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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  Will Last Forever - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By DW - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this used in 2004 with 20k on it, since then Ive only paid for routine maintenance, brakes, tires, etc. The most reliable vehicle Ive owned. If it wasnt starting to get to0 small for me Id keep it forever.

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  A plus! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By joe-Cr - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Extremely quiet. Fun to drive. If you drive right it will exceed suggested mileage per gallon (up to 46) Stylish Body and gorgeous appeal. Sorry Edmunds but Camry Hybrid is way better than your rate. Its not the same to drive for a couple of weeks or less than a full year, like me. I recommend to buy it.

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  My 2010 Toyota Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Marcos27 - December 11 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my first 2010 Toyota Venza in Black. It drives excellent and my family feels safe in my new car. Toyota made me feel as if I was family and their service was excellent! My children enjoying riding in the new car and never want me to stop driving. My car is comfortable and the fuel expense is great! I would definitely recommend the Toyota Dealership to anyone so that they too can experience what I experienced. Its an amazing feeling when you purchase your first new vehicle and can leave the dealership with a smile on your face. I say Toyota will always be #1 in my book and I will definitely continue my communication with them as long as I am satisfied.

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  4X4 Beast reliable fun safe! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jesus saves - December 11 - 10:00 am

  The only bad thing about my truck is the poor fuel economy. I get about 19 mpg. Other than that its a beast. Back seat fits adults just fine. I have pulled out several lifter 4x4 diesel trucks out of the mud, snow, and sand. Pulls loads great. 4X4 like no other and it soaks up the bumps great!

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  2010 Toyota Tundra SB 5.7 Double Cab - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Fred - December 11 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle but am disappointed in the mileage. I expected better and I know Toyota can do better! I bought the 5.7 and Im lucky to get 17 miles on the highway. Also, the fuel tank is too small. Increase the capacity. The truck rides and handles better than the Dodge Diesel I traded in. I like the quality and reliability of this truck and of the 4 runner that my wife drives.

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  Fast grocery getter - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By mdfuzz - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Fast V6 with passing power needed for those long drives. Ive put 41K miles on mine in under 2 years and, (aside from some fit and finish hiccups), I have little to complain about. The rear passenger side window track mechanism fell apart and the lower front grill fell off early on, but both were fixed under warranty. The recalls were also an inconvenience. Strayed from the Honda when I bought her because I didnt like the new Honda Accord body style.

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  1st New Car in 10 years - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By gypsy - December 11 - 10:00 am

  I am a leasing the new 2011 Rav4 after Subaru refused to even negotiate on their comparable Outback.. ok?? Anyway, am very happy with the RAV with the most complaint over the front cup holders. Beside the fact of being place DIRECTLY in front of one of the only 2 ac outlets, it is designed for a can and about that size only. The height of the holders limit any water bottle and cause it to topple. I cant believe Toyota, who caters to the stylistas of the Lexus buyers would accept the placement of the cup holders. That vented, the only other complaint would be is the backup camera which has a fisheye view and is very misleading. I hope Toyota can am mend these flaws in 2012, otherwise awesome!

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  Needed Improvements for this Day & Age - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By GRF493 - December 10 - 8:16 pm

  Overall, its been a good vehicle. While most people are aware of what theyre buying and all of the features that go with the vehicle, at the time of purchase, some "necessities" become apparent after your ownership experience gains tenure.

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  Amazing car until the ecm went - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By tha dude - December 10 - 11:23 am

  and your ecm WILL mess up your transmission... i wasted money on a new transmission and was told my ecm got reprogrammed but it still does the same stuff to me. its pretty scary when u drive across a four way and your car slows down and drags while youre inside being jerked around. will never buy a toyota EVER again. now im looking into other cars..... makes me mad because the car was perfect until this.

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  Surprising mileage - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Ron Shaw - December 10 - 11:00 am

  I got this vehicle because I needed something that was more family friendly than the 04 Tacoma standard cab that I traded in. I didnt want to take a hit in gas mileage, so this minivan ended up being the best choice, compared to SUVs, etc., that could still haul things. With an EPA rating of 26 hwy, I expected to get somewhat less, but I have been extremely pleased with the Sienna. With my mixed commute driving (about 100 miles/day RT, I average 28-29 MPG. Way beyond expectations. I am a conservative driver, but I do the speed limit. Flat out highway only driving, I actually get in the low 30s at 65-70 MPH (according to the mileage display). And, it will hold more than the Tacoma did!