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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  Great Little SUV- Except Mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By diepie - April 19 - 11:46 am

  Okay, so its quite early to give a full review on our new car, since we bought it new just a couple of weeks ago. I had done extensive online comparisons between the 3 of the contenders in this vehicle category: the Rav4, Honda CRV, and the Nissan Rogue. We test drove all 3, as well as a Jeep Patriot, and considered but didnt drive a Hyundai Tucson. Toyota won out on a number of counts, not the least of which was the fact that we have been Yota owners for a long time, and have had great success. Toyota was also offering some screaming incentives which tipped the scales. So far of course, so good, but the gas mileage to date has been a bit disappointing.

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  Great ride! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By leo416 - April 19 - 10:11 am

  I really enjoy my 2010 Toyota Highlander Limited. This vehicle definitely has a great amount of power along with a smooth and quite ride. I have previously owned some of Lexuss high end SUVs and I must say I dont see much of a difference in the ride quality, features, style, etc. Granted I did purchase the limited so the features are much improved over the base model. The only thing I can say negative about the highlander is fuel economy. I get around 16 mpg with a good mix of highway and city driving. I understand that is not awful for a midsize to somewhat larger SUV but I just dont like that they state its 20 city & 27 highway. That being said BUY THIS VEHICLE!

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  Stay away from the V-6 - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By Paulyf - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many toyotas but this was one was the most expensive....Paid $1600 for a new head gasket....they all fail in this V-6. Then 40,000 miles later at 144,000 miles they tell me no compression in the #3 cylinder I need a new rebuild $5,000. I just traded it in for a new tundra. Im hoping toyota wont let me down again.

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  Love this car! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Rettsie - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The Celica GT is a great little car! Especially in Red! My daughter calls it the "stud magnet"! It is definitely an eye catcher! It handles nicely and has great power for a V4. Only complaint I have is that when you move the front seats to get into the back seat the seats dont go back to their original position.... Toyota please take note!

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  The best what can I say - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By mishdoob - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I had a Dodge before this. It had nothing but problems. I have had none with the vehicle.

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  review of my Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jmeitzen - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased. The 5th Toyota Ive owned has the most power AND gets the best gas mileage of them all, plus is safer, smoother, and roomier. Wish I got a sunroof though. The back seat is a little hard to get into from drivers side, but roomy for a 2-door, but a little short on head room. Needs option for a graphic EQ & a deck that plays a CD w/MP3s but sound system is still above avg. I prefer rear wheel drive. Torque steer not bad; level largely determined by tires. Turning circle not as tight as a 96 Camrys. Anyway, Im not selling the car anytime soon. Excellent value for quality, comfort, and power for the price.

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  What Quality - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By California Guy 2 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  All I ever heard in the Toyota is higher in Quallity and Resale value then domestics. I like to really drive my SUV as a SUV. Bought this truck just because everyone including Edmund rated it highly. Just driving the Toyota on mostly smooth dirt trails, I have had to have all CV joints re-lubed twice. I have needed to be pulled out of soft sandy soil that my friend with 2wd Tahoe drove straight thru.

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  I love it! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jonny - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, buy two

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  Almost bought one.... but in the end, had to pass - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Chad Shephard - April 18 - 6:27 pm

  Overall we were ok with the car despite 8 gear some what clunky shift. But in the end we realize not having CarPlay is a deal breaker. We used it with other rentals and found out how important this feature was. We just cant see ourselves stuck with this car without the feature for 5+ years.

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  Best car we ever bought--get one now! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By GNR8 - April 18 - 5:16 pm

  Have had it for 3 weeks and about 1200 miles. We are just thrilled with this car! The combination of sophistication, engineering, convenience features, styling and value are unbelieveable! The quality is excellent -- first car we ever bought that did not have to go back for any "adjustments". It is fun and nimble and incredibly silent. Pick up is fair, but if you step on it the engine and electric motor together give it some kick. Mileage in January has been 34-35. The single setting heated seats work very well. The turquoise center stack around the nav screen is too bright and when you dim it the gauges are not bright enough. Try an after market interior wood kit -- awesome!