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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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - July 1 - 6:23 pm

  No problems with towing like the reviews say, fun to drive off road... I take it hunting and fishing all the time, while towing my 22 boat I love my Tundra

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  Problem Free Driving! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dave in NJ - July 1 - 1:30 pm

  My 4 cylinder Camry LE always averages above 30 mpg! The number of features that you get in this inexpensive model is great (power seat w/ lumbar, great sound system, keyless entry, power everything). I added a spoiler and leather seating.

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  My First L/C - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Albi - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased one after 15 years of waiting. Worth the wait. Drove a Yukon before this and the only thing the Yukon was better at was interior space. Fit and finish are excellent. Engine, while not the most potent, has enough torque for smooth merging and lane changes. No regrets

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  King of the Road - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Supernova - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my first 4x4 i have had a lot of fun driving it up and down 100 meter high sand dunes in the UAE then going out of the sand and inflate the tyres and drive at 100 MPH for hours, and few cars can do what the Land Cruiser can, in the year i had no problems what so ever with it i use it for short journeys to work and long journeys on the weekend breaks with the family. its simple you can go anywhere you want to go.

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  Simply a great car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Rossco - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Have put 2000K on the car already and found it to be very confortable to drive. Good suspension and good handling. Gas milage is what first turned me on to the car with 47M/G Price for the `04 (in Can $$s) was only $21,000

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  Theyre right! I love it! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Bevo - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a used car and, after much searching, liked the looks of the Toyota Avalon best. But I didnt know anything about its performance. So I looked it up on Edmunds. All I saw was how everyone "loved their 2000 Avalons." That sold me. Now Ive joined the group. Its been 3 months, and every day I tell my husband how much I love my Avalon. Even my 21- year-old car-nut of a son likes it. The problems that a few people complained about dont even exist with mine. I bought the extended warranty, and have no worries about anything going wrong. Its a dream to drive and anyone who rides with me comments on what a great car it is.

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  a ride for thoes who know how to drive!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sonic boom - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I Love it, its slow from the start but once your going it can pass almost anything one the road!! The AC inverter is the best standard feature, with a very roomy interior. Im seriously considering some TRD upgrades to the engine and handling.

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  Love the Matrix! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By KrisB - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I am on my second matrix! I bought the XR model and loved everything about it so when I had the chance to "upgrade" to a 6 speed XRS with all the toys I jumped at it. The car is sporty, very fun to drive and at the same time is very practical.

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  Shorrt comings - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ralph6y - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle, however I think it is overpriced. For that kind of money one expects seat memory and power passenger seat

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  Prius Rocks - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By drosich - July 1 - 9:43 am

  Prius is simply the best vehicle I have owned, and I have owned a number after driving for over 30 years. Reliable, comfortable and fun to drive - not to mention the best of all - super fuel economy. Although I dont get the 50-60 mpg that EPA says, I do get 45 to 48 on average, and thats still awesome. Only concern is that I am now on my 3rd set of tires, soon to purchase my 4th. But a really great car all around!