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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  Poor Quality Toyota Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By hl - August 20 - 6:26 pm

  I have the truck for about 1500 miles. It has following problems: 1.) poor alignment: I have to re-align front wheels to drive straight. 2.) power steel failed with fluid leaked out. It has to be serviced and part changed. 3). rattle noise from right side of cab. It has not being fixed after two trips to dealership.

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  Quite Impressed - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By mrjohn - August 20 - 2:13 pm

  Was originally looking at Acura TLs and Infiniti G35s, but the extra space and better fuel economy of the Avalon won me over. I am just amazed that Toyota can take a 280 hp engine and still get 31 mpg on 87 octane, whereas Acura cant do that on the TL with premium fuel. Not to mention the Avalon is bigger, and hence, heavier. No complaints so far.

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  Great all around car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mr.D - August 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car if your looking for safety, reliability, and comfort. Although edmunds says its a bit overpriced I disagree 100%. The safety, mpg, and overall feel make it well worth your money.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SpazzE1 - August 20 - 6:10 am

  All and all, this is an excellent car. I get between 27 and 32 mpg with mine, it has a smooth ride, good pickup, great sound system and is extremely reliable. I already have over 150K on it and literally only put about $150 per year into repairs. This has got to be one of the best vehicles I have ever had. Very economical, attractive and comfortable. Love it!

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  Upgrade the speakers - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mmosso - August 20 - 5:26 am

  Great truck! Im very happy with the look. Everyone looks and points. I would strongly recommend getting the upgraded radio w/sub woofer package if you get the roof racks. The wind noise is deafening.

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  1st Time Toyota owner - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By bh - August 20 - 5:13 am

  Have owned the car for 2 months. Best features are the smooth and quiet ride. I recently rode in a friends new Accord and the Camry is much more quiet and much smoother. The engine is very quiet at idle, and at 70 mph. The handling is not very sporty thanks to the drive-by-wire steering; needs more road feel. The car downshifts too much when going up slight grades at interstate hwy. speeds; otherwise the transmission is very smooth and shifts seamlessly. This is a five- speed and I can only imagine that the new 6-speed would have more of the downshifting problem. Overall I really like the car and believe it is a good value in the midsize category. I dont regret the purchase at all.

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  Very nice luxury car. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By CJ - August 20 - 4:56 am

  A very advanced car, nice features but you need to read the manual to learn how to use some of the features. After reading manual you may need to review it to be able to know to use components.

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  Its ok - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Steven - August 20 - 4:42 am

  It way to expensive I can buy a GMC Terrain for half the price and rides and handles and gets better gas milage

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  Needs improvements - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By RA - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  Cool car ! Deceiving looks!! Good for singles, small family. Underpowered a little bit. Weak suspension?

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  My Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By denise - August 19 - 3:26 pm

  I have been selling Toyotas for 7 years and never realized what a great car Corolla is! I love mine! I drove a Celica for 4 years and Corolla S performs as well with more interior space and visibilty.