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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  Former Mercedes owner - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By CStark - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is argueably the nicest car I have ever owned and I drove a Mercedes for years before this. This is really a Lexus dressed down in a Toyota badge.

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  Love My Baby Yo - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By pauly651 - August 16 - 11:30 am

  Bought my Yaris hatchback brand new in 2007. Baby Yo (Baby Toyota) now has over 112,000 miles on it. Still drives like its brand new. Bought some 17 by 7.5 black with chrome lips on her n WOW!!! Also upgraded the sound systems, Pioneer Premier the whole inside. One minor problem though, Last winter gas gauge lied to me. Said I had two bars of gas left but when enter the hiway ramp it stalled. Checked the whole car with fine tooth comb, found nothing. Little bro added gas to tank, it started right up.

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  Trusty old friend - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By David Fatzinger - August 13 - 5:26 pm

  Purchased slightly used my 4runner has 208,000 miles on it. This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It rides like a truck and the seats are very well designed but it has been utterly reliable. Brakes and a battery have been replaced. It still has original exhaust. I live in Michigan and am a hunter. Ive driven this thing through deep snow, mud and two tracks that have stopped larger 4- wheel trucks. The 4 wheel drive system is perfect. I can put in 4x8 plywood in the back and haul much gear of various types. Fuel economy has been acceptable for an SUV. Performance is good enough for everything except heavy hauling. Im looking to get another one but may get a Highlander.

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  After 2 years of research - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By James Howells - August 13 - 4:20 pm

  Very happy with our choice, my wife and I love our new Highlander. It is very smooth and refined, very comfortable seats and great interior. We chose the Oh la la rouge red witch I have to say is kind of a cheesy name for this red color but whatever its great to look at. The V6 engine has lots of power in the high rpm range and it really gets up and goes when you put your foot in it. Im not having any of the problems other reviewers are having with the entune system, it does take some learning and getting used to but it works well when you know how to use it. I do find myself missing some options on my XLE AWD that come standard on the limited version like blind spot monitoring and automatic seat settings, those things should come standard on a suv that cost 37k+. At the end of the day I think the highlander is the best looking 3 row crossover on the market and I have faith in its reliability even though weve only put 2000 miles it to date. I will come back in the future and update this review.

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  Awesome Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By bruce - August 13 - 2:53 am

  I have the access cab with the SR5 package. I use it primarily as a commuter vehicle (100+ miles/day) and household projects. So far, I have hauled one load - approximately 900 pounds of bricks. I did not lose any power, nor did I experience a decline in performance with the increased payload. It struggles going up steep hills. My gas mileage so far (under 600 miles) is approximately 20 MPG HWY. I typically drive 80 MPH at 3k RPM, so I am probably not getting the mileage the truck is capable of. The ride is smooth. Fairly quiet inside. Lots of storage space. Excellent truck for the price!

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  Not up to date - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By pipesmoker - August 12 - 1:00 am

  I have to say that I am more than pleased with the RAV4. I think the V- 6 is a little much for the transmission. At times is shifting his rough. This was the first time I have had a Toyota in 15 years. At that time I had a truck with 135,000 miles on it. I recommend to people as a good buy for its price.

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  SUV for large family - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By No minivan please!!! - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for a large family that requires transporting either lots of stuff, lots of kids or both... If I had to by another SUV of this size, I would buy another one tomorrow... and I have looked at them all!

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  One Unsatisfied Customer - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Patrick Le - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Learning that the new Solara was a new model and built in America kind of worried me.I said to myself what could go wrong?Its a Toyota and its new. I bought mine at Toyota North Hollywood and after 400 miles on it, there was a problem with the cars allignment.I took it back to the dealer and it took them the whole day to find out that its "toe" went out.Whatever that means.I had to take it back next day early in the morning to have them disassembled the car and fix whatever the problem they stated. The service manager even stated that its a first year model and one should expect problems.

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  Cant believe this is the highest rated - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By troy2 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my wifes 1998 Tacoma XTra Cab to make it easier to move the kids in and out of. While roomier, the interior build materials seem to be of lower quality, especially the seats. The cruise control is over reactive often dropping two gears and adding 5 MPH on roads where I can maintain speed without downshifting. Shop others first. We only bought ours because of the resale value.

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  04 Sport 4X4 V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By stp1 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Very impressive SUV. Makes the old body style feel like a Tercel. No more body roll, and allot less wind and road noise. If you drive an 04 you will never drive the old body style again! Rides and handles excellent. Seems to be priced high to there competition, but hopefully it will hold value well. Sold an 02 Yukon for this, and so far it is just as good, just a little smaller.