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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  CC FJ Review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Curry - August 20 - 10:26 am

  The FJ drives and feels very solid. The fit of doors and bonnet are tight and square. With conservative driving habits in real world driving environment it is possible to average 18.5 mpg in town and 20.2 mpg on the highway. The comfort level of this vehicle is far superior to what the F-40 was in the 70s and early 80s. The ride is much like a full size domestic SUV.

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  Time to get rid of this thing - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Sludge - August 20 - 10:03 am

  I have owned my 01 Highlander for about 2 years. Overall it is an ok SUV, although my wife loves it. We bought it used with 45000 miles and it now has 113000 miles. We have had to replace the tires, brakes, and oxygen sensor ($200!). The heater broke and was stuck on hot for several months, the dealer told us it would cost about $1000 to replace the heater panel. After a long search I found where many others have had the same problem and fixed it. Turns out to be broken solder connections, I resoldered them and it now works for FREE! The rear axle is leaking fluid and was told by the dealer it was the axle seals...$350. Time to get rid of this thing!

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  fuel economy is misleading - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By prius2012owner - August 20 - 10:02 am

  I was buying this model in February-March 2012, when neither diller, no Toyota website had the 2012 model description. I was told that the model is exactly as 2011. It turned out that theres single difference - parking assist was removed from 2012 model. Huge, huge disappointment! Another minus is that Toyota, looks like intentionally!, overstates fuel economy. The car does regularly show 49 to 51 overall mpg, but the number is always (I mean ALWAYS) 2-2.5 mpg higher than reality (miles driven/number of galons filled in). At 60mph the car shows speed 2mph higher than external GPSes. May be related to the previous. Tires are bad, very noisy on hwy. Hwy mpg is only about 40 at 70-75mph.

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  Very very very dissapointed - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By dissapointment - August 20 - 8:10 am

  This is my 3rd camry since 99 and probably my last. Ive owned basically only Totyotas for the last 25 years, Land Cruisers, Corollas and Camrys and Ive never been so dissapointed. The transmission, doesnt work properly, as well as the cruise control, the car shakes after 60 miles, the radio and CD player had to be excchanged, overall I am the proud owner of a NIGHT MARE!!!

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  Sweet! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bugchucker - August 20 - 6:13 am

  This is one amazing truck! The ride is incredible. The seats are more comfortable than my Lexus. The navigation is extremely accurate and the voice recognition really works, (not like my cell phone). The sonar is great for parking in tight areas. The towing power makes it a breeze to cruise with my boat. The back up camera makes the hookup very easy. The cabin is roomy and lots of head clearance. MPG has been around 18 which is great for 381 hp.

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  They Are So Cute! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By wendy - August 19 - 12:03 pm

  I just bought my Yaris last month. I bought the upgraded pkg. with power, so I do have cruise and power windows and locks. I had a rear spoiler and keyless entry installed locally for much cheaper than Toyota offered. I am only 5 ft and this car fits me perfectly. It is also easy for me to get in and out of. The drivers seat raises and the speedometer is not in my way either. The gas mileage is great and the pep is super. I bought the pacific blue 4 dr sedan. I really love all the little compartments through out and that spacious trunk. No complaints from me!

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  Great SUV - no longer perfect crossover - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By LeoM - August 19 - 10:00 am

  On the plus side, it gets great mileage (29MPG so far), has AWD, seats 7 and tows a light trailer. For sheer utility nothing else comes close. On the negative side, the HiHy is no longer a crossover. My 2006 HiHy drove like a Camry and had seats and interior comforts like a Camry - except it towed my trailer, seated 7 and could haul a lot of stuff. The 2011 HiHy drives like a truck, has truck seats (particularly in the 2nd row), and is shockingly ugly.

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  Despite some problems I love my Sequoia! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By carzz72 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Limited with 160,000 Miles Sequoia ya it has a few problems rotors,pads,calipers, on mine so far Havent had any issues with Transmission or hatch/latch breaking like some others on here other then the Brakes.I love the the design out & inside a lot better then a expedition or Tahoe their both are just square and plain like most older American vehicles LOL I just sold my wifes Mazda6(S) & bought this cause I have 3 kids & 1 on the way you cant beat this vehicle

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  GREAT CAR! Does what is expected - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nick a - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car , I have had this car for 2 years and bought it with 50k and it now has 71k , Not a single problem whatsoever, besides changing oil and other basic maintenance that is ALL, this car lives up to its legendary Toyota reliability

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  Disappointed with Toyota Corolla - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Gindelm7 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I knew I was buying a very cheap car that would get great gas mileage. However, I guess that it would be marginally better than my low expectations. Gas is Good, but not what was on the sticker. Im at around 28 mpg. Tires show excessive wear at only 10,000 miles. And car will not start sometimes. Had it to the Toyota dealer and they cant find the problem. They will however sell me additional services that are not requested. I should have bought the Elantra!