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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  Love My Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PR - May 9 - 10:20 am

  I love my Sienna, I carry everything but the kitchen sink in it. It is roomy and has made life easier for me and my 4 year old. My only disappointment is that I do not think it is fast enough when I have to enter the highway or pass someone. Also, outside noise is not filtered and the air conditioner is not strong enough. Could be because its a big car. Not sure, but overall, Im happy. Oh, its also great on gas!

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  ching ching! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By kramerica - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Hey, its all about the money, admit it! This is my first car and itll be hard to top this. I wanted a great ride with some great mileage. I purchased my silver prius in july and have gotten a lot of oohs and ahhs. More importantly, Ive gained a couple things. One, incredible gas mileage in a brand Ive come to respect. Two, how much I really drive and my driving style. Those two have resulted in better mileage, savings in money, and a more comfortable ride. In general, a great car for a first time buyer. And if that aint enuff, its super clean and you get a tax break, unbelievable!

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  2000 Se - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Gordo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Excellent minivan! We have three daughters 10,8, and 3. This van is smaller than the other minivans, but will certainly be more than adequate for our needs for the next five years. The middle row captains chairs are ideal, allowing one of the girls to have the entire 3rd row to themself.

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  The Best - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By harper - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Have had many autos over 40 years now including prior Toyotas, Mercedes and Cadillacs. This is the best auto by far I have ever had. Freinds really take to the Highlander.

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  It meets my needs. - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Diana - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my pre-runner. It has been flawless in the 10K I have owned it. Actually Im not a big off road person, but I have hauled some big items with this truck, and for my small needs the truck is perfect. Good gas milage, low maintenance, and a great value for many years. It also hauls the kids and equipment fine. Then Ill give it to my son and buy another.

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  Well Designed - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jacob Foret - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Well designed with plenty of room for passengers and cargo in the back. The ride is higher than a car, but not towering over all other traffic. You dont feel like an elephant maneuvering in a parking lot.

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  I will buy it, if Toyota is smart enough to build. - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Reginald Pryor - May 9 - 9:02 am

  Match the full cost of ownership to your projected total budget, and buy the Highlander you need and want. Smart successful dealers will research to find the Highlander you want to buy. Match the Highlander to your region. Dont think you are buying a Porche SUV, a BMW X5, or a Landrover. Buy the extended Toyota warranty, too. Every car manufacturer understands the lifespan of major systems, components, and many parts. Always specify genuine Toyota parts for Toyota service for both warranty items and normal wear items, for there can be differences in quality and how Toyota warrants the item(s). Read your service invoice authorizing service before signing it.

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Sumit - May 9 - 5:53 am

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  Roomy inside - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Lorraine Tipton - May 9 - 4:00 am

  I love having head and leg room. The seat of my Jeep was more comfortable for me than the RAV, but my husband likes it better. I slip a pillow behind me so it feels like heaven. The room is great over our Jeep Liberty. Drove it 2,500 miles the first week and it just floated down the road. We seemed to get about 28 miles to mpg from our calculations. We love RAV4s.

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  Hope it Lasts - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By twistedf8 - May 8 - 2:27 pm

  First Camry purchase. Not impressed with the cheap carpet in the SE (shines like cardboard after the first vacuum) the seat material is sub-par as well. Gas mileage is 23.8 MPG. I bought the car at a discount like so many other posters have mentioned. I wont complain about the price. For a 4 cyl, it does have the ability to accelerate well. I wish I was getting the mileage many other folks are reporting and Id overlook the cheap interior. I live on a 50 MPH road and the car rarely sees a traffic light. Buyer beware on the mileage and interior. Otherwise it is a nice car. Im hoping it lasts as long as people say they do.