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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  Dependable Car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By celica02 - October 30 - 11:53 pm

  This car was very smooth when I first got it. Fun to drive alone or with another person. Doesnt have a lot of torque or horse so I wouldnt recommend carrying 2+ passengers. Very nice on the turns. This is my first car and Im planning on driving it until the wheels fall off. Sport seats are very comfortable. Makes you feel like youre sitting on the floor. This is a good car for daly commuters or first car owners. I shouldnt gotten the GT-S package. Looks nice with the TRD body and has more horse.

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  U cannot judge with one bad experience - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Guest - October 30 - 5:53 pm

  How can u beleive the car sales guy. I think this vehicle is an excellent city ride and freeway ride and good off-road ride with 4X4.

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  Poor Fit and Finish - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Ed - October 30 - 5:00 pm

  I had a Sienna before this Matrix. The Sienna was the best vehicle I ever owned. I cant say the same for the Matrix. The first 6,000 miles were great, no problems. Then it got cold and the noises started. There was an air leak on the drivers window, the dash made noises, and it sounded like the windshield is going to fall out. Finally, the strut on the hatch failed. The dealer could not fix anything and they even made the problems worse. Toyota said they could not make the dealer fix the car, so now I have to make a several hour trip to get the car fixed somewhere else. I wish I would have bought a Honda!

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  Best SUV on the road! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By tphisey - October 30 - 6:16 am

  This has to be the best SUV currently on the road. Prior to this I owned a Suburban. Chevrolet cannot compare to the quality and performance of this vehicle. The interior was extremely well thought out. Options are minimal making competitors fail in comparison as they nickle and dime you to get close to the quality of the Sequoia. The engine performance is excellent. Good mileage 17MPG (13.8 L/ 100km). I do not notice any lack of performance when pulling my 7000lb travel trailer. The vehicle is children friendly and focused with ease of access to all rows and built in sun shades with all windows. The dealership treatment is second to none with seven years of oil changes included.

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  SUV to seriously consider - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim Burdette - October 30 - 5:10 am

  Great car! Fuel economy is above average, I was hoping for terrific fuel economy. Fun to drive, power when needed, comfortable for longer trips. Many standard features are optional on other comparable SUVs. I am looking forward to winter driving to test the performance in snow. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  2006 XLS after one month - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By vanthull - October 30 - 3:23 am

  Again,I find the front seats "smallish"in width and length (as they were in my 2002 Lexus ES300). The display of the sequential shift position ie., 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th is almost impossible to read because it is unlit and does not show up readily. The small pass through space is ridiculously inadequate unless a couple of 2x4s are your common cargo (or skis). Front passenger seat adjustment- up and down- should be standard on the XLS, I think. Knee room, behind the wheel, is minimal for me at an even 6 in height. At one month of ownership these are my negative comments.

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  Great SUV - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Kathy - October 30 - 2:10 am

  The Highlander is a great SUV. This is my 3rd one and is by far the best. The interior is more roomy and comfortable. I really like the shelf that it has over the charging portal for you phone etc., it is very convenient. It handle great. Although I have only had it 1 month I am sure it will just as reliable as my other 2 were.

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  Wish there were some 11s - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Smugly - October 29 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this car 1/16/06 and finally experienced our first problem - right rear tailight bulb burned out (thats what I thought until I jiggled the bulb and it came back on) 61K miles and still have not had to even change the brake pads! Very roomy and comfortable. Surprize - it will do 106 mph (I personally attest)! OK, its not a sporty car - but it is fun to drive on the back roads here in NH. We have pushed the MPG reset button only once - at 36K miles - the first 36k our average mpg was 44.7 and since it has averaged a little lower at 43.9. Cold weather and 4 wheel snowtires (a must where there are snowy roads) decrease mpg considerably. Getting ready to buy a 2010 - psyched!

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  Rating of vehicle - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Frank - October 29 - 8:30 pm

  I really like the Camry 4 door Sedan xle because its a very reliable car and it is a very well engineered car. I get excellent gas mileage. It is very comfortable and an easy and fun car to drive.

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  Hindsight is 20/20 - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Kim - October 29 - 5:20 pm

  I hate the hesitation that happens when you need to take off quickly. I was told that this is only a second hesitation and that it seems longer than it really is that it has something to do with the way the engines are made now. I hate the crazy blind blind spots. Not very roomy inside. Really scary and the tight space causes angst. Constant vibration in steering as though the wheels are out of balance (Toyota always says its the road) they "balance" it for $$$ and send me down the road - - still vibrating. Was told that they retain their value, but so far this is WAY wrong. Owe at this point $19K and highest offer has been $10K!! Never, never again.