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 great and fun vehicle to drive - city or hwy - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By fray1 - January 15 - 5:23 pm

  I got the top trim level and added remote start, homelink, and a trailer hitch. Remote start and heated seats are great on those chilly, Midwest mornings. I am a conservative driver, having traded in a 2008 Prius, and I am routinely getting between 32-33 mpg on the hwy, and about 27-28 in city driving in Eco mode. This vehicle is fun to drive, and dollar for dollar is the best deal on the market. I test drove the Honda CRV, Subaru Forester and Crosstrek, and the Mazda CX-5, and none could compare pricepoint and features. Reliability and comfort have been fantastic!!

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  Great vehicle but pricey - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Lee C - January 15 - 2:54 pm

  We love the Highlander but did not love the price. The safety features are the best, comfort is a close second.

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  Owned for 20 months - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jeff - January 15 - 1:36 am

  I wanted to write this review for two reasons. First, to indicate my impressions on the car. Second about Edmunds ratings. The car itself has been great and all that was advertised. I have averaged about 36 MPG, 42 on highway trips. The trunk is smaller than a normal Camry, but it has enough height to make it very usable. I have it loaded with leather and Nav, most people dont really see the difference between this and another loaded Camry. Very please thus far and have had no problems. Edmunds seems to rate this vehicle low, but i dont think they rate almost any hybrid high unless it is like the high end Lexus LS ($100K). Edmunds tends to rate on pure power and not usability

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  One Terrific Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By stan cohen - January 14 - 4:23 pm

  The Prius is really fun to drive even though it is not greatly overpowered. The power steering & brakes are are quite sensitive because they are electric. The car is easy to park & handle, holds the road well & the HID headlights are really appreciated. Although there are no power seats, I am sitting higher than other cars so as to make my lower back more comfortable. However, I have convinced no one to buy the car even with the great MPG I get.

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  Great car but need a few improvements - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Seattle Stranger - January 14 - 3:46 pm

  I seriously considered the Insight. But decided on the Prius at the end. Mainly because it is a more practical car and I believe it is more reliable since it is the 3rd generation. The car is fun to drive despite the lack of power when trying to get on the freeway. I love the EV mode when I can use it in the parking lot. And when I am stuck in traffic the car engine is off and I am not wasting gas. The car can switch between different modes easily. I am happy that I bought the Prius instead of the Insight. It is the best Hybrid you can get.

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  Love this Car---So much better than CRV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Mar - January 14 - 3:10 pm

  For a long time I could not decide between the Honda CRV and the Toyota rav 4. I loved the test drive, the interior, exterior, and trusted the Toyota name above all. Had this car for over a month now and love it. So happy with this vehicle!!!

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  Good for 5 or more! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By MJS - January 14 - 12:43 pm

  My wife & I owned a 2001 Sienna (older style) and really liked it; however it had 2 bench seats and we already had 1 child and now a set of twins on the way! We bought the 05 model and havent looked back. We love the fold down seats! Theres lots of storage in the rear and the car has plenty of power even when loaded with 3 kids and 4 adults. On one particular road trip with just th 5 of us I calculated an average of 29 MPG. Around town it is usually only about 20 MPG. Cant beat it for the money, it rides great, and has good safety ratings. We look forward to seeing how long we can hold on to this one!

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  More for your money - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By kokonee - January 14 - 2:26 am

  Test drove the 2006 Sport Edition and immediatley sold my 01! What a difference between the vehicles. The 06 is quicker off the line, quieter, more solid and I get better fuel economy. Mine has all the possible Sport Edition options and I particularly like the 6 CD changer - MP3 player.

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  Car, SUV, or Wagon. Whatever, It Works. - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By qs933 - January 14 - 1:46 am

  I shopped across multiple categories, but in the end, it was between the Venza, Highlander, Nissan Murano and Lexus RX (09 and 10). I didnt need a 3rd row, which is the Highlanders primary advantage. I almost went with the Murano back in 08 when it was released. However, a fully- equipped LE was in the $35-40K range. The RX was the most luxurious, but it wasnt worth the premium over the Venza. YMMV. In the end, the Venza was the right mix of the strengths of each candidate: utility (Highlander); unique style (Murano); and luxury (RX) at a lower relative price- point.

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  Love my new Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lisa - January 13 - 7:03 pm

  What an awesome car. Fun to drive, especially with the top down. Smooth ride. All the bells a whistles of a more expensive car with an affordable price. The only complaint is a major blind spot when the top is up.