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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  Great car, not true it can tow 5,000 lbs - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By manny52 - July 31 - 9:07 am

  I love this vehicle, it is beautiful, drives like a car but moves 6 people. I am writing this review to alert others of a problem about towing. Toyota says that, with a towing package, the 3.5 L V6 Highlander can tow 5,000 lbs. But the package comes with a 4-pin electrical trailer connector which has no connection for electrical brakes. In Canada, it is illegal to tow more than 3,000 lbs without trailer brakes. Toyota cannot install a 7-pin connector on the Highlander. Therefore, Toyotas claim of a 5,000 lbs towing capacity is UNTRUE. The true towing capacity is less than 3,000 lbs.

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  Performance and Reliability - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By EX Ford Owner - July 31 - 6:46 am

  I was a GMC and F150 owner for years. After my 2006 F150 broke down the 4th time I drove it straight to the Toyota dealer and traded it in. I felt guilty at first , but than learned The Toyota was designed and built in the U.S. (much more so than the F150 !).This truck may cost a little more, but you get way more for the money, the build quality is far superior, it tows like an animal, and with only 1500 miles it is getting better gas mileage than the f150 already. I get compliments on it all the time. It is sharp enough to take my girlfriend to a nice restaurant, and strong enough to haul my race car to the track. The last time I towed, it was up hills in 108 degree heat - no sweat.

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  This is a Toyota? - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Russ Blondeck - July 31 - 1:16 am

  This car should definitely revive Toyotas declining reputation for sure. I have never owned a better vehicle. It works simple marvels off road, but its still more then comfortable in the city. It blows my wifes g-class out the water. More comfortable both on the beaten path and off-road. I got it lifted, added a bullbar, kc lights, rear Bush guards, and a snorkel, but it still handles like my previous 3 series. The real shocker is though how good it does water fording. I was driving through a lake once that my-off road club goes in often but I ran into a deep spot that we didnt know about. It completely submerged, with just the snorkel sticking out. It was stuck for over 3 seconds but still drove out!

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  Outstanding car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Northwest mom - July 30 - 7:20 pm

  This car is both luxurious and economical. The driving experience is quiet and soothing. I do a lot of highway driving and its just what the doctor ordered. The brakes are especially impressive, but the gas mileage is probably the best part. The gas mileage feedback system really helps you drive more economically.

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  2018 Camry SE Thoughts - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan - July 29 - 10:26 pm

  I recently purchased this car last month and it has been wonderful. The transmission can be a bit jumpy if you are too quick on the gas upon take off as it hunts to find the right gear (being an 8 speed auto), other than that the gearing has been really smooth. I love the style of the SE (mine is black so it hides those black plastic fins well) and the overall layout. With only 700 miles, I cant comment on long-term reliability but I expect it to be great being a Toyota. Gas mileage has been 25.3 mpg. combined so far and I only expect that number to increase. I love all the safety features including radar cruise and auto high-beams along with RCTA and BSM. For those of you looking at the panoramic sunroof, I wasnt that impressed as it only leaves a 12 inch or less opening if you are actually wanting to open the sunroof. So far the ride and handling has been great on the new TNGA platform and I hope to have this Camry for many trouble-free years to come.

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  LOVE my Celica!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By bdnintendo - July 29 - 2:06 pm

  My Celica currently has 135,000 miles on it and is running STRONG! I do have a bit of a lead foot, but its really hard not to with this car. It just makes you want to drive like a race car driver! It has unbelievable handling, awesome looks, and a one of a kind design! This car turns A LOT of heads! VERY reliable, gas efficient, and easy to fall in love with!

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  Is there a better truck in this class? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By B Sarlo - July 28 - 4:36 pm

  If your looking for anything else you will lose out. This truck has it all. Power, ride, comfort, fun to drive. Ive driven most of them and this is the winner and stands out above all the rest. Thanks Toyota. Great job in buliding a excellent truck.

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  Never sees repair shop - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By William C. - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, had small defective battery replaced for free.

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  My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Zoeller - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my little hybrid. Its fun to drive, handles well, gets great mileage, which is the main reason I bought it. Its plenty roomy enough, though I wonder how comfortable that 5th person would be?

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  Prius Perfomance - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robin Lerner - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Since i bought this care i have gotten great gas milage ..average about 48 mpg. I drive over 100 miles a day and i drive mostly highways. Learning how to use some of the extras was difficult. Sometimes i have trouble when i go to wash my car as people don;t know how to drive it. One time when i left it alone for a week i had to call roadside service to get it started. Also i must take it to the dealer for all repairs even oil changes which is time consuming. I love the care and hope it will last me along time. I purchased the extended warrenty just in case.