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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  What a Blast - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By browndog - November 30 - 11:53 pm

  Head snapping acceleration. Being 63" I find there is plenty of room front and back. Just a joy to drive! The standard stereo could be better. The display panel on the stereo and time/temp is impossible to read w/sunglasses on.

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  Toyota Highlander - the trusted SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By AjBay - November 30 - 7:23 pm

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  Great Commuting Car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Cat22 - November 30 - 1:00 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever owned and I am very satisfied with the Corolla. I commute 110 miles each day (mostly highways) and I have gotten as high as 41 mpg. My average mileage ranges between 37 to 39 mpg. Who needs an expensive hybrid with this kind of mileage. The engine is willing and fairly quick from a stop light. The five speed is fun and the ratios are well spaced. The a/c works great and there is plenty or room for passengers and parcels. Although the handling is not quite as sporty as my old Mazda Protege, it is a much quieter and smoother ride. Overall, very impressed with the Corolla. Is it perfect, no. Is it a great commuter, yes-especially at the pumps.

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  So Far So Good - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By EON - November 30 - 11:16 am

  I just got my Tundra CrewMax (5.7) with the TRD package. It is very stylish. The ride is a little sloppy compared to my Ford F150 Lariat, but overall the acceleration and towing capacity are very good. The gauges are probably designed for someone shorter than I am. I have to duck down to see them clearly. I appreciated Toyota still having a lease program. Ford basically quit and I like to lease for my company vehicles. My salesperson was also very knowledgeable and efficient.

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  Cruise Control Downshifting - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Downshifting - November 30 - 6:06 am

  Overall, a very good car. Love the styling, its a real head turner. Good visability, though the side pillar gets in the way of good side visability when changing lanes. One annoyance worth noting - downshifting. I think the 5th gear is too low. They probably did that for fuel economy. When on cruise control on highway speeds, the car downshifts when going over minor hills and bridges. I wish there was an override.

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  Great SUV. But the JBL Radio? - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By yngturk - November 29 - 6:08 pm

  Ive had this vehicle eight months now, with 12,500 miles and not a single problem. Weve had two 10+ inch snowfalls this winter that my Highlander handled them both effortlessly. Handling, power, room, and comfort are all awesome. A terrific vehicle. BUT: The JBL audio system is a complete mystery. On FM or Satellite the equalizer controls are essentially useless, and bass is ill-defined. On AM the audio is distorted and mushy, except I you happen to find a station broadcasting in AM HD. My daughter has the same vehicle with the non-JBL Premium Audio and it is much better.

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  2nd Prius-we love this one even more - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Troy Zabransky - November 29 - 1:40 pm

  Great car with many new features and improvements over our previous 2010.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Nina - November 29 - 10:26 am

  Fun to drive. Get the protection package to prevent unwanted rattles and noises, it protects your paint too. The sports package gives it a great look. This car is perfect for all age groups. I read a lot of reviews before purchasing and noticed a lot of people said the seating was uncomfortable. I have not had that problem (my previous vehicle was a 4Runner so thats really all I can compare it to but I find it comfy). The car looks so small from the outside that its hard to believe how much space is inside. I love it!

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  Wow what a vehicle! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Andy - November 29 - 7:13 am

  I have owned my Sequoia since new and have just rolled over 300,000 Miles! This vehicle has been a real workhorse with 5 kids (4 girls - imagine the luggage) and numerous vacations. It has never let us down! The only mechanical issues I have had has been replacement of rear wheel seals twice and front ball joints (due to recall). I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. When clean, it still looks new inside and out. I have never garage kept, but paint in excellent shape. I have found that the rear door window is often faulty, but it is usually not the motor as youll see on other posts. About 200k miles ago, I put some dieelectric grease in the motor connector prob. solved.

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  2006 Rav4 Sport 4WD - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - November 29 - 5:36 am

  Just bought my 06 Rav and so far im very happy with it. The interior on the Sport is very nice, the seats are comfortable and supportive. There is almost no road noise in side the cabin, however VSC kicked in more than a few times and was annoying (we have about 6 inch. of snow in Winnipeg , Canada). There is an annoying beeping sound from VSC and there was no need for it to kick in at all. The V6 is very smooth and almost not noticable. It has good power, but not overhwelming like I read in reviews. Overall Im very satisfied with the vehicle and would definitely recommend it.