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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  Simply the Best - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By vam - October 14 - 9:53 am

  I have a 2005 Pacifica which I thought I loved, but my wifes Sienna is simply extraordinary. I am very surprised at some of the negative comments I am reading on Edmunds. This van drives extremely smooth, better than a car, the power is astonishing and we get 26MPG. I truly feel its the best car we owned. We had Hondas, Ford, and my Pacifica. Dont take our word - go drive it. Mechanically impeccable.

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  This is not your grandpas Avalon - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By rjjarvis - October 14 - 7:31 am

  The redesign of the Avalon for 2013 converts it from essentially a rock-solid dependable geezermobile to a rock-solid dependable vehicle that appeals to people of all ages. It is flat-out gorgeous inside and out, the paint colors are incredible, the build, fit and finish amazing. The leather interior, formerly vague-looking and spongy, is now edgy and supple. The car really gets about 40 mpg on a dependable basis if you drive in Eco mode and arent a leadfoot. It has an absolutely cavernous rear seat space, and all of the controls and features are ergonomic and well thought-out. This car, completely redesigned from the ground up, is an absolute triumph of industrial design.

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  The seats won us over - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lee Woodward - October 14 - 5:13 am

  We looked at several minivans to replace our 98 Chevy Venture. In many ways we liked the Dodge/Chrysler vans better, but seat comfort actually helped win us to the Sienna. Were a little underimpressed with the mileage and power. The heating and A/C controls are a tad confusing. Quality is excellent. Its very quiet. Sometimes were not sure the engine is on. Initial acceleration is a bit slow, but on highway pickup is good.

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  Great Car for the Price! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By David - October 14 - 2:26 am

  The minuses: Car dogs considerably when A/C is on. The manual transmission is not very forgiving. I have driven manuals for over 20 years and I have killed the engine (in getting out of first gear) numerous times. The gear spacing is too tight overall (easy to confuse gears). Would like to see lighted pads for the CD/Radio, cant see which button one is hitting in night driving. Gas mileage has been good (33-35), but not as high as I had expected. My wife finds the steering wheel to be awkwardly placed and I find the padded rest arm on the driver door to be too small. Despite the above criticism, I am extremely pleased with the car, especially for its ride and quiet ride.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - October 13 - 6:23 pm

  Camry was recommended by two mechanics I knew before buying a new car. Bought it for my wife and she loves the car. The room inside is great and the trunk space is fantastic. 4 cylinder is peppy enough for most driving situations and the gas milage is great. The car has no wind noise or road noise. Very well laid out interior. We will always own Camrys from now on.

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  i love toyota - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By nando - October 13 - 5:53 am

  i had the 03, and never had any problems this 05 is alot the same but w/more horsepower. i also liked the phantom grey when it 1st came out

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  Camry forever - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Toy4life - October 12 - 9:23 pm

  I bought mine 3 years ago almost to the day with 150,000 miles on it. I cant believe its already been 3 years, but got me thinking, this is the best car Ive owned. Ive owned Chevy, Fords & Toyotas, had a Tundra before this, but didnt like all the gas on the Tundra. Anyhow, this car is like Ive heard, Bulletproof, now has 205,000 miles on it, never a problem. I change the oil myself every 3000 miles & drive it 50 miles 4 days a week. It still gets, & Im amazed by this, going 60-65 mph on the freeway, 37 miles a gallon! I use fuel/injector cleaner once a month to aid in this. The white paint is still in great shape with a twice a year waxing. Could be the million mile car!

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  Go anywhere, Do anything - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By Raine - October 12 - 7:30 pm

  After looking at several other models from Subaru, Chevy, and Jeep, I decided upon the new 2015 4Runner. I have had the SR5 4Runner for about a year and 16k miles. Driving in the snow and mud is no problem even with the stock base model. This SUV can take you anywhere that any car can go in comfort and keep that comfort going even on the most rugged roads. User friendly controls take no time at all to become accustom to. Even after a year walking out to the truck brings a happiness that I actually own that. With amazing reliability that goes with Toyota and incredible resale value, you cant beat the 4runner when looking for the universal vehicle. I recommend anyone who is considering it to go for it!

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  2010 4-Runner SR5 - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By rsookdeo - October 12 - 3:16 pm

  I had a 2005 Limited, but my new 2010 SR5 far surpasses the 05 model. This is a quality built vehicle with a clean interior. I love the rugged look of this vehicle and the luxury ride. Mine came equipped with leather, running boards, spoiler and 3rd row seating. This vehicle sits up higher and has more interior room than the 05 models. The 3rd row seating comes in handy and folds away flat and neat. Looking forward to my first real road trip in the 4Runner.

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  over 370,000... - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By cab_man - October 12 - 2:53 pm

  My sienna was purchased with 84,000 miles on it, it has been a taxi for 3 years now and has over 370,000 miles... normal maintanence and some minor interior annoyances, but this van has been fantastic. transmission is starting to slip now, but hey, look at the hard miles it gets as a taxi....looking for another sienna to replace it now.