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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  Good job, Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - November 19 - 9:56 pm

  The Prius is a well thought out vehicle which has everything in the most convenient place, plenty of room in front and back and performs wonderfully. I average 50mpg except in winter when it drops to 48mpg with heater use. I would not hesitate to buy the same model again when this one gets long in the tooth. Maybe by then theyll get 100mpg!

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  The best economy car I have ever purchased - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Jackson - November 19 - 5:50 pm

  I bought it at Lone Star Toyota. Everyone here has been accommodating with my needs. The car deal was better than expected and I encourage everyone to see the great people at Lone Star Toyota.

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  The best economy car I have ever purchased - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Jackson - November 19 - 5:50 pm

  I bought it at Lone Star Toyota. Everyone here has been accommodating with my needs. The car deal was better than expected and I encourage everyone to see the great people at Lone Star Toyota.

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  The best economy car I have ever purchased - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Jackson - November 19 - 5:50 pm

  I bought it at Lone Star Toyota. Everyone here has been accommodating with my needs. The car deal was better than expected and I encourage everyone to see the great people at Lone Star Toyota.

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  More car for the money - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Alek - November 19 - 4:20 pm

  This is my first Toyota. I have always had Civic, but Honda got pricey. I am impressed with Corolla. What a value. Seat is high, ride smooth. Sure Civic is more stylish but similarly equipped is not worth extra 4 K. Have it for over 2 weeks and still use gas from the dealer. Very good value especially if you do not add extras. Factory equipped is good for me. All I need is AC and Stereo. I do not get it why Edmund says it is too expensive. Compare to Honda it is a bargain. You can get it below Invoice while Honda wants at least MSRP or more.

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  Toyota Echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Judy - November 19 - 6:03 am

  Handles beautifully - havent seen the "wobbleness" noted by Edmunds. Gas mileage great - last fill up was 39.8 mpg (I drive conservatively). The 2001 model sold me on getting the 2005, and the 2005 is great!

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  2nd time around - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Bobbi - November 19 - 5:56 am

  I just traded in my 2007 Camry XLE V6 for a new 2010 and I love the car. I love everything about the car, its comfort, its smooth drive...everything.

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  Toyota Final Review - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By kennison - November 19 - 2:30 am

  An excellent vehicle! I am 72 and have owned many vehicles from the Ford Model A to luxury Mercedes. The Corolla is one of the most practical and reliable cars on the market. Dont waste your time and money on lesser autos...advice from an old man!

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  Great purchase - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By bevydawn - November 19 - 1:50 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new in 2002. It has been the best car. It currently has ~130,000 miles and I have had no major issues. We kept up on routine maintenance, replaced tires, and brakes and thats about it. It is so reliable, even in the snow. Ive never seen a FWD vehicle do so good in bad weather. I feel like we have been extremely blessed to have such a good car. The radio in the SE is awesome and we have tons of room even with 3 kids, plus it looks great. My 10 year old tells me frequently how much she really likes my car...it will probably last 6 more yrs. so she can drive it! Hope she still likes it as well then!

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  2002 Camry XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Dave Bemis - November 18 - 10:06 pm

  Excellent ride; 23 MPG consistently; very reliable; no repairs or issues over 6 years; 120k miles with the expectation that my kids can get another 100k.