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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  Lots of Room - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jerome - October 2 - 10:20 am

  My husband plays acoustic bass and I have a wheelchair. With the rear seats folded down we have room for the bass, amplifier, other instruments and my wheelchair. Then we get 52 mpg driving in the mountains to get to music jobs. The car feels solid, the interior is very ergonomic, and all of the amenities that are standard make the car very comfortable.

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  Worth the the wait - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By demoncleaner - October 2 - 2:33 am

  Been in market for new midsize truck for over a year. Always owned Ford or Chevy. Other trucks on market are NO comparision. Drive them first then the Taco. Got a TRD Sport pkg, 4x4, Double cab 5ft bed, with a 6spd manual (thank you Toyota). Took 7 weeks to get here after ordering. No electric driving aids (trac control, stability control) Very happy that they offered a 6 spd manual in a 4 door truck and still retained a 6500 lb towing cap. With 1200 miles no problems, Gas mileage as advertised, but run 89+ octane gas. On 87 she pings down low, and runs rough when on the gas, also I noticed better mileage on high octane

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  Lovely Car - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By erinn06 - October 1 - 5:49 am

  This is my husband and Is first new car. We absolutely love it. I have to agree and disagree with some of what Edmunds says about the car. The interior design is very nice to me. I love the touch screen music player; we listen to a lot of music and so that is important. However then again as a music person, the speakers could use just a bit more pep and refining. Also its acceleration is a bit lacking, but over all it is a wonderful car and I do feel safe driving it with my infant daughter. We bought this car in a charcoal grey, which is also very lovely.

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  LANDCRUSHER - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By STEPHEN BEATON - October 1 - 2:00 am

  IVE OWNED LANDCRUISERS 4 TIMES PREVIOUS AND HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEM #1 YET.

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  GTS THE BEST! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By nasaracer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  drove the acura rsx type s . The GTS is WAAAAAAY better!

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  the best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By rebecca perkins - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in April of 2003. In November of the same year I was in a head on collision with my 10 year old daughter and my 5 month old daughter in the car. The car was totalled, but all three of us came out just fine. It held up beautifully on the inside, enabling us to walk away. I am now looking to buy another car and guess what Im getting: a 2004 Matrix. I loved it that much! It was fun to drive and had plenty of room in the back for all of our "baby stuff". I highly recommend this car to anyone I talk to.

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  6 speed baby - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By ruben lie - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome. I love my xrs, the styling is very nice. It looks different from all the other cars on the road. Very comfortable, love the gauges, looks really nice. Its not too big of a car. No problems yet with the car. runs really nice. overall fun to drive. You can beat most civics on the road.

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  dang good truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By love-it - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I owned three 4x4 Toyota trucks in the last 25 years then bought a 4x4 Dodge. A year later went back to Toyota. Reliability counts for a lot and this is the most reliable truck I have owned. I have been pulling a 24 foot boat on flat land and cant even tell its there.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By dutchman - October 1 - 2:00 am

  tHIS SUV DRIVES LIKE a car.It has plenty of room and drives like a dream.Love the body style.

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  Great cap down! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By swanney2 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Noting close to it for the money!!