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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  Just got it & lovin it - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tammie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I read EDMUND reviews before buying the 2003 Corolla and saw all the comments about the sun visor hitting the mirror. FYI - there is nothing wrong with the sun visor hitting the mirror. The mirror has 2 joints you can adjust. One attaches mirror to arm and arm to windshield. Move the arm of the mirror 1/4 inch to the right and you are good to go! Hope this helps!

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  Toyota Camry XLE Owner - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By prl - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The new body design and larger interior feeling have been done just right. This is a great riding, comfortable car with all the "nice to have" features at a very reasonable price. A lot of improvements have been made since my previous 1999 Camry. Things that I thought could be improved have been. We are very happy with our decision to buy another Camry.

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  Wonderful - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By haris720 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great drive, easy to handle, wonderful experience. Found it to be a more solid drive than the Honda Accord. I have found that it can get knocked around in elevated winds.

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  kool - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By catherine - July 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is sooooooooooo sooooooooooooo awsome because it just feels great to be on the road again with a superior car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Positive Experience - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By C - July 29 - 7:14 pm

  Great vehicle overall. Toyota put cheap tires and battery on it and those were changed out at about 20k. The only repair was a window regulator at 35k. My next car purchase will almost certainly be a Highlander.

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  A Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By H James - July 29 - 7:03 am

  We turned over our 2001 Avalon to our daughter. The faith in the quality of the car gives us the comfort level for her to have the car for what should be 3 or 4 more years. The purchase of the the 2006 model was a step up in luxury from the older model. The driving experience is a pleasure. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Wow - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By jw - July 28 - 9:10 pm

  Wow! This car has to be the best suv of its size on the market today. It looks good and drives smooth. Im getting about 20mpg which I think is great. Its not a 4cylinder car of course. It has all the great advancements and new technology that makes toyota what it is today. Toyota is about quality and customer loyalty. They know that car is going to last a couple hundred thousand miles and when your through you gonna get a new toyota.

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  My red 2008 Prius is an awesome auto - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - July 28 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased my 2008 metalic red prius 5-20-08 with only 5miles on the odometer. My first 100 miles city driving Im averaging 51.5 mpg. This car is by far the best valued auto. The car is very roomy with a lot of leg room front and back. The seats are very comfortable and a lot of storage. My only complaint is that there is no compass on the mirror which I had on my Saturn 3-Ion which I traded for the Prius. However- I love-love- the Prius.

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  Great Great Car! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Carla Barla - July 28 - 12:45 pm

  This is my 3rd Toyota, I have had a 2005 Toyota Solara, a 2012 Toyota Camry and now a 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring! I completely love this car! I am in my 30s and this car is awesome! Definitely not a old persons car anymore. It is just beautiful, and rides nicely. I really do not have any complaints, but the fuel cost are so low for a V6 and you can use regular gasoline. I feel like I am driving a Lexus.

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  love our 2012 camry hybrid - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By nwcamryhybrid - July 28 - 12:28 pm

  We love everything about it and are so glad we decided on good ol’ dependable Toyota instead of something else. We got it as a commuter car as well as a family car. We love the leg room on the back so the kids can have a comfy ride to gramma’s house. We wanted the 7 inch navigation that unfortunately came with a lot of other pricey upgrades, but even so, we are very happy we got this car. Some critics say this car does not “stand out.” Well, we don’t want to stand out. We wanted non-flashy, dependable quality, and we got it in our Camry Hybrid. We want something that is sophisticated instead of trendy. The Camry has a classy, timeless look.