it to. I love this car. The standard issue tires had to go, and I could ask for more in driver seating comfort, but overall I am delighted with a car that gives the mileage the stodgy environmentalist in me demands, with the fun and sheer power the teenager in me loves. I shut them down on the streets of California. And I can still look myself in the mirror, knowing my car is wasting. Thanks, Toy

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  Zips Right Along - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Anthony Sanseverino - December 29 - 10:06 am

  After reading a couple of other reviews that said acceleration (especially to Highway speeds) was poor, I was quite apprehensive about leasing/purchasing this vehicle. But, after a test drive that allowed me to accelerate quickly, and get on the freeway, Ive come to the conclusion that those other reviewers must be use to V-6, or V-8 power. Or, they arent use to the smoothness of the CVT. As someone who transitioned from a 4-cylinder 2005 Toyota RAV-4 to the 2018 C-HR, I believe that the acceleration is quite adequate. And, a couple of times, Ive had my head pushed back against the head-restraint. While Im not one who needs a Navigation system to show me where to go, the Bluetooth connection for my cell phone (though, I dont use it often) is a great thing to have. Now, Ive only had the car for a little over a week, but so far, its been AWESOME! And, if the on-board computer is to be believed, the MPG on each trip has ranged from very good to absolutely fantastic (ranges between 22.6 to 40.8). While the SmartKey system took a bit of getting use (Ive been turning a key for over 40 years :) ), its a great feature. My only complaints are: the base model should also be equipped with the BSM system, RCTA and Backup camera; considering the sportiness of the car, dual-exhaust would have been neat (luckily, I can buy (and have bought) bolt-on dual-exhaust tips; and a choice of interior colors (I love the exterior Metallic Silver Knockout, but the black interior gets hot during the summer months in Phoenix, AZ).