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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  Hybrid in the Snow? - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Barbara - February 8 - 8:26 pm

  Edmunds says this should not be bought as a "serious snow vehicle." If youll be towing a heavy trailer of snowmobiles and going on really rough terrain, they may be right. But if you will be on normal roads (paved or not) and you live where it snows a lot, dont hesitate to buy this vehicle. I live at 9000ft in the mtns of Colorado and it has performed extremely well in all conditions including steep snowy driveways. The AWD works great and I love the B gear which allows me to slow down without braking no matter what speed I am going. This is very helpful in slippery conditions and I am able to use the brakes very lightly if at all sometimes - great for the highway. We love this car.

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  The 7/8 truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By dave - February 8 - 8:13 pm

  My wife and I just love this truck and the color salsa red. We have the x-sp package with the 18" enkei alloy w/tire upgrade. I have no problem towing my boat or trailer with the truck. I like side molding w/chrome inserts. I like the double wall cargo bed with rail caps and locking tailgate and chrome step tubes. This truck rides like a car, very smooth and takes the bumps very well, that is why my wife likes to drive it. If you watch the lights and dont punch the gas when you take off, you can get 16 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway, the best i got was 21 on the highway and 16 in the city. The arm rests are a little small for anyone.

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  The Best - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By John Palazzini - February 8 - 7:40 pm

  This car looks great and is fun to drive. It handles beautifully, gets excellent mileage, and is totally reliable. What more can you ask for?

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  Great Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By MarkW - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a real workhorse. Totally realiable and economic to operate and insure. Zero mechanical problems.

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  Great Sports Coupe - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By yeahimgood7474 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best, if not the ultimate sports couple that Ive ever driven. Ive burned all kinds of other cars like it, but they just couldnt stand up to this car. I strongly reccomend this car to anyone who is searching for a first new car.

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  ALMOST PERFECT - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Hank Martin - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is so good that I bought a 2002 Avalon XL with the leather luxury package for my wife. She is very pleased with her car. The car is very comfortable with the electric seats and lumbar support on the drivers side. Its appeal seems to be to older drivers who upgrade from the Toyota Camry as we did. I am waiting for the new 2005 Avalon as I am interested in buying anouther one. I hope Toyota does not lessen its quality or change its platform as it did with the Camry when they changed the model.

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  Excellent for the Price - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By PP - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The Matrix fits my needs perfectly. I wanted a car smaller than an SUV and good on gas. An addition, a spacious car that allows me to put the seats down in the back. I have a C230 Benz and I drive the Matrix more than the Benz.

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  I love, love love my Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By RMJ - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Sienna since July 03 and from the auto dimming mirror to the sunshades and 60/40 folding seats, we just love everything about it. We test drove the Sienna and Honda Odyssey and the Sienna beat the Odyssey by far. Sienna is smoother, more comfortable, and quieter, plus has a lot more features. The Siennas new look is great inside and out.

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  First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jacob e gumz - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have driven other vans over the years so when I first test drove the Toyota it was no wonder that I was extremly impressed. I have now owned my Toyota Seinna CE 8 passenger van for six months and have put 10000 miles on it and simply love driving it.

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  And i never thought i would drive a mini - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By heshey - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Great family car. Dont let them sell you the exteded warranty.