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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  High on my Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave C - February 9 - 6:30 pm

  I bought my 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited about 6 weeks ago. FOr the first week the only word I used to describe it was "smooth". Now that Ive gotten used to that I also am pretty happy with the 22 MPG Im getting overall, the comfort of the leather seats and the easy-to-use instrumentation. The automatic climate control is nice too. I live in Vermont and was concerned about the basic tires but so far the electronic control systems have kept the wheels from spinning. But it still slides on ice just like any other car. I had a Ford Explorer before and got 200,000 miles out of it but the resale value of the Toyotas made me switch. The Highlander Limited fits me like a glove!

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  A year driving it!! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By George - February 9 - 6:13 pm

  I almost did not buy it! I drove a 4Runner years ago and I did not like it, but a car expert friend suggested me to drive the 2005 V8, WHAT A SURPRISE! I test drove the GX 470 Lexus first, The Toyota Limited is as good ride! This is an incredible SUV. Acceleration is amazing for a SUV. The ride is so confortable that sometimes I forgot I had an SUV. I bought it a year ago, driven more than 30,000 miles through the mountains and deserts of California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and Arizona, through , rain, ice and snow and this truck performes like a charm! I bought new Michelin tires last week, WOW EVEN BETTER RIDE! Service is great. Confortable for 5 passengers. Buy it.

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  Yaris - 10 day owners review - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Batavia - February 9 - 9:46 am

  So far, so good. Owned for a week and a half and have put on a whopping 200 miles. It appears gas mileage will be a big plus, along with the hoot that we get driving this cute little booger

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  Oligohome - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Oligohome - February 9 - 8:33 am

  this is my 3rd 5-speed Corolla. I wanted a car that was as close to my previous 2000 Corolla as possible. I find the suspension is very ridgid. I feel every bump on the road. Drives well in the snow. I appreciate the added ground clearance. Turns great. Average fuel at 32 (local)-35 (HWY) MPG, not the number advertised (although my previous Corolla was right on the money to the predicted numbers, so it aint my driving).

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  Daddys Monster Truck - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By New Sequoia Driver - February 9 - 7:10 am

  My 3 year old son calls our new Sequoia Daddys Monster Truck. We traded in a Ford Explorer to get more space for our third child, due in March. So far the truck is great. The ride is very smooth and there is plenty of room in the second row - it has 3 LATCH hook-ups and lots of leg room. Gas mileage is actually better than my old Explorer!

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  Love my car! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Sold on Toyota - February 9 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 1996 Camry in 1999 with 19,000 miles one it. It now has over 250,000 miles on it, runs like a champ and still has a very pretty exterior. I still get compliments on it! We have done basic maintenance on it and a couple minor repairs over the years, but it is our most reliable car by far and I take it on errands (less than 2 miles) and long road trips with never a worry. I will buy nothing but a Toyota ever again. This car is awesome - seriously.

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  What a surprise! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By oswegolax31 - February 9 - 3:45 am

  The camry was the last car I was test driving and it was by mistake! I kept on looking at this car in the showroom and I couldnt believe it was a camry. I was never a fan of the Camry styling but the 2012 has a nice sleek look to the car. The car is muscular (I know for a camry), and the lines are clean. My favorite features are the quietness and the smoothness of the ride - unbelievable. After my test drive I was sold. I have looked at numerous models for Mazda, VW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Ford - the Camry has the smoothest and quietest ride. I have 1,000 miles on the car and I love it. Pure city driving is 21-24 mpg and highway is 34 mpg or better.

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  One Big Bad, but Civilized, Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Guam Mr.Z - February 9 - 1:40 am

  I just picked up my 2007 Toyota Tundra 4.7L Limited Edition 4X4 Double Cab With TRD Off Road Package. Ths is the first full sized truck and 4X4 I have ever owned. It is huge, really comparable to the Dodge Rams I use at work, maybe even bigger. Anyways, I got the Limited, and the ride is so quiet and smooth inside the cabin. The suspension soaks up all road irregularities. The JBL sound system with Bluetooth phone capabilities works flawlessly. There are enough cup holders in this truck to hold probably a case of soda! A lot of indoor storage space, with 2 glove compartments. My leather seats are so soft and comfortable. I love this truck. This is one fantastic truck that I would recommend to anyone who wants a full sized truck.

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  Hybrid in the Snow? - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Barbara - February 8 - 8:26 pm

  Edmunds says this should not be bought as a "serious snow vehicle." If youll be towing a heavy trailer of snowmobiles and going on really rough terrain, they may be right. But if you will be on normal roads (paved or not) and you live where it snows a lot, dont hesitate to buy this vehicle. I live at 9000ft in the mtns of Colorado and it has performed extremely well in all conditions including steep snowy driveways. The AWD works great and I love the B gear which allows me to slow down without braking no matter what speed I am going. This is very helpful in slippery conditions and I am able to use the brakes very lightly if at all sometimes - great for the highway. We love this car.

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  The 7/8 truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By dave - February 8 - 8:13 pm

  My wife and I just love this truck and the color salsa red. We have the x-sp package with the 18" enkei alloy w/tire upgrade. I have no problem towing my boat or trailer with the truck. I like side molding w/chrome inserts. I like the double wall cargo bed with rail caps and locking tailgate and chrome step tubes. This truck rides like a car, very smooth and takes the bumps very well, that is why my wife likes to drive it. If you watch the lights and dont punch the gas when you take off, you can get 16 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway, the best i got was 21 on the highway and 16 in the city. The arm rests are a little small for anyone.