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 pleasure to ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Arnie - February 28 - 6:26 pm

  The funnest vehicle Ive ever had. After 50,000 miles, averaging 18 MPG. I can get about 480 miles on a tank on the freeway. The power is awesome. This truck replaced my Tacoma, which I loved, but this vehicle is everything I imagined and more. Only maintenance has been the routine stuff. This truck is perfect for pulling my trailer of ATVs, or even just loading one in the bed. I figure Ill get about 100,000 miles and trade it in for a newer model, so my next one will probably be in 2011. Way to go TOYOTA!

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  Brand New Taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - February 28 - 2:40 am

  Just got a new V6 auto Access Cab 4x4. Lost my 97 to the frame issue. Tried a 4cyl 5spd and I liked it but didnt want the manual for daily driving. This is my 4th Toyota, 3 trucks and a Highlander, and all have served me well. I have the SR5 package with PW, PL, inter. wipers, cruise, etc. Not the top level TRD. First impressions are very positive. Like the ride, smoother than the 97 but still trucklike stiff. The power is great and transmission is very smooth. The cab is bigger and more comfortable and fit and finish are excellent. I find it fits me very well but limited adjustment of seat and steering wheel my create trouble for some. I will update my review once I have more drive time.

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  So far, so good - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By stevesark - February 27 - 5:33 pm

  So Ive had the 4runner for about a month and logged about 400 miles so far. I bought it because I believe something that looks like an SUV should be off road capable and ready for anything. First impressions are as follows ... - Very comfortable ride for a body on frame architecture. - Engine seems capable enough - Beautiful exterior design (in my opinion) - The sound system (and Entune) could be better. - Gas mileage could be better. Im looking forward to a chance to test it out off road as soon as possible.

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  Really great SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mac12618 - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Rav4 and i love the way this suv drives and handles. A very nice quiet comfortable ride and great handling. The V6 engine in this vehicle is silky smooth and is very powerful and refined. Love that V6 ! owned a 2007 CR-V but Toyota has a much better SUV. My rav4 has 140,000 km (90 000 mi) and still looks and drives like new !

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  Edmunds Wrong - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Lucas Boxley - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I love Edmunds but, how can you give the hard riding noisy Honda Accord 7.8 and give Avalon 7.3 the Honda cannot come close. I traded es350 a great car which was my fourth Lexus and I cannot be more pleased. This is the smoothest and quiet car on road yes there is body lean at times, but to those of us know and are not caught up in cornering and skid-pat testing who love real world driving this is a great car

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  sweet! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By james jet - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This the best mini-van out there period. This thing gets a lot of looks, it drives and handles like a car. It blows all others away! Just drive on you will see. Make sure you drive an se model.

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  Amazing - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Trekker - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2010 Prius on 09/2009 and it has over 20,000 miles on it. This car not only gets great gas mileage, but has plenty of power on the highway. Our highways have a 75 MPH speed limit and Im always doing the speed limit. We have a variety of elevations and can drop or climb 3000 feet within 100 miles. The Prius handles these conditions with a whimper and never wavers from the speed set on the cruise control. Ride is smooth quiet and comfortable. One problem Ive noticed is the Prius is not great in snow or mud, we dont get to much of either, but it was a problem. Get some good quality mud and snows. Another problem is that it is very low, so dirt roads would be a problem.

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  Im pleased with my purchase! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By new beginnings - February 27 - 2:10 am

  I bought the car because of the Toyota name and its reputation. I have been pleased with my cars overall performance and comfort. In the past Ive had a couple of Cadillacs but decided to really get my moneys worth out of my car this time.

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  Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By fedy cenatus - February 26 - 11:36 pm

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  Love my 2001 4 door Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Dave M - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased, added, this car used in August 2005. I have an Avalon so I wanted to stay with the Toyota reliability. After researching I found that owners love their Echos! I bought because of the mileage and have not been disappointed. Lowest so far is 33mpg and straight highway Ive got between 45mpg and 49mpg. It handles very smooth on the road and on long trips it has been comfortable. Obviously not as comfy as my Avalon but still ok. My wife and kids all love the car and I get compliments on it all the time. It does not feel like a typical small car on the inside. I save everytime I go to the pump. I rate buying this car as one of the smarter things I have done in a long time.