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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  Best car I have ever had - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ann - November 13 - 4:06 pm

  Traded in my thirsty Nissan Pathfinder and havent regretted it for a moment. I have the blue color with bisque leather and Navigation. The car is very comfortable for both driver and passengers. I have been getting 38-39 mpg for the last few tanks of gas. The first couple months were about 37 mpg. I have learned how to drive differently to conserve gas (funny, its also safer driving!). I have no squeaking noises in the interior at all. Has enough immediate acceleration to pass on the left without fear. NO regrets at all here!!

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  Truck Perfection - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By riz - November 13 - 3:10 pm

  This truck was by far the best automobile I ever had. The only time I had it in the garage was when I got my oil changed. No problems whatsoever and I beat the heck out of it. I went off roading somewhat often and drove through 20" snowstorms with ease. Gas mileage was not great, but it is a 4X4 truck. I reccomend this truck to anyone. It fits three with ease, and it good for long trips. Never should have traded it in an my mustang.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By asdfbrian - November 13 - 9:00 am

  Bought it used with 30000 miles on it. Looks extremely nice. HUGE trunk. Great interior. No problems yet. Just a reliable car thats enjoyable to drive. Plently of features too. Roomy interior. Very smooth and quiet engine. I would recommend this car new or used to anyone.

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  Whats not to love? - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara - November 13 - 7:20 am

  I have driven this car from Eastern Iowa to central CO where I now live. We dont gas up until Kearney, NE and not again until be arrive home (over 900 miles). Just drove to WI and averaged over 50 mpg. If it is very windy that will be slightly lower. Have put bicycles and camping gear in the back. The orig. tires werent so hot so now it has Nokians which are great going up snowy mountains and hills without a problem. Everyone who rides in it is impressed by its quality + comfort. They are amazed by how many miles I get on one tank. Wouldnt have anything else and will get another in one or two years.

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  Born to Run - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Don in Stafford - November 13 - 2:23 am

  The perfect vehicle for anyone who truly wants to get away from the asphalt and onto something a little more challenging. Great handling car, the V8 engine is quiet and powerful. All wheel drive is sure footed, handles well under a load as well as unhitched on the open road. Interior fit and finish is good, new design gives the truck a cleaner, less bulky appearance, and the functional Sport Edition hood scoop give the vehicle an agressive, unobstructed view of the road, and the off road. Lots of thoughtful design went into the interior as well, but the temp and air controls took some getting used to. Great Truck for the offroader and trips to the mall.

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  A Great Car for the Money ! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By GHMERRY - November 12 - 3:56 pm

  I finally got rid of my gas-guzzler SUV and bought a Toyota XLE with V6. The sticker said it would get 28 MPG. Being somewhat skeptical, I took it on a 1000 mile trip just after I purchased it. Guess what, it got 28 MPG on the nose! The V6 has plenty of power when needed, it is very comfortable and quiet. I am pleased with the ride for a small sedan and the quality of workmanship is terriffic !

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  Excellent Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By New2Toyota - November 12 - 10:43 am

  Bought the CrewMax 5.7 L, 4wd w/tow, bench front seat,and that great roll down back window! The ride is great for family of 5 and dog in back. Towed the 25 ft camp trailer up 2000+ elevation gain, without an hesitation, almost like it wasnt back there! The backseat space is great for the kids and lots of water bottle storage. Everyone could see out easily and enjoyed the ride. Wife and daughter drive it whenever Im not home, and they love it! Integrated phone is really easy to use.

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  After the first 10000 miles - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jcfsusmc - November 10 - 6:36 pm

  More than I expected. Much better mileage than advertised. EPA estimators need to get a grip! Have averaged over 51 mpg - and I live in the "Hill City" (Lynchburg, VA)! Excellent handing, loads of room for everyone and your extra toys. Battery charging is slower than expected, but no problems. Never had so much as a hiccup with the engine, powertrain, or gauges. After 10,000 miles, this is easily the best car I have ever owned. Love the safety features, except for the backup beeping! Good thing I found out how to turn it off. :) No user serviceable parts, which is a drag; you have to take it to the dealer. Overall, its a fun car as well as extremely efficient.

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  Its a " 5 door Sienna " - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By stoneharbor2000 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds: There was no selection for a 5-door 2000 Sienna on your website. I love the car, runs great.

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  The Wilder Side of Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joker0561 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The relationship between the Camry and the Solara is a lot like the whole Clark Kent/Superman setup. For example, no one would suspect that the mild-mannered Camry sedan (a splendid example of automotive perfection in its own right) and the Solara, with its slick styling, beefy V6, and road-hugging 17 inchers, are one and the same. The truth is that this is about as close to a Lexus as you can get without actually getting one. Interior materials are of the highest quality, and for a Toyota, thats REALLY saying something.