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 this truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By brianinvegas - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I got an accident settlement and was looking for a while and test drove the prerunner and knew this is the truck, I like the handling, suspension on the trd interior and body style has good accerlation and decent fuel economy for a v6

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  Solid Built Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Obadiah - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Our second Toyota. Previous Toyota had 154k miles on it with NO significant repairs whatsoever; car would have easily gone another 100k. The 4Runner clearly has the same quality build feel to it. Seating is very comfortable. Ride and handling is pleasant. Good looks, both inside and out. When you plunk down 30k for a vehicle you better do your homework! With the 4Runner you get a solid, all- around vehicle with minimal risk.

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  I named her - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ChristineGJohnson - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I initially wanted a converible and it was a toss-up between the Solara and the Sebring. "The Hulk" was on the show room floor and I fell in love.

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  Shes a Fast One - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By tsperl28 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the first vehicle for my to actually fully take all the financial responsbility in. I believe I made a great decision. The XRS sells itself. It may have costed me over $25000 after tax, title and lease trade-in, but this car will be a joy for years to come!

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  2017 Toyota Highlander All Star Crossover - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota TB - October 21 - 4:57 am

  This is a great Crossover with few compromises. We cross shopped the typical competitors; Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, GM, etc. Given we have/had a Mazda CX-5 and 6, thought it was natural we would end up in the CX-9. The CX-9 had too many compromises in practicality and options that didnt over come the driving fun part - this is a family commuter. The Honda is a good cross over but we needed 2nd row captain chairs and the transmission / weird UI was not worth the money stepping up to the Elite trim on the Honda. The Highlander has safety options like adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, lane departure, pedestrian collision avoid, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive high beams. There are even more goodies that add up in terms of practicality and comfort. Items like 2nd row shades, heated front seats, heated mirrors, large 8"UI screen, 5 USB outlets, tri-climate control, leather seating in front rows, full function moon roof, a intercom system, solid V6 / 8spd auto, auto start/stop, ample small storage-notably the mid-shelf in the dash, power liftgate, reclining seats in the 2nd and 3rd row too, and a window hatch that opens independent of the rear gate! For us the Captains / bucket seats in the 2nd row was a must because of having supervision for multiple car seat riders that can be tended to without crazy gymanastics. All the above without having to step up to the top expensive trims; like in other brands. The higher trims on the Highlander have nice options but not worth the money for our lifestyle. Worth test driving the competition but currently there is no comparison in our minds in terms of the options, safety, reliability, and over all package performance. Keep the factory add ons to a minimum and you can get a good out the door price; keeping in mind you are in the market for a 3 row cross over. Online price comparisons dont always talk about the dealer fees and sales tax but it adds up. We were out the door for no more than $40K (2017 HL XLE AWD - Silver - Cptn Chairs OPTs - All weather mats, rear bumper protector) Good luck and safe driving.

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  My Second Highlander and Love it! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Leslie Wheeler - October 20 - 4:33 pm

  I only have 1000 miles on it as I have had it less then a month, but love it so far! My last highlander was a 2008 Limited and had 130,000. The only repairs it ever had were new tires and brakes. I am hoping this one is the same. I love the automatic high beams, cruise control that adjusts to traffic, and the bluetooth. The touch screen is easily navigated and home screen keeps all the important and most used apps at your finger tips. My sons love the heated back seats and the headrest mounted DVD players (dealer installed but not made by Toyota). I was hoping for more interior room, the MPG is also not great at 19-20 average (and most of my driving is on country roads, not stop and go traffic). I thought after 8 years Toyota would have done a little better. But overall, I LOVE my new Highlander!

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  2nd Avalon - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By mark - October 20 - 4:33 pm

  This is the 2nd Avalon owned, previous was a 2005 xls. The 2007 has improved the transmission problems that the 2005 had with downshifting. Transmission on the 2007 is smooth, much more refined. Also, the std features on the limited are worth the $, keyless entry, ventilated seats, rain sensing wipers, dynamic cruisr ctrl., etc. The nav. system is ok, rest of the screen displays are great, easy to use read, no glare on the screen.

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  Great Fast little car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Jacob Zotta - October 19 - 9:37 pm

  I bought a used 2009 Camry LE at 176k and the V6 that toyota put in the 2009 LE and the XLE has some pick up and go to it, in comparison to the classic oil eating 4cyl that toyota normally drops in a car body. The car itself has much more room than my 03 Corolla and is a much smoother ride on the road. The gas mileage ranges from 25-30 mpg on highway (if you use cruise control). The interior is ok, the seats are of average comfort, mine has all electric controls. Only thing that I would add to the LE model is heated seats as well. The carpet does wear through really fast if you take the floor mats away! The radio is of really good quality JBL speakers and has an option for phone support for calling (not for music, you need an AUX cord plug in for that). The only two things I do not like about this car so far is the way the engine knocks and ticks, and I have never owned a toyota Brand New off the lot, but every toyota I have had has the SAME classic knocking to it. And the windows are not tinted at all so if you drive at night and a truck gets behind you, I hope you brought your sunglasses because that glare in the mirrors is going to be harsh. Other than those small details these cars are great and run for well over 300k. I plan to put another 200k on my 09 with confidence.

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  Efficiency all the way! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Airplane Pilot - October 19 - 7:30 pm

  I drive this car and it is always a pleasure to not have to stop for gas hardly ever. This car gets superb gas mileage, and although I do not think it is quite as good as the EPA suggests, it is still higher than ever! It is a slow accelerator, but the brakes work pretty well. I would rather have a leather interior and this does not have it. The seats are fairly comfortable, leg room is solid, but they could be better if they were soft leather. Dont spill anything on the seats, because you will have a heck of a time trying to get the stains out. The car turns well and is a solid performer in all areas, and it is oh so quiet. Luv efficiency and the cool little high-tech look!

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I was especially surprised in how it can fit comfortably a person my size (6.3 and 280 lbs.) after 5 weeks it is averaging right at 53 miles per gallon. The satisfaction of knowing that it is the best for the environment makes it a real bargain. Mine is fully loaded so still have all the toys of luxury cars.