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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  A Fatal Flaw - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jere - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix HR would be my choice of an all around vehicle, but for one serious flaw - poor visibility of the instrument panel during daylight hours in bright sunlight, or when wearing sunglasses. This is not a minor flaw, as having to squint, stare, remove sunglasses, or attempt to shade the instruments from the sun is a dangerous safety hazard. Driver attention is diverted from the road for far too long to be safe. Oil and water malfuctions can ruin an engine if not seen in time. The bottom line is that the function of an instrument panel is defeated if it cannot be seen in a quick glance by the driver.

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  Smooooth - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Tsnash - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my camry used at about 60,000 miles 2 years ago. I put 100+ miles a day so now it has about 117,000 miles and except for some minor maintinence (tires, brakes, battery, etc.) it still runs excellent! But the best thing about the Camry is how smooth it rides, I mean this car is SMOOOOTH! In one of edmunds reviews they say that the seats are uncomfortable for people over 175 lbs., well they are fine for me and I weigh 150. If you are looking for a nice car that is reliable and comfortable beyond six digits try a camry.

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  not what i expected - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Not at all what i expected .. car is a company car so i have no say in it but i wouldnt buy one dosent have pep not much room for people unless your 5" im 59 and i cant drive with my son sitting behind me his legs hit the seat

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  Love it! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynnette - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Rav4 with the sports package a week and a half ago. I traded in my 98 Corolla. The Rav is great for people with physical limitations. I have arthritis in my hips, back issues, shoulder problems and have not had as much pain since driving the Rav. There are two complaints, first is there is no get up and go which is dangerous in my opinion - my Corolla hauled a$$! Secondly the stereo system is horrible, I cannot get the local stations that I used to get in the Corolla. The sound of the stereo(CD player) is good. My dog loves having his own space in the back, and I love not having dog fur all over the vehicle. So far, all is well!

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  The most reliable car ever owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Nam Nguyen - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Just pour gas and run. Not a single mechanical problem.

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  class but poor execution - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ronj - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Looks good; fun to drive. Yet there seems to have been a rush to go from the interior design to the finished product. I have never had a new car with so many rattles. The CD unit rattles in the dashboard. The plastic "window" in front of the odometer rattles. The worst is a constant metal rattling above the front passenger window. I have had this back to the dealer 3 times, and they have disassembled the door frame but have not been able to stop the constant rattling. Without this problem I would be a very satisfied customer, but it continues to be daily frustrating!

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  a really fine car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ralf - June 13 - 10:00 am

  im so happy with this car, this car takes care of all my needs a perfect car just for me =). i test drove the rest ( nissan maxima, nissan altima, and the new 2003 honda accord) but the camry is the best overall car. i wanted to buy the 2003 honda accord but its butt ugly, the ugliest car honda has ever made, whoever designed it should be fired.

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  40 MPG and very pleasant to drive - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Old Dude - June 13 - 7:53 am

  This was a Cash-for-clunkers deal. My former car was a loaded 91 Cadillac, so you might imagine an awkward transition, but I love it. The car is quiet, accelerates well enough, easy and pleasant to drive. The S in a dark gray, clearcoat, with tinted windows looks pretty sharp, not that much different than the little Lexus. First drive of 200 miles on the highway hit 40.7 MPG! I get 30 around town. Seats 4 adults very comfortably. Fold down back seats added versatility. Sound system is quite adequate with the 6 speakers. For the price, and I really shopped around, there is nothing I could find to match with such fuel economy. No hint of the weird steering issues others mentioned.

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  I LOVE MY SEQUOIA! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By KDay - June 13 - 6:43 am

  I cannot think of a negative thing to say about my sequoia! I have enjoyed it completely! The back seats are a little hard to remove but I dont have to do that often

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  I Miss My Cabrio... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Melanie R. - June 13 - 6:30 am

  Purchased 2010 Package III w/the sunroof/nav and added leather. Two months and 2,200 miles later Im still waiting for the fun to start. Car is cool looking and very roomy but simply cant get used to the hitches in the engine or the sluggish starts and the braking flat-out frightens me. Its a good thing the sunroof is there -- when I opened my window slightly the ensuing wind force almost blew my head off my neck. And Id rather dial a number from my cell than listen to the Voice Guide go thru her spiel again. Toyota really needs a lesson on designing user-friendly interfaces. Package not worth $$. Mileage not much better than Cabrio because I dont drive like my grandmother.