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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  I love my Highlander! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Militza - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I usually own my vehicles for a minimum of 8 years and I expect this one to go even longer. Not just because of the quality, its a family friendly but also mom-friendly car. I love it. Plenty of horsepower to out maneuvre slow pokes on the road and still feel safe. It also looks great. The console was designed with a layout that does not require me to look to change channels, volume. Its 100% intuitive. All in all, GREAT purchase and not one second of buyers regret.

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  Mackenzie the Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Pine Tree - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and enjoyable to drive, mileage is 19 to 24 around town and 29 plus on the highway. Handles great on the Interstate and Forest Service roads. Only complaint is difficult to read odometer and clock in daylight.

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  my high - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By diajam - September 11 - 10:00 am

  compared to honda pilot...this is the CUV to buy.

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  good commute car!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By mimi1 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  i bought my 2003 corolla two years ago. i already put almost 50,000 miles on it!!! its a great commuter car for the budget-minded. it gets awesome gas mileage and is mechanically refined. the only problems that ive had is that the interior dashboard is flooded with annoying buzzes and rattles. also, mediocre handling. i highly suggest anti-lock breaks. i regret not getting them.

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  A very good, if somewhat "vanilla", van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Brown - September 11 - 6:30 am

  Good, but not perfect by any means. Having come from a 2002 Honda Odyssey, I immediately noticed several shortcomings in the Sienna. The Honda engine was much more powerful, especially at takeoff. Furthermore, the Honda had power doors on BOTH sides, instead of just the right side. However, my transmission went out on my Honda after 70,000 miles so Ill gladly trade some power and a powered sliding door for better dependability. However, it just seems somewhat less "advanced" than my 2002 Odyssey did. If the Odyssey is the hot cheerleader who may love you one day, only to leave you for someone else the next, the Sienna is the tried and true girl next door who you can count on to be there.

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  as advertised, and a bit better. - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Sam - September 11 - 5:30 am

  Bought a 2012 Prius 6 months ago, and Ive put about 8000 miles on it. Observations: Very good in bad weather. Its heavy, with a 4 cyl engine, electric motor, and battery pack over the rear wheels. Stable. Driving on hilly roads with sleet coming down and cars going off left and right, I never lost grip. Felt very secure. Wife drives a Nissan Pathfinder, and the Prius is better on snow (less clearance, of course). Theres a BIG difference in MPG if you drive 65 or 75. I can average over 50 on my 45 mile highway commute (rather hilly) if I drive 65. I average perhaps 40 if I drive much over 70. The Prius is much louder at higher speeds. At 65, its not too loud, and its pretty peaceful. The car has a decent JBL stereo, and it covers up the noise. Speed up another 10 miles an hour, and the road noise and wind noise is significant. Headache loud. So, if you are willing to drive 65 and get passed a lot, the car will treat you better. And I timed it, by the way: I save about 3-5 minutes by going 10 miles an hour faster, on average. Not worth it, to me. Goes up hills much easier than I thought it would. Not at all gutsy, but gets the job done. Engine drones in most unpleasant manner under hard acceleration . . . almost as if Toyota purposefully tuned it to sound ugly so as to encourage me to not floor it. MPG is as advertised, around 50. In town, if I drive carefully, I can get much more--up to 70. Then, though, Im probably irritating people behind me. But its fun to try to keep the gas engine off for as much as possible. 6 months later, all is still good. Boring, now that the novelty has worn off, but still getting over 50 mpg. My gas savings is enough to make 80% of the payment. Couple of years have passed. No reliability issues. 50k miles. Boring car, but still getting about 48 mpg on hilly commute.

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  Tires not that much of an issue. - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By imcdowell - September 11 - 4:41 am

  Look at Yokohama Parada Spec-X 420 treadwear rating are 194 each set of 4 with tax in Texas is $915 installed at Discount Tire, Good year has a cheaper tire ar $125 each but it has lower tread rating and a more aggresive tread that will lead to more road noise. The good years can be had for under $600 installed but they would be inferior to the Yokohamas . Remember this car is a more comfortable alternative to a SUV their tires will usually cost almost as much and in some cases more.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Chan Man - September 11 - 3:43 am

  Very good and functional interior design. Quiet and comfortable ride for its class, almost as good as an RX 350 but 10K cheaper, bigger and with the same mileage rating! There are not many options for base model and Limited is pricey. Sports offers the best compromise in price and features.

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  Tricks for MPG; bad phone; Open Trunk - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By akobet - September 11 - 1:53 am

  Ive had this car for two months, and its great. Ive found a few tricks to getting better gas milage. I noticed it only after getting better gass milage during the initial breakin period where I tried to vary my speed. After playing around and changing driving styles, I figured out the secret. With the car warmed up, when you reach cruising speed, take your foot off the accelerator completely, and slowly return it to the point where the car maintains speed. At under 42 MPH on level surface (or downhill) the TCH will completly switch to batteries, and on the highway it seems to put the car into an "econo" mode. I get over 45 MPG highway with this trick.

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  best investment ever - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Ryan Carroll - September 10 - 11:16 pm

  I purchased my 94 corolla when my last car was totaled by a drunk driver. I purchased w/about 150k miles, and now have 190k, still running strong. I used Penzoil High Mileage up until 3 months ago, switched to valvoline Synthetic Blend...still awesome car. I still average 33-35 mpg, and thats better than my wifes 06 cobalt. Low maintenance, high reliability.