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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  What they dont tell you about the AWD - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dontask/donttell - September 22 - 10:00 am

  First, I had to have the motor on the side door replaced. It took the local dealership 3 tries to fix, and they kept my car each time, refusing to pay for a rental. In addition, I was not aware that the AWD does not come with a spare tire, or a place to store a spare tire. I had a flat tire on a "run-flat"tire that was defective, and was not able to drive the car. I had to have the car towed to Toyota, where it took them 2 days to get a new tire. They would not cover any of the costs of towing, replacement, or car rental. In addition, all handbooks show this car with a spare. Buyer beware...it appears it is truly Toyota "Cutomer....No Service!"

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  Forever friend - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By mmars - September 22 - 9:12 am

  I bought my 1999 Toyota Avalon Platinum XLS in 2006. It had 99000 miles on it and this did not cause me alarm since I have had a Toyota Camry before. My Toyota Avalon now has 187,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have had to put routine maintenence items, such as brakes, battery, tires, but other than that it is running like the day I bought it. I am looking at trading it off for something newer, not because I need to, just maybe wanting something newer. Trouble I am having is when I test drive other vehicles I am comparing it to my Avalon, so far all the "competitors" have lost. Gas mileage is still 24/28 hwy. Excellent choice and great car!

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  Good car for the value - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Lorie C. - September 21 - 8:34 am

  Im writing this because I used edmunds to help to educate me, although it was my BIL who in the end still made a better deal for me. Just paying back. Most important tip is, if you have somebody good at bargaining by all means use them and let them be generous to you. Im picky on things like blind spot monitor, navigation, lane departure warning, collision warning, moon roof, cup holders, how the space next to my shift stick is divided and arranged, space for my keys and phone, storage space in the front, glove compartment isnt lame, seat width and comfort, ease of shifting gears, audio quality, colors interior and exterior, steering wheel turning facility, road handling, performance, both back seats flip down, baby seat anchors, keyless entry, push start up, ease of opening back trunk if my hands are full, automatic touch lock, smart key so I dont lock my keys inside, etc. After reviewing all of the above, comparing and test driving this cars equivalents at 6 other popular similar level brands, duplicate dealerships, and even casually checking out 4 luxury brands for fun, I chose this one. If I had another $10K, I would take a Lexus.

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  Depends on What You Need - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 2nd Timer - September 21 - 1:43 am

  2nd LC. Traded 99 with 250K trouble free miles. Only repair was overpriced starter replacement. Previous LC saw blizzards and ice storms; routinely driven for hours in 115 degree desert. Not afraid to drive on forest roads where no other vehicles seen for hours at a time. Good vehicle for hauling lots of stuff. Great for seeing country from freeway and remote locations - not so great for being seen in trendy fashion. A bit overpriced - due in part to air suspension and navigation system. Bought 2007 because concerned new model will be more upscale. Ride is smooth and quiet for this type of vehicle. Had 2 4-Runners - LC has same reliability, more room.

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  cove review - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By smith - September 20 - 10:36 pm

  This vehicle gets very good gas mileage. It has very good, get up and go power. With 80,000 miles, we have had no major mechanical incidents. We love the roomy trunk space, as well as the full size spare tire. The one negative: the trunk lid sounds like a piece of tin when one shuts it giving a sense of cheapness. Otherwise, an excellent purchase. Resale value is not yet known but we will know soon.

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  Great Little Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevinjack - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I selected the Toyota Tacoma after comparison with Ford Ranger and Mazda 4000. Toyota was slightly more expensive but beat the competition in every other category. Great little truck with a reputation for running forever without breakdown. Requires a 1000 very gentle break in period which is unusual and a pain but that may be how it stays together for so long.

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  Tacoma wish it were a trophy truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By rambo for hire - September 18 - 6:26 pm

  2.7 169,000 on it. I purchised this truck from an air force full bird col. that told me he never did anything maintenance wise, but put 31 bfgs ats, but the first week I noticed a fuel leak in the #4 injector bank bad o-ring was the problem but replaced all 4 along with other related parts. Then I noticed during the summer when the engine was hot it was hard to start, mass airflow was dirty cleaned it with b-12 works great. Then came the front wheel bearing that went, i never seen one as hard as this the best way to tackle this is to take the spindle off and take it to Toyota service department, be sure not to damage the brass bushings you have to buy a new hub for $168.00.

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  My Tonka - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Raven - September 18 - 9:30 am

  I like the sporty, good in snow, cool looking, weird little truck car. Unfortunately Ive had problems with door latches, all latches, metal rusting and breaking... odd little things. Ive replaced my windshield three times for cracks and pits. Mostly on major driving it never lets me down. I live in the upstate ADKS, so there is a lot of salt and hard wear, but no excuse for the bad metal situation. Still at 167,000, Im having trouble parting with this cool truck. Put a rack on it, I can stuff it with travel gear and take my pet!!! Its a noisy truck, so I turn up the music. Its a blast on backroads and snow with loud music. What do I do with this now, how long can I make it last.

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  Dont know what to think - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By emotional06 - September 18 - 12:16 am

  Ok. So I went to buy a Honda at the Honda dealership and at the time I couldnt afford a new one and the old ones had to many miles. So they had an 07 Camry. I thought Toyota are safe. Why not? At first I had no problems. After about 2 years thats when the recalls came. I had 4 on my car. Then it just start falling apart. Poor transmission that was jerking. Cheap paint that was coming off every time I washed it. My wife was scared to drive it because of the recalls. So I decided to trade it for a new one. The Toyota dealership didnt want to give me anything for the trade. Talking about safety issues. WHAT! Its your car. Anyway, traded it for a Honda Accord. What I should have got the first time.

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  Good and Reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Faithful to Toyota - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Im currently at 90,000 miles. It runs like new. Very reliable car. Ive also had minor interior problems such as driverside visor mirror/light fell out. The coin tray has been replaced. Toyota Dealer replaced these and my front brakes at around 50,000 for some unpublished recall/problem with the breaks (all no charge). I just had to replace the battery for 1st time. I am on 3rd set of tires.