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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  Try a Buick Lucerne - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Dino - May 25 - 2:36 am

  I am in the shopping process & have driven nearly every competitor & rate the Buick Lucerne as the best in this class overall. The Avalon does not offer the Blind side warning system, chrome wheels & the trunk is much smaller than the Lucerne which costs less w/the discounts available. The Avalon is faster but the exterior look is dated & not as impressive in my opinion as the Lucerne. Ford is out of the game w/their ugly Taurus which has an almost useless trunk & such poor visibility that it is a wonder the NTSB allows it on the road? The foreign buck boards are reserved for the road & track people.

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  Toyota Quality - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd Wagner - May 24 - 5:46 pm

  I bought it with 30k miles and now have 60k. No problems except for CD player skips and brake pedal squeaks when depressed. Otherwise runs great, runs smooth, just like when I bought it.

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  I recommend strongly... - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By charlie - May 24 - 2:06 pm

  I previously owned a 1995 sr5 4runner 2wd and recently purchased a 2005 4wd limited 4.0 v6 model and highly recommend it... it drives wonderful. It is very quiet and smooth. and I know it will pull my 19ft bass boat just fine, it has nice power and acceleration..very strong. I live in florida and know that the v6 4.0 will handle everything i need it too, if you do live in a mountainous state/town the v8 may be the way to go.

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  Beware matching price claims - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom lincoln - May 24 - 12:30 pm

  Edmunds was great to find the car I wanted and help with pricing. I shopped a couple of dealers and one, Bob Baker Toyota, claimed they would beat anothers price, when I got there the manager said he made a mistake. Beware of such claims and gimicks. Toyota of San Diego seemed much more straitforward and honest.

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  No Fun. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By fbanksw - May 24 - 10:30 am

  I loved my 93 Camry, but sold it and bought a Nissan Altima - huge mistake. Nothing but woes, but when my son started college instead of trading it (and losing money). I gave it to him and happily went out to get myself the 2009 Camry. Its been a big disappointment. The transmission seems to constantly self adjust on even the slightest of hills and its so annoying, how it seems to struggle to accelerate. Its totally a drag, especially when the AC is on and this has taken all the fun out of driving my new car.

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  EXCELLENCE IN MOTION - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By GEORGE NELSON - May 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A COMFORTABLE RELIABLE SOOTHING, AND SMOOTH RUNNING TRUCK THAT MADE OUR ANNUAL VACATION SUCH GREAT PLEASURE . THE KIDS LOVED THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND MYSELF AND MY WIFE LOVED THE RIDE AND INTERIOR DESIGN.

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  My Road Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Manny Pinares - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV to drive, lots of fun and of course reliable.

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  The Sequoia Stands Tall - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By GreggD - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased this Toyota and am very impressed. Almost silent in its operation. Handles bumps and bad roads (common in Texas) with aplomb. You need to read the owners manual carefully because there are features and limitations on this vehicle that cannot be covered in dealer delivery speech. This car is built in Indiana. How come the other Big Three cannot build a vehicle of this quality? Gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV but you will get more mileage by using a synthetic oil (like Mobil 1) and a K&N air filter. Improves performance, mileage, and wont harm the vehicle in any way to my knowledge.

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  93k and counting - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By north1 - May 24 - 8:40 am

  Bought my HL base V6 AWD model w/36k miles and now have 93k. Has proven very reliable and well built. Had the oil-line replaced under one of Toyotas TSBs and also the power window switch replaced as a result of a recall. For the size of the vehicle the mileage is outstanding and I get around 23-25 based on which highway I am driving (55 or 65 mph). I drive for a living (sales) so this is my work car and I have owned lots of different cars over the years. Utility, size, mpg are hard to beat. One thing that should bear consideration is driver height. I am 63 and have found that the seat length isnt long enough for us big guys...nissan/infiniti, honda/acura make better seats.

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  Best Car Youll Ever Own - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DP - May 24 - 7:23 am

  I researched the Camry and similar models (Accord, etc) thoroughly before purchasing my XLE two years ago and have been extremely satisfied with my purchase. The car is stylish and extremely reliable, has retained excellent resale value and has many attractive features. Its an excellent value, although I probably wouldnt buy another car at any price point.