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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  hk - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By hkrha - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car over 1000 mile in one week. I like the quietness and driving comfortness. Best part of this car is $2000 rebate which cost me less than $19000 with the 2nd row captains chair.

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  Most FUN SUV ive ever driven - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By JasonErickson - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun SUV ive ever driven, its one of the most easy motor vehicles to drive ever. Excellent handling. VERY FUN!!! Performance is adequate, especially for an SUV. It gets about 28mpg in the city!!!!! Its really nicely styled too. Great car, id recommend it to ANYONE!

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  Great SUV/Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By RichTeg - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Never having owned an SUV I did a lot of research. Edmunds.Com was very helpful. I was able to get a good prive via the internet, then offered my local dealer a chance to match it, which she did. The purchase process was very smooth and delivery was within a few weeks. The vehicle was in excellant condition upon arrival. I love the feel and overall package.

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  Superb Value + Style - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jrose - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Outperforms every car in its class. I selected the 5-speed manual transmission, and am very pleased with the cars responsiveness and the engines zip. The exterior and interior design border on luxurious...not bad, for under 15k. Truly a wonderful car for its price range.

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  Stylin and Reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By CamryStud - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Being 22 years old, you wouldnt think Id be in the market for a Toyota, but the 2002 year really made a turnaround in style. The Camrys exterior styling drew my attention, so I decided to just test drive it. Then and there I fell in love with it. I had originally considered the Nissan Altima, but looking at it over and over, I just didnt like the way it looked. The main thing was the back bumper...there is none. The Accord had entered my mind briefly, but I stared at one for about 10 minutes and decided I really didnt like the way it looked. It had too many imperfections unlike the Camry in my honest opinion.

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  THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Art Haendel - December 11 - 8:23 am

  I am 65 years old and have owned many cars in my life. After 10 months and 15,700 miles I can honestly say that the Toyota Prius is the best car that ive ever owned. I originally purchased this car for its fuel efficiency (I am getting an honest 48 m.p.g.) but have found many other things to like about this car. After the rear seat flips down with a touch of 2 buttons you get a cargo area equivalent to a small van. The steering wheel touch controls are very convenient. The keyless entry and ignition system is a joy to use. The engine is quiet and vibration free. The gears shift extremely smoothly. The feel of the road is like a full sized car. Back seat comfort is good. Great car

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  My life long dream come true - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma momma - December 11 - 3:30 am

  I have wanted a toyota ever since they were toys and this year I bought one right off the show room floor. It rides great and has plenty of leg room. The engine sounds good. The gas mileage is great, I have driven 265 miles and 3/4 of a tank. The outside is beautiful and well curved. The bed is awesome. The whole package is worth the price.

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  Unique and amazing car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By C. Hall - December 10 - 7:23 pm

  I was shopping for a replacement for my 95 Corolla DX and was shocked to find that few 08 cars got any better gas mileage than my old car. Finally in desperation I drove the Prius and it was love at first sight. Lots of gadgets and designed elements, but all with a purpose. Drives great! Has noticeably more power then the old Corolla and I prefer driving it to my wifes Avalon. Smoothness and quietness on the road at 70mph are a revelation. It did cost more than other small 4-dr wagons and hatchbacks, but I guess I wanted to burn less gas even more, not just for the money, but for the environment. So nice to drive well probably leave the Avalon parked a lot more. An unexpected bonus!

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jesse Lott - December 10 - 12:50 pm

  This truck is my 3rd Toyota. I have had zero problems with them. Ever. The mileage is good, considering. The ride is sweet, but you know youre in a truck. The power sliding rear window is a wonderful idea. The truck is large enough to handle anything I would need, but it not so oversize that parking and negotiating is an issue. The fit and finish tops as is Toyotas reputation holds. Power is there when needed and the tranny is smooth. Styling is not "gotta have it," but it grows on you. This is the last truck I will buy. Period.

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  As advertised - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By peter - December 10 - 11:13 am

  Does what it has to do well. Looking through the real window can be a problem. Plenty of room for a car of its size. Gas mileage on short trips is not real good but wonderful when warmed up.