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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  Best vehicle to buy - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By vicedmunds - February 3 - 2:00 am

  We are very satisfied with the Highlander. The customers reviews on Edmunds were very valuable. The issue concerning thumping wind noise when either single or both windows open was true. Maybe they designed it this way to discourage passengers from opening the rear windows when the vehicle is moving. Also the radio on the model that we purchased didnt have the best sound, another point that one of the customers mentioned. The ride, power, gas mileage and build in this vehicle are best in the market.

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  Highlanders a Winner! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim Martin - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a VERY comfortable car to drive. I am 64" and I find the drivers seat to be the most comfortable in any vehicle in its class. I drive over 80 miles per day, and the Highlander makes the drive very enjoyable. The 4 cylinder engine is a great cruising engine and it is economical. Highly recommend the Highlander to prospective buyers.

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  Underrated! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Moc - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle that is very comfortable and reliable. Great sound system. For the critics that rated the Camry a 7 or lower. Research your vehicles a little more before you make a purchase. The Camry gets better with every new design.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By KATHY - February 3 - 2:00 am

  ALTHOUGH I JUST BOUGHT MY CAR YESTERDAY, I LOVE IT I THINK THAT FOR THE PRICE I PAYED IT IS AN EXCELLENT CAR, I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING CARS FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS, AND DIDNT EVEN THINK TO BUY A CAMERY, THE BODY STYLES THAT I HAD SEEN AROUND WERE THE OLDER BODY STYLE, BUT WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SAT IN THIS CAR I KNEW IT WAS THE ONE, NOT ONLY DOES IT HAVE A STYLISH DESIGN, BUT ITS BUILT GREAT HAS A LOT OF POWER, AND I FEEL LIKE I AM DRIVING A LUXURY CAR WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY LUXURY PRICE, I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR THEIR FIRST CAR BUT WHO CANT SPEND A LOT OF MONEY

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  2006 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2.7L - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By SR5 - February 2 - 10:20 pm

  It took a while to get used to the trucks dimensions. Steering is very responsive. Steering seemed quite free on freeway, like truck wasnt LOCKED into lane. Ride is smooth, great shocks. Brakes are light, not sensitive. Quite a bit of outside noise even with windows up. Can be difficult at times to see cars in blindspots. Great on rough or dirt-roads. Went deep into the forest, made my own road. Like I listed above, 86,000 miles on an 06 Tacoma. Im on the same brakes, plugs, clutch, and feel I can reach 100,000 b4 any changes. Needed new set of tires at 60k and a wheel alignment. Got rear ended right rear corner, pretty hard, things did not shatter just bent (STRONG) no frame damage.

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  expensive add-ons - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By f.cardoza - February 2 - 8:00 pm

  The more I drive this car,the more I enjoy driving it.Its fun.However,for a top of the line model,many of its functions are on the crude side.ex.the climate control system seems to go full blast to regulate the temp.Also,paying almost 500.00 dollars to install a wiring harness for a trailer hitch is outrageous.

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  Lovin my 2011 Camry XLE - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By lerevo - February 2 - 9:56 am

  This is the car that I wanted. I traded in a 2005 Solara, loved it too. The 4 cylinder gives me great power and the 6 speed transmission gets it going. Easy on fuel and comfortable to drive. I would buy it again.

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  A cute small car! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By 64alpha - February 2 - 8:46 am

  What a nice car! Honestly, I have 76000 miles on it from 2 years of buying it. I bought this car for commuting reasons so size and looks is not a prob. The MPG is really awesome for the car. For the money, the Corolla is much better than the Yaris. Has more hp, about the same gas mileage, and nice looks. Compared to the 09 model, the Yaris is a much better choice for the $$. But for the 06 and all other years with this look, the Corolla is it! The chairs are a little stiff compared to our 08 Toyota Prius hybrids chairs. There is 1 little thing that I am disappointed about the Corolla, the tank size! It has a 13 gal tank and takes $58 to fill from empty light (not that good for a small car!).

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By rkrdr2 - February 1 - 7:36 pm

  I love everything about this truck. The v6 is a great engine has plenty of torque,and I am getting 20mpg combined w/ mobil 1 in the crank. The ride is good even w/the TRD sport susp. I think the long W/B helps. I have 9k on it and it has not been back to dealer yet. I get compliments everywhere I go. It is a fun truck to drive.

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  best car i ever owned at any price - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By d woodward - February 1 - 10:00 am

  of all the cars i have owned fro 4 cylinders to 12 this is the car that i like to drive the most.great innovations,great mileage ,and with the back seats put down,more room to carry baggage etcthan any car i have ever had.