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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  ok - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave - September 14 - 4:56 pm

  I like the vehicle, so far, but I think the gas mileage is not what they advertised. Drives nice, handles fine, looks great, but well see on the gas consumption, still new

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  Who Wouldve Thought - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By The Prince - September 14 - 10:36 am

  For about six months, I researched the TCH and finally purchased it in December. I love driving this car. I am consistently averaging between 38-40 mpg both city/highway. The power and acceleration are adequate and Im saying this coming from a six cylinder Nissan Maxima. The interior is great, despite the plastic everywhere and the exterior...well, the few times that I had to go to the gas station (and other places) I always get great comments about the look. TCH...Im lovin it! If you are wondering if you should buy this car, wonder no more. If I based my selection on the test drive, I probably would have missed out, but now that I own it, its a dream to drive

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  Sequoia Is The Best Ride All Around - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tazman - September 14 - 3:23 am

  Fantastic SUV by far, this SUV has factory installed side air bag curtains for safety, fuel economy is not like a 4cyl but if you are buying this vehicle for gas mileage, it is not what you need. This vehicle rides like a feather top bed. Best comfort for 8 passenger SUV from other makes and models of this size. Resale and trade in value will hold up on this vehicle more that others as well. It pulls my 25 boat with ease on the hiway and out of the water with no sweat. I am looking forward for the 2007 model.

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  Perfect - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By W. Green - September 13 - 6:03 pm

  The Toyotya SE is the perfect combination of a reliable 4 dr sedan with sportier styling inside and out. The 4-cylinder has surprising pep. The optional 16" wheels are a must to finish off the sporty look.

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  So Far so Great - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat D. - September 13 - 1:14 pm

  First Truck and overall pretty happy with the truck. Ride was surprisingly comfortable and the tech on this car is really great. Wanted a truck and the Tacoma was my choice based on reliability and resale value.

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  Much more than I thought - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Chuck - September 13 - 8:00 am

  Bought the four-door hatchback, 5-speed (Mexico). Ordered the "base model" - got 15 inch tires, CD, ABS brakes, A/C, Tach, rear window wiper; which seems more than the base model in the US. I wanted to buy American made but could NOT beat price, quality, economy. Broke- in on Mexico-Florida-Michigan-Mexico trip. At 65 mph I averaged 39 mpg. Replaced back seat with carpeted 3/4 inch plywood, so its a mini-minivan: the hatch and back doors are a dream for access. I really baby it around town and love its eye-catching good looks. It is FUN to drive; stable, peppy, stylish. I didnt think Id enjoy it as much as I do. It is satisfying, even after over one year.

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  Excellent Excellent, buy this truck - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By R Peacey - September 13 - 7:30 am

  I live in Toronto Canada, we are a family of 5 and ski regularly so we get lots of extreme weather. The Sequoia is excellent in the snow, feels very safe under even the worst conditions and is solid on the road. Everything works well, there is a lot of storage and the Sequoia gets excellent mileage for a 6500 lb vehicle. This is a true 8 passenger SUV but is very nimble in parking lots

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By cathy - September 13 - 3:33 am

  I bought my 1995 Toyota Camry LE in 1996, after it had been driven for one year as a program car. This car has cost next to nothing to own and has been a pleasure to drive. Im not exactly the best at taking care of things; but nonetheless, the interior of this car is still in perfect condition. The body looks nearly perfect and the car runs beautifully with 264,000 miles on it. Im amazed at how this car still feels like new. Im considering getting another car just because Ive been driving the same thing for so long and want a change. I will probably hold onto this camry even after I get another car because its just that good! I paid $15K and really got my moneys worth!

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  A Vast Improvement Over Previous Model - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By rmgator90 - September 13 - 2:50 am

  I have had for a couple of months now and it has operated flawlessly. I had an 06 and liked it, but felt it was not as safe as I would like it to be. This has all the safety whistles that I need, plus it is a MUCH smoother, quiet, and comfortable drive. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to buy a large SUV. I have a friend who has an Escalade, and he prefers my Toyota. Averaging about 18 MPG on mostly highway driving.

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  Ten years ahead of the competition. Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By SunPoweredPrius - September 12 - 6:36 pm

  This is the most technologically advanced car mass produced today. We love our car. We average anywhere from 45 to 80 miles per gallon depending on how we drive the car. Very reliable, means weve never had a problem with our car. I give this car the highest rating but Im still waiting for Toyota, to release the Prius that gets 100 miles per gallon. I want more miles per gallon Toyota. When?