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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  Good and Not so good - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By EggOwner - January 26 - 1:16 am

  Bought this car used two months ago. Getting 40 mpg in suburban driving! Love the tight handling and nimbleness of it. However, perhaps because my legs are long and my torso short (Im 5-8 and have a 33 inch inseam), I cannot find a comfortable driving position. My thighs do not touch the seat which leads to leg cramps. Putting a pillow on the seat has fixed that, but in addition the steering wheel is too far away! The wheel only goes up and down, it does not telescope, so there is no way to fix it. Ride seems rough because you feel every bump, no matter how minor--even seams in the pavement! Mind you, I spent the last 14 years driving a palatial van, so Im obviously oversensitive!

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  Good purchase - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By flyfishpa - January 25 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car new and have had few problems. Replaced CD player under warranty due to skipping. Clunking sound in rear has been present since new and Ive still not found the source but its tolerable. Very well built, smooth ride GREAT mileage w/ 29+ MPG incl. many central Pa. mountain miles. Nearly 150,000 miles now without a mechanical issue. Just replaced the timing belt and rear struts, the first maintenance other than normal brakes and oil changes. Ive been using amsoil synthetic and changing on 20,000 mile intervals since new with no problems. Now starting to puff a faint blue smoke immediately upon startup when cold. Ill run it until it dies and hopefully buy another toyota.

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  4 cylinder worth consideration - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Anil - January 23 - 2:03 am

  I have had a pleasant experience owning 4 cylinder base Highlander 2009 model. The city mileage is 24 and highway 28 - could not have asked for better from mid-size SUV. I cruised at 70 while traveling from Boston to NY and never felt the vehicle does not have enough power. Dealers should inform the customers hybrid is not the only way to get decent fuel economy. Also, driving in snow was not bad either.

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  Get While You Can - 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV
  By gg77 - January 21 - 2:50 pm

  If you golf, youve heard of a Poor Mans Pebble in reference to Pebble Beach. Well, this is a Poor Mans Tesla...btw, this is a complement. Like other posters have said, youre getting the Tesla motor without having to put down another $20k+. Prior cars include an Audi A4 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. While this does not include 4WD it matches/exceeds their speed/torque off the line, has as much storage as the Jeep, and is a smoother ride than either. Yes, Im pleased. I understand the model is being phased out by end of 2014 due to meeting of CA EPA regulations so get one while you can.

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  The Best Truck I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Nightwind15 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is without a doubt the best truck I have ever owned. I have driven every model available and found the handling and power to be second to none. The interior is the only drawback. It could be more comfortable and could offer more features. The big thing to me is Toyota reliablity and resale value. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge and the feel and power are beyound compare.

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  Its a Great SUV! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Lizz - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This SUV was a great alternative to the more expensive Lexus 3000X model. This SUV is very dependable and is a comfortable drive for lengthy distances.

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  i lovr my car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By realtormom - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. I bought the Limited Edition with Leather and sunroof.... it rides beautifully and the seats are comfortable. Comfort in the rear seats is quite important to me as I am a realtor and frequently drive adult passengers who must sit in the back seat.

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  The Best Car - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rogers owner - January 20 - 11:53 pm

  This was one of the most amazing trucks, it is no wonder they are so hard to find! My Tacoma was at about 118,000 miles when I drifted of the road on a rainy day and overcorrected, which caused my car to flip when it hit a soft spot. I walked out of the car with only a scratch on my arm. Although the damage exceeded the value of the car, it kept me completely safe. This car showed no signs of age, and with routine oil changes would have lasted probably 200,000 more miles. Its bed served all my purposes, offered organizational storage, and is a car I would by far recommend to anyone.

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  My 06 Highlander sport - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By ron - January 19 - 10:10 am

  I love my 06 Highlander Sport v6. Drives like a dream with precise handling and very much a carlike ride. I like the firm but not choppy ride. The sport tuned suspension provides a very nice and predictable handling experience. Corners beautifully, and the acceleration of the V6 is powerful, yet provides decent mpg. My Highlander now has 3000 miles on it and my mpg overall city/hwy is 20mpg. Ive been getting around 22.5 on the hwy. I love my highlander and happy I made the choice of owning one.

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  2000 tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By low rider - January 19 - 10:00 am

  need to change the gas tank lid so you dont have to turn the truck off to fill up.also,the rear passenger seat sets to erect,and could use more room in the rear seat area