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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  Fun Car - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By ferenc lokos - January 31 - 11:36 pm

  Great design and style, Sharp looking, Well priced, Nicely finished, A 5 star rated safe car, Good mpg, A fun car to drive.

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  Not So Enamored With Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Bob M. - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  After my wife had owned, and still owns, a Toyota, I bought a Certified Used Toyota (2001 XLE Camry V6) with 61,000 miles. Week after I had it the battery died. Since May 2007, I am going through my third caliper repair (2 on the left, one on the right)which has cost me over $1,000 to fix. Just had to replace timing belt. Seems I am constantly shelling out money to fix things. Seriously thinking about dumping this one. I might trade in on another Toyota, but my experience has not been great. I believe my caliper issue is a design flaw and that I shouldnt have to keep paying to fix

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  Great car; poor tire wear - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Martha - January 31 - 5:23 am

  Love the Toyota Prius, but the tire wear on the original tires is terrible. I will not have my car serviced at a dealer; Sullivan Tire told me that the rear end needed shimming fresh out of the factory. I confronted the dealer and they said "that may be the case, but Toyota will not do anything about it." The tires need replacing after 32000 miles. The car isnt 2 years old yet and already I have to spend $950.

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  Just what I needed - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By cwbarrett - January 31 - 3:42 am

  I just leased a 2013 S mainly for my son. He loves the car. Sunroof. Rides well. Quiet. Enough power with the manual. Hes 64" and fits fine. Edmunds recommends considering other cars but the ones they recommend dont inspire confidence. The difference between the editors and me is that they get to give theirs back after 2 weeks. I noticed the negative user comments on the Corolla are around style and a little under powered. I noticed the negative comments on the suggested alternatives are mechanical, like transmissions grinding and steering columns shaking. I guess Id rather have a "disconnected driving experience" than a disconnnected wallet experience.

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  Heading Back to the Dealer After First Fue Fill Up - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Geoff Cheeseman - January 31 - 1:07 am

  I so much want to like and live with the 2016 Tacoma, but as other reviewers have mentioned the truck has a fatal flaw with its engine/transmission combination. As a result, Im returning the truck w/ only 400 miles as it almost couldnt make it to my office today with a full tank of gas! Granted I work at 6,200 and there was a 20 mph wind blowing. But seriously, this truck is a dog. I read on Edmunds that the new V6 (with supposedly 42 increased HP) combined with the Atkinson cycle and a 6-speed automatic transmission is a full second slower in speed tests from 0 to 60 than last years model, and I believe it. It sounds like a bad marriage. The transmission keeps the engine in the low RPM range, but w/ the Atkinson cycle, peak HP & torque is up around 5,000 rpm. Very hard to get the truck to its power band. It feels like the two systems were designed by engineers who didnt consult one another. The truck is always shifting. At times, it feels as though its in too high of a gear and the engine/transmission vibrate. When you step on the gas, theres a huge delay as the transmission may have to drop 2 or 3 gears to get going and then you have to wait for the engine to rev up. There is an extra power button, but that doesnt help all that much. Apparently, the Atkinson cycle works well in the Toyota Prius, where it saves gas, but not in this truck. Its because of its lack of power, and more importantly, snow accelerator response, that Im returning my 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

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  V6 powerhouse AT smooth ride - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By carb1776 - January 30 - 9:36 pm

  Truck rides like a Camry. V6 is more than enough power to drive straight up inclines in Vermont hills! MPG 21 or better if you drive the speed limit. I have only changed the oil. My first truck, would buy again! Toyota quality and great resale market for this truck. Lots of room for a very tall guy.

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  Reliable S.U.V. - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By casino2 - January 29 - 6:44 pm

  This vehicle has been reliable ever since. Ever since, I purchased it brand new, there has been no major issue. I had the battery replaced with the one from Sams club. The front and rear brakes was replaced with O.E. pads. The transmission was done with new filter, new gasket, and O.E. Toyota Type 4 fluids. Also four new tires were done. The oil is changed at every 5,000 miles.

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  Secret Rocket V6 version - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By RobRav4 - January 29 - 6:16 pm

  Rav4 means quality and performance. I urge you to test drive one that matches your personality. I can only talk about the more powerful V6 2WD version with 269 horses. Driving the Rav4 (V6 2WD) is like driving a rocket. I bought the V6 base and it is fast. The transmission is a little touchy but it really kicks into gear when needed. The list 0-60 time is 6.6. I have smoked many 30K sedans off the line. I can have fun and still have room for friends. If you want a fast, quality, functional ride you should look into getting one.

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  Meets My Needs Very Well - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By CUL8ER - January 29 - 5:20 pm

  08 Limited 4WD W/Leather. I like this car a lot for what we needed it for which is daily commuting, safety, winter driving and vacation trips. We will pull a POP for camping (when Toyota/or after market design a tow bar). It replaced 02 Odyssey. I am averaging 20 MPG with mixed driving on 5 tanks, so this should improve.

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  Why buy a Lexus ? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mimi Klier - January 29 - 12:56 pm

  I recently had a 2000 Avalon that I traded in for a 2005. I was told by the dealership to wait because they were comming out with an all new body style. Even though the 2005 was late by new car standards, it was worth the wait. I am very happy with the changes they made. The amentities on the Avalon for the price tag our outstanding and the design is much sleeker than in past models. I would recommend this car to anyone!