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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  Mostly Pleased - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Westchester Willie - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the Highlander for a month now, and am very pleased. Great car. I dont feel I am missing out on much by opting for the 4 cyl. instead of the more expensive V-6.

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  a good car for everyone - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By rt asian - April 10 - 7:26 am

  I bought a Toyota Camry model 1997 LE 4 door sedan. What a car this was. It is good as new. Of course, there are some parts that needs replacement like the minor ones, spark plug, tires wiper blades, oil, brake fluid, etc. I would recommend this to everyone who wish to buy second hand car. The performance is fine, the curves and U-turns were amazing. Try It, youll love it.

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  Drive it right and youll get 20 mpg! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Steve - April 10 - 5:36 am

  First, never thought Id buy a minivan, but very glad I did! Im getting 22.1 mpg in the city and I say that if you are only getting 14, then blame your foot, not the van! Id like to know how it will tow, but cant find any info (thinking of buying a pop up). I love my van even though I didnt go for all the extras. For higher mpg, USE CRUISE CONTROL where ever possible, even in city! Coast down big hills! I cant believe there is no power to the cigarette lighters when the key is off!

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  We love our Highlander Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By nihonkara - April 10 - 2:40 am

  We were moving back to the US from Japan and wanted a Hybrid SUV. We are planning on a larger family than we have right now and needed the space. Also, since the gas prices had been going sky-high, we felt we needed the hybrid. We also did some simple math computation and realized that getting the hybrid for about $4K more that the non-hybrid, we could save about $3K in gas per year. (It pays for itself in 2 years!) Havent had ANY trouble, it is perfect.

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  Like No Other Super SUV - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By rquigley - April 10 - 12:26 am

  Purchased with 115k on the odometer and never had a doubt it would be a solid truck. Read a zillion reviews online and everyone said the Cruiser was the best. Strong as an ox, can handle car pool when needed and a beast off road. Took in up a 12% snow covered grade in NC. Brother in laws Jeep Wrangler only made it halfway up the hill before sliding back down the hill. Dads ML350 never got a chance due to his fear of totaling it. Landcruiser climbed to the top without a problem. Of course the hill was so steep that i opted to winch it back down out of fear of sliding off the Mtn side and the ice/snow covered trail. Took 1hr to get it down but hey- Land Cruiser is the king of the hill.

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  You want one of these. You do. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Doug in NNY - April 9 - 3:33 pm

  I ordered this unit in September 2007, just before the economy went south. It is one of the best investments Ive ever made. Dealer service has been outstanding, but all Ive ever needed has been routine maintenance. This car is a joy to drive. I bought it in part as a trade-in hedge against purchasing a next-generation Prius (what holds its trade-in value on a Prius more than another Prius?) but I will hold off until the 2011 model year. I dont buy the first model year of anything. Over-the-road economy, honest 53 mpg. Around town in dead of winter (harsh in Northern NY State), 35-40 mpg. Around-town in summer, 44-48 mpg. Not a good car, a great car. Toyotas nailed it.

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  keeps on ticking - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Peter Nugent - April 9 - 10:56 am

  I purchase my 1993 V6 CAMRY SPORT new in MAY 1993.In 11.5 years still the original battery, exhaust, rad., only repairs new brake pads at 65000 miles- new struts 2003 new rotors and brake pads 2004. All toyota OEM parts. This car still rides like new. Ive purchased several new vehicles since but still hang on to the camry because of it!s reliability.The local service manager was wanting the car when I traded. Would I buy another camry, probably but may not be as lucky. Other vehicles large SUVs. I have a 17 year old driver in the family, just another reason to keep this car.

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  My Little Rocket - Great Buy!!! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Bebbszook - April 9 - 8:06 am

  Why My Little Rocket? My Rav4 accelerates, handles, & performs very smoothly. After over 20 years of driving the entire range of only Ford SUVs, I made the decision to go Toyota, which I believe was a wise one. I just wish I did it years ago. Going from an 05 Escape 6 cyl AWD to the 09 Rav4 4 cyl AWD, I expected sluggishness, but instead found it peppier with all-around better handling & performance in & on the VT snow & variable roads conditions. Having to drive over 2.5 hours, several times per week to VT, I find the drivers side lumbar support & heated seats a godsend. Gas mileage falls within the stated 21 to 27 mpg, with 24 mpg as my average. It should improve over time.

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  208,000, and still love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By mamccoy - April 9 - 6:53 am

  My goal is to make it past 300000 miles on this car. I bought it with 144k, and was told by the owner that he had the transmission rebuilt at 100k by Aamco (though they sometimes may stretch the truth with a vehicles true repair needs). They said the Main drive bearing went out. I put in a new Catalytic converter around 145k, and ive been golden since then until now. Its time for more work on the tranny, but some are telling me its the clutch throw-out bearing (release bearing) and some tell me its the same issue that this car had at 100k. Regardless, I have loved the car and wouldnt hesitate on getting another. As for now, Ill fix it and go another 100k, Lord willing!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jeff - April 9 - 12:40 am

  We purchased it used, at a great deal, two years ago. Weve put 25,000 miles on it since and couldnt be more pleased. Works great for our family of five. Weve had no problems so far and love the way it drives. We get a little over 16 mpg through the hills and mountains of East Tennessee.