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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  Life Changing - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Scott H. - March 21 - 9:03 pm

  My wife and I finally talked each other into buying a Prius 3 weeks ago and we are very happy. Very well built and fun to drive and it is a constent reminder about what we can do better if we are willing to make changes. They were smart to show the MPG and allow you to retrain yourself with how you drive. You never forget that it is a hybrid and I think that is smart design decision. Also a great way to educate my kids on pollution, smart technology that looks to solve a real problem and allowing yourself to try new things.

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  Amazing - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By mudrunner23 - March 21 - 8:28 pm

  This truck has been in my wifes family since 2002 and it has been amazing. Other than routine oil changes, tune ups, brakes and a battery last year this truck has never needed a repair. That is amazing even for a Toyota. It now has 162k on it and shows no signs of slowing down. The gas mileage is great for a truck that looks as mean as it does, 19-21 city and 22-24 highway. It is user friendly and fun to drive. It still regular gets compliments and people asking me to sell it to them.

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  FANTASTIC - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Jim - March 21 - 7:43 pm

  Great mileage, comfortable, easy to get in and out, fun to drive, no problems after 39000 miles. Great radio , If you like small cars this really not so small car is one you should check out.

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  Good responsive vehicle. - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Henchcliffe - March 21 - 6:53 pm

  When backing up on a rainy evening it is difficult to see what is behind the vehicle because the camera lens gets wet. The tires that came with the vehicle when purchased are extremely noisy and appear to get louder as the mileage increases. This is a well built vehicle that handles well." I am very happy with it.

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  New 2012 Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By maria45 - March 21 - 5:06 pm

  Just purchased my 2012 Camry from North Brunswick Toyota dealership in NJ and got a great deal. Customer service was excellent and I am likely to go back for myself and family members in the near future. I love driving my new car!

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  Excessive Oil Consumption LAWSUIT DO NOT BUY - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Devin Urban - March 21 - 1:17 pm

  My 2009 Toyota Camry threw a rod through the engine block because of excessive oil consumption. After speaking with a dealership and corporate, Toyota refused to cover the cost of replacing the engine which the dealer quoted at 5,000 USD for a used engine and 6,000 USD for a rebuilt engine. An independent mechanic indicated that the rod was thrown due to low oil pressure, there were no leaks apparent, clearly the car burned through a significant amount of oil causing catastrophic engine failure. Research the issue briefly, and you will find that a class action lawsuit is in progress relating to this issue.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By abc66 - March 21 - 12:44 pm

  As others have opined as well, this is the best car I have ever owned as well. At over 203,000 miles, it still runs better than some other SUVs Ive owned have at 50,000. Have had no mechanical issues, and have only performed routine maintenance. The Edmunds reviewer who placed the lack of a third row seat as a con is a fool. An SUV isnt a mini-van/people mover first. It is a utility vehicle first, and cargo capacity is a higher priority than carrying over 5 people! With the rear seats folded down, which they do completely, there is a ton of storage capacity in the 4Runner. Not sure what compact SUV he was comparing to, but Ive never seen one that has half as much capacity.

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  Love It, Love It, Love It - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Amy K. - March 21 - 11:43 am

  In the two years that Ive owned my Prius, it has exceeded all my expectations. Having previously owned three fairly high-end SUVs, I expected to feel cramped in the Prius. On the contrary, Ive found it extremely comfortable to drive, there is room when necessary for four passengers and my two dogs, and with the back seats laid down, theres plenty of room for over-sized items like small furniture. My husband was sure Id miss the luxuries of my other cars, but that proved wrong, too. The GPS and other in-dash or steering wheel features are great, and it does not have the "empty shell" feeling of other compact cars. I also expected not much power, but pick-up on hills and onramps is fine.

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  If you need it, it has it! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave Krell - March 21 - 5:27 am

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  NEW PURCHASE - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MORT - March 21 - 1:40 am

  I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO. SO FAR IT RUNS VERY WELL AND WE ARE HAPPY WITH IT. WE HOPE IT CONTINUES THIS WAY.