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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  Gayles Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayles Prius - August 3 - 1:30 am

  Fabulous car....I am amazed at the smoothness of this car. It has incedible power and the gas mileage is fantastic. I commute 40 miles each way every day and still average between 44 and 48 mpg. I also love what I am doing for our earth and the environment driving this vehicle. It is a PZEV..Partical Zero Emission Vehicle.

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  Toyota is giving these away - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By tommyb - August 2 - 10:43 pm

  Bottom line buyer got a LE with sunroof and alloy wheels for $209 per month on a 3-year lease. Turned in a Honda Odyssey after completing a 2- year lease.

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  2006 Toyota Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Joyce - August 2 - 7:40 pm

  Great car. Not my first Toyota and wont be my last. A little over a year after purchase the computer had to be replaced, but Toyota knew about the problem and the work was done free. This car has all the conveniences of a station wagon but its small and easy to maneuver.

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  If Mileage is the Major Driver - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rob222 - August 2 - 5:01 pm

  this is the SUV for you. Aside from the mileage, power liftgate and keyless entry, I have made a sizable downgrade from a Lexus GX. Comparable size, yes but heres a few other things to consider. No dual seat memory controls, soundsystem is very average, fit and finish is not nearly as nice, steering is numb, absolutely NO offroad capability with this SUV. Fun factor, think Ford Taurus wagon. My wife wanted a hybrid suv in our price range and I did the best I could. She really likes it. The vehicle will meet the needs of most every day users and they will be very satisfied. But, if you are looking for a driving experience whatever you push the button, this is not your car

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  they got it 99.98% right - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By George - August 2 - 10:53 am

  compared features against Honda. Several items stood out in Toyota such as: split 3rd row seat with integrated head rests (easier to fold down and no head rests to store), 2nd row seat does not un-hinge itself when tipped out of the way to gain access to the 3rd row, integrated sun shades, 3 power doors, sliding doors have operable windows, excellent turning radius, quieter ride

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  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Papa Bear - August 2 - 9:26 am

  The Prius is fun to drive. I love the technology of the brake regenerating electric power. I get a kick out of fighting my own personal war on terror by limiting the money I send to the oil to the fascist terror masters on Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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  Cant match it.... - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dr Val - August 2 - 7:03 am

  Loving it all the way!!!

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  solid toyota product - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By jztoronto - August 2 - 7:00 am

  i dont agree with the edmunds review this car is a tank, 170k and NO MAJOR REPAIRS just change the oil. typical toyota best maker in the world for the money. the interior has as much space as more exp corrola. not bad in the snow with snow tires. terrific mileage and the trunk is as big as a camrys trunk. styling is def different and not for all but the build quality is solid engine and tranny is typical toyota. if u had 170 km on an audi for example you are 12k in repairs lol. the reviews knock the appearance but ill guarantee that the build quality is solid. def not for a single guy but if you buy this you are ok for repairs

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - August 2 - 4:46 am

  Dont expect the advertised 50 - 60 mpg. Best Ive done is 44 miles per gallon and Ive talked to other Prius owners with the same experience. Great road handling and ride. Fast 0-60 and actually, the faster you go the easier it is on gasoline since the electric engine kicks in. If you want a $20,000 model expect to wait two years for one. The upgrade to leather and nav system is well worth it. The Pirelli performance tires and fancy 17 inch wheels are prone to flats from potholes. This baby is fast with great speed and transmission.

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  Downsized - I hate that! - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By dustync - August 1 - 11:36 pm

  Really got sucked in by the new and beautiful exterior of the 2013 Avalon. Only to find it so very uncomfortable compared to my 2011. Did not sink in until after the purchase that this car is 2" shorter than its predecessor, with most of that coming off the rear passenger leg room, which is Critical TOYOTA! I often have my office associates with me, and they are big guys! Now they are cramped! Why would you make the flagship car.... SMALLER? If I wanted small, I would buy the Camry. And the front seat is narrower, and less comfortable. Front seat comfort of the Avalon has always been an issue; now its much worse! (for the distance driver).