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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  New Jersey - Matrix XR - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By tekcom - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car... Looks cool and sporty. Excellent interior design (guages, instruments, etc). And for a small compact, it actually is pretty spacious. Nice car all around.

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  Best value and good looking coup - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cooldad24 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  1. Ride is smooth, and relax. The suspension is firmmer than Camry like Lexus ES300 in sprot mode. Maneuverability is good. The steering weight toward the light side. Neither wind nor road noise was heard. The ambient is very like the one in Lexas. Materials is first rated and on par of Lexus. Leather is great on touch. Engine is Quiet, smooth & strong. The AT works great and smooth. Everyone laid eyes on it liked it. It looks very sporty and sexy. The cosmic Blue metallic I have is a very soft color and pleasant to eyes. Overall, we are satisfied with car in every category including the price. For 26K+, it provides features better than we expected.

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  Perfect for Empty-Nesters - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BBoomer - September 1 - 10:00 am

  After 1400 miles, 3 washings and one waxing, I have not found any imperfection in the build quality of this vehicle. Good all purpose vehicle for those of us who like the comfort of a car and the ability to haul materials for weekend projects. Predictable handling on interstates as well as gravel roads. Easy entry and exit for us boomers with stiff knees.

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  I love this vehicle - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By AMAZING CAR - August 31 - 8:56 pm

  Bought this car last year, with 130K on it. I love this car, I wish cars were still made this well and felt this stable. With Shell Vpower, I can get 34 MPG with 40% city 60% highway. Never needs anything but oil changes, and they are a snap to do yourself. It is not the most fun to drive, but with the manual trans it is better than most camrys.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Had - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rkempen - August 31 - 7:33 pm

  I am amazed of how much I love this car.

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  05 Tundra DC - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By jmk - August 30 - 1:50 pm

  Love the truck. I compared Chev, Ford and Nissan 1/2 ton 4 full door trucks. The Toy has the largest bed by far and plenty of room for the family. Excellent ride and great gas mileage over the 2500 HD I traded in. Stereo is very good, visibility is good and the major controls are easy to reach. Hauls a full load of gear for four in the back plus towing a boat (3000 lbs). Passengers comment on the car- like ride.

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  Best of All - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By lvodron - August 30 - 12:13 pm

  This SUV is the best! We love the way it handles. People stop us all the time to ask about it. Mileage isnt the same as claimed. The mileage is great for a small SUV. (22-23). One month we only spent $40 in gas. Easy to drive.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By dmb72 - August 30 - 10:48 am

  Im coming up on my 1 year anniversary of ownership of my 4-runner and I have nothing but positive vibes to say. I traded in my 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee for this car and I have never looked back If youre like me and want a true SUV to handle ski road trips in the winter, and camping in the summer, then this should be your ride. Fun to drive, powerful, and and is just plain cool to own. Plus, it handles whatever mother nature throws at you. My 4-runner has driven thru hurricane irene and a 30 inch Noreaster with ease. I love the fact that it has stayed true to its roots and feels like what an SUV should feel like. If you are like most and want a crossover SUV feel, then this is not your ride

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  Great Engine - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By jabe - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have now spent 12,000 miles in my Avalon. This a great car. I am getting 25 MPG on average and up to 30 MPG on highway. Great Power and with the manual override transmission you can really get off the line when you have to. Engine flys form 40 to 70 MPH. This car is big and roomy. I fully agree with the Edmunds Road test. They nailed it perfectly on all counts

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  Best Car I have owned - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Neese - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 12/04 and have 60,000 miles. Other than oil changes, tires and routine work it has been free of any problems or concerns. I love the smooth ride and comfortable seats with warmers for winter!! This car is by far the most comfortable and easy to drive car I have ever owned.