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:

• 

  Variability in Quality - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By garyn - October 19 - 5:50 am

  Had a dealership bring in a particular color combination for a test drive and probable purchase. Car drove well but form and fit of the dash components I thought was substandard. The leather seating was already wrinkled with only 150 miles on the car. I checked out other Camrys at the dealership and found similar variability. The dealer representative told me that this is the way most were! I went to a second dealership and found an identical car in the lot. This car had perfect fit. Proceeded to buy this one. Very happy with it so far. Bought an extended warranty because I have no experience with Toyota or a hybrid for that matter.

• 

  Great New Model the Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel McCain - October 18 - 4:03 pm

  This car drives great in any situation Ive been in. Fuel economy is great and that is a huge plus. Very comfortable ride. Quality of assembly is outstanding. I love the new Camry.

• 

  Worth the Wait - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mvince - October 18 - 2:56 pm

  Car is extremely quiet and offers a good ride, and has enough juice when you need it. Averaging low 30s on mileage, as expected. Nice to move to regular gas from premium on my old car as well. Trunk is small, as others have noted, but generally enough for what I haul around. Am sure Ill be just as happy with this purchase a few years down the road as I am now.

• 

  2007 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By trumpet - October 18 - 9:30 am

  This is my 3rd Avalon -1995, 2000, 2007. I didnt feel comfortable with the drive by wire acceleration. Two trips to the dealer where they scanned the computer didnt show anything. Finally, on Edmunds forum someone had TSB EG 029-07 regarding the tranny controller. Brought to the dealer with this info. The reprogrammed the controller and this fixed the problem.

• 

  New ride 13 Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By JOHN SHEERAN - October 18 - 8:43 am

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Pleased Owner - October 18 - 6:06 am

  This is an incredibly comfortable, quiet, and well thought-out car. Am averaging a little over 40 mpg, driving 60 - 80 mph on the highway about 70% of the time, with 20 to 40 mph city driving about 15% of the time, and stop and go big city traffic the remainder of the time. I find myself becoming increasingly obsessed with watching my driving habits, but still drive this like a normal car - I havent become a complete hybrid geek... yet. With the tax credit (currently being phased out), the cost compares very well to similarly equipped gas Camry. Handling is good for this type of car, and exceeds expectations for a Camry (earlier Camry handling too soft for my liking). Try it!

• 

  Are you in? - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By cecep - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car overall! Great gas milage, Great reliability, Though the good gas milage sacrafices power!

• 

  HARD TO DEAL WITH - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By RUSSELL - October 18 - 2:00 am

  BIGGEST PROBLEMS ARE DEALING WITH TOYOTA DEALERS. BUT THE VAN IS RELIABLE AFTER 36000 MILES HAVE HAD BRAKE LIGHT COME ON SEVERAL TIME. AIR PRESSURE LIGHT WAY TO SENSITIVE.AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AFTER 2 WEEKS FROM BRINGING HOME. LEASE WAS UP WENT TO HONDA ODDESEY , TWICE THE VAN AND A LOT CHEAPER. GOODYEAR TIRES ARE JUNK. YOU WILL REPLACE THEM AT 12000 MILES

• 

  A tall station wagon with style - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By RaymondArmstrong - October 18 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw Matrix in 2002 New York Auto Show, it looked very very fresh. No other cars have matched Matrixs fresh styling!! The body kit, aerodynamics, alloy wheels and headlights look very cute and aggressive. However, there is slight disappointment in power. The automatic does not feel lively at all. I lost to my brothers auto 03 CR-V which only has 160 hp, and mine 180 hp. The torgue needs to be improved. Yet, auto gives comfort. Interior is kind of too dark also. Many, not all, like dark interiors. But, the Matrix is surely a big toy for big kids like me!! Handling is okay until I lowered the car by an inch more.

• 

  Higlander, AWSOME SUV!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By i am - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I got my Highlander 2 months ago,and I have not had any problems yet. (what am I saying,of course I havent had any problems! Im driving a Toyota!) I previously leased a 1999 4-runner and had no problems.It was never in the shop,(exept when I got in that wreck) and it never broke down.I absolutely love the interior design,and the exterior is almost as nice.The drive and ride are just excellent!! It is so comfortable even going from Glendale to Palm Springs.Its performance is great,and it is pretty fun to drive. I highly recommend it.