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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  I Love this Car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By CaLaCrJo - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have read the edmunds review and have to ask what in the world were they thinking. If your comparing this car to a luxury car with all the bells and whistles I can understand why you might trash this car. But, I dont understand when compared to other like vehicles how bad things can be said. It comes across like edmunds reviewers are snobs. This is a wonderful and reliable car.

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  My2004Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By abernardez - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive.Great fuel economy!Looks like a space-age sporty car.I love my Prius!!

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  My Sequoia Limited - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ProLine Painting - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Sequoia weve owned! I love driving it. Its just the right size. I traded my first Sequoia for a GMC Denali XL, I didnt keep it long and I traded back for another Sequoia Limited. The Sequoia s back door is the same size as the front door therfore making it alot easier to get a car seat in and out of the vehicle! That was a big factor in purchasing this car. I love the roomy interior also. The Sequoia tows really well also, we have two jet skis and a boat, we have no problem at all! Over all I love my car!

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  Outstanding Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By D Hanna - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this used with 22,000 miles and am amazed at what a fine vehicle it is. Did have a Tacoma with 145000 miles prior to this truck and expect this will be drivable for a long, long time. Thanks Toyota.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By tonto - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Best Car ever great car perfect!!!

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  2004 highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By piner - April 17 - 2:00 am

  great ride, and looks great inside with the leather package. We have the extra 3rd row and it has come in handy. You can turn it on dime, and the ride is extremely smooth. Love all the little info that it gives, such as mpg, temperature, miles gone, and such. love the sunroof and window.

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  Love My Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Marni - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2002 and upgraded to a 2004 4WD this year. Simply love this car and didnt give a thought to any other SUV on the market. It rides and handles beautifully. Its very easy to get in and out of and is quite comfortable for my bad back [had several surgeries]. We cant believe how much cargo it can carry. And, its a very classy vehicle to go out in. Couldnt recommend it enough.

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  The best minivan ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tehvishal - April 17 - 2:00 am

  used to have a 92 previa lasted 12 years then got into an accident. Bought the new LE trim 04 sienna and i love it. 32 avg mpg. rear seat audio system. 5 speed automatic. I love it. Ride is smooth too. Oh and the windows roll down on the 2nd row.

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  Really Fun Pickup - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By R. Jones - April 17 - 12:26 am

  Have had the truck for three months. Great handling truck on mountain roads. Great sense of stability. Plenty of power to pass when there is little room in which to pass. Great rear seat accomodation for grandchildren.

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  Highly Recommend the Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian - April 17 - 12:20 am

  We got this as a combination commuter and cargo hauler (for small jobs for catering & food business, deliveries). We use it in place of the van when appropriate. The back seats fold down COMPLETELY flat, allowing for secure storage w/o spilling sauces, etc. There is an incredible amount of interior space, especially given its relatively small exterior size. The car (base model 1.8L) has plenty of power. No need to get the larger engine unless you like to really zip around. We get around 28 mpg (city/hwy. combined), much better than 14 mpg for the van.