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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  Extraordinary Well-Built Tiny Efficiency - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Annette Keller - December 17 - 12:50 am

  This car is tiny - head-turningly so. People gawk as if its a toy car. But the interior is so well designed, with many cup-holders, compartments and the hatchback, that I feel as comfortable in it as I did in my 4Runner SUV. Its been years since I had a hatchback, and the accessibility is a wonderful convenience. I have a manual and know how to drive it efficiently. I get between 36-45 mpg, depending on whether the gas station sells 100% gas or an ethanol blend. Can reach anything from the drivers seat except the very back (trunk) part of hatchback. Gets in any parking space. Never had such a convenient, easy access car.

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  Overall Very Happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By sidk - December 16 - 7:56 pm

  I actually bought this for my wife, but have been hogging it. The fit and finish is top notch and the car delivers a tight, smooth ride. Gas mileage in the mid-20s, which isnt great, but good enough to still feel superior that Im driving a hybrid :)

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  Only Toyota For Me! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Amanda - December 16 - 10:46 am

  I love this car! I have had it for almost 6 years now. Ive taken it to the shop twice, and I drive it A LOT. I will only own Toyotas from now on.

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  Wonderful Car - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Krishna - December 16 - 5:10 am

  Im very happy about my decision. I was looking for a SUV to replace my VW Passat which is economical and could satisfy my SUV Dreams. Im happy that I purchased this base model highlander. For my regular commute it give 24 in average and for longer trips it give 26.5mpg. Handling is very good and very very comfortable. Dealer converted the seats to leather for $1099 with heated seats (front and second row). I will recommend this car to anyone without any regret.

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  Oh what a feeling!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By todd - December 16 - 4:13 am

  Finally got my wife out of her Passat, and into a Toyota... I am on my 4th Tacoma crew cab. Absolutely love them. The venza is a hoot to drive, and everyone wants to know what it is. There is room for my 2 teenage daughters, and the border collie. I couldnt think of a better mothers day gift, than to get her to go to the Toyota side! The styling is great, and it is very utilitarian. Has all the bells and whistles, and shouldnt cost me $20k to get away from after 4 years, like the VW... I love it!

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By envelopo - December 16 - 1:40 am

  I traded my 09 Silverado on this truck because of numerous problems and trips to the dealer. I have had other toyota trucks over the years and returned because of the build quality. This truck is smooth, quiet, powerful and bone solid reliable. 30% of the time I am towing a 5800 lb travel trailer and am very impressed with the 4.6 engines towing ability. In my opinion the engine is good compromise between economy and power. Currently I am getting about 17 in combined driving, 19 highway and 10 - 11 towing. I also like how the 6 speed transmission operates, the heating cooling system and seat fabric. Biggest complaint is a rather flimsy bed, which I plan to cure with a spray in liner.

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  Are they Kidding? - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By galagaplayer - December 15 - 11:13 pm

  This truck is great. I test drove all the competitors and decided to pay a little more for the toyota. Resale will take care of those concerns in a few years. The others just dont compare. The 5.7 liter is smooth, and powerful. The ride is also very comfortable and I believe superior, I did not notice the Jitters that are mentioned in other reviews. I sprung for the 20 inch wheels, it really makes the vehicle pleasing to the eye. The edmunds review seems to be searching for something wrong. The only thing wrong is the lack of awards.

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  7 month owner - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Marvin sperber - December 15 - 8:56 pm

  After 7 months of ownership I am growing more of a fan of my 2016 Tacoma. The only complaint is the gas mileage could be better. I received after market tires and rims in the deal (all terrian tires) that make my truck look great but I only average around 16 mph overall. All features on the SR5 are just as nice as upper end models. Super truck overall.

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  A 2CV for the new millenium :-) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - December 15 - 11:40 am

  I bought my Yaris Liftback after selling a new 2007 VW Rabbit which was not a good fit for me. The Yaris is everything the Rabbit is not: fun, light, thrifty, nimble, and solidly built. Im 50, and I grew up driving basic cars so the simple nature of the Yaris really appeals to me. Great visibility, light and intuitive controls, roomy (Im 65" & 175 lbs), practical, and very frugal with fuel. So far, Im a very happy new owner.

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  Toyota Prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jamesmarkd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  excellent automobile. Would buy it again and again. Very reliable so far.