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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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Rosemary - June 28 - 11:50 pm

  This is what I wanted, Luxury with the quality of a Toyota. Limited is the way to go.

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  Love it. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Eddsmetz - June 28 - 8:43 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Matrix XR. I love it. A great deal of interior room. Enough get up and go to get me places. Oh yeah, the gas mileage is fantastic!!!! I highly recommend this car. I could not be happier, okay, if it was free maybe.

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  Big Beast - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By LGreen - June 28 - 12:40 pm

  First the bad news - -I cant say I "love" the Sequoia. Id rather be driving a Cayenne or a Land Rover Sport, or a BMW M5. But, with a big family, pets, nanny, and loads of sporting events and gear, the Sequoia does what its asked to do, with ease. The Sequoia really proved itself, in my mind, just a few weeks after we bought it (used, with 20K miles) -- we drove it over 500 miles with kids to South Carolina. The kids didnt peep or complain once -- not a single time! They were comfortable, enjoyed the view out, with their own climate control and multiple cup holders, not to mention the excellent rear DVD system. Ive also taken it offroad a few times and its been fine.

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  Great car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DJP - June 28 - 6:13 am

  I researched the cost of this car at edmunds.com before I went to the dealership to buy it. This car is very quiet and has one of the best rides of any car I have owned. This includes a Crown Victoria with air suspension! Gas mileage is 33-34 MPG in city and 40+ MPG on the highway! Best sedan for the price of gas now!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Bob - June 28 - 3:20 am

  The Matrix is a best kept secret. I had forgotten Toyota made it. The vehicle handles great. Has allot of room inside and I enjoy the leather seats mine came with. The transmission is smooth and the gas mileage is great. I get 32 mpg on the highway and 29 in town. The ride is quiet as well. I set the radio volume when I start up and never need to adjust it. I am very pleased.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! BAR NONE! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Laura Loves her Rav4 - June 27 - 2:50 pm

  Never bought anything but American before, but after owning my Rav4, Im hooked! Ive loved my Rav4 for 3.5 yrs, and Im shopping for another one! It went thru snow, held its traction in heavy rain. Its never failed to get good gas mileage. Never failed to start. In the Toyota maintenence dept ONLY for oil changes and scheduled maint.. And talk about holding its value... this is the 1st time I have had a vehicle that is worth MORE than what I owe on it!

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  The best Car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeannie Sweeney - June 27 - 6:20 am

  Formerly on LI I moved to upstate NY just west of Syracuse, snow country. last winter we had 182 in. The Highlander was a dream. I do lots of highway driving. I drove last week from LI to Boston then onto Syracuse almost 11 hrs in the car, No problem

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  What a great CAR! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 64alpha - June 27 - 3:43 am

  Oh man this car rocks. The only thing I dont like is the acceleration of the electric engine. You can only accelerate so much then boom gas. But still it could use like a 60hp electric engine instead of 40hp to give it more acceleration without using gas. It gets great mileage and we fill $41 at $4.22 a gal. Only about 9.75 gallons. This car rocks. Buy it NOW! The waiting lists are rising! Best hybrid yet!

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  Leased Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - June 26 - 8:46 pm

  I have driven this truck for 2.5 years and have clocked 40000 miles. The gas mileage has been very good and has averaged 17 mpg in city driving. This truck has hauled 2400 pounds of concrete bags with great ease, and towed my tractor nicely. It does wear front tires on the outside edge, but I have gotten 40K miles out of the tires. The 5 speed transmission is very well matched to the 4.7 V-8, and quickly moves this truck in all situations. Highway stability isnt quite as stable as I would like, but isnt a major concern. I have had no gas pedal issues. I would buy another Tundra, its great gas mileage makes it an obvious choice over smaller trucks with same gas mileage. Great Buy!

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  TRD Rocks - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By johnny_sarcasm - June 26 - 7:30 pm

  Ive done every type of wheeling that you can do, and this thing stock performs better offroad than anything (other than a jeep rubicon). Slight dash rattle but a TSB is available.