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:

• 

  Very comfortable and quite. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By VLY - August 31 - 12:10 am

  My third Camry. Still keep 97 LE – 12 years of trouble-free service. The 09 one is very comfortable and quite, hope will be as reliable as my 97 Camry. 2.4 l four is perfectly adequate but so far I got 22 MPG on mixed driving – compare to my 97’s 26 MPG. Another disappointment is oil change – have to do it after each 5000 miles compare to 7500 in most other cars. On positive side – all other maintenance is almost non-existing, antifreeze & transmission fluid work for 90000 miles, spark plugs for 120000, timing belt is finally gone and chain does not need replacement. Things like stability/traction control, trip computer, body side molding, mud guards must be standard.

• 

  SUV in truck body... - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stavro - August 30 - 11:33 pm

  After spending endless hours on Edmunds, I decided to pull the trigger. Traded a 01 BMW X5 with 52K miles and 11 pages of maintenance records. What a relief! The Tacomas interior is big, got the 4x2 sport pack with JBL audio and tow. If you dont need 4x4 why haul the extra weight around? First tank of gas gave me 19 mpg (87 RON per manual)combined. Feels solid, seats have good support, plenty of space in the rear, good visibility, suspension is on the spot, not too soft, not too hard, gearbox is smooth (A/T) as far as performance, I only have 220 miles but I can tell you this: 65mph with 1450 rpm is sweet!

• 

  A great car - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By samuel christopher - August 30 - 10:40 pm

  The car was great. I loved it. My mom my kids they all thought it was great. We recently to a trip for Spring Break and it made the ride fun.

• 

  Muscle Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - August 30 - 9:56 pm

  I two a 10,000 lb trailer on a regular basis. My previous truck was a Ford with a 460 V8. The Tundra 5.7 bets it hands down in power and economy. I have never owned a p/u in my 35 years of driving that is as powerful as this one. It is amazing. I regularly get 20 mpg driving 55 mpg empty highway miles. Around town is 14 mpg and pulling a loaded trailer at 55 mpg gets me 14 mpg. I use regular gas and everything factory.

• 

  I love Toyota! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Marlyss - August 30 - 8:00 pm

  It does about 22 miles in town and 28 or 29 on the highway. It has a real smooth ride, and we do like Toyota. This Rav has been really good mechanically and visually. Mine is an automatic, 4-door, with sun/moon roof. What sold me was being able to take off from a dead stop, into traffic, without hesitation. Thats important to me, having driven so much in Milwaukee and fast traffic. It also turns on a dime. The steering is quite excellent, and I can turn really sharp, to fit into and get out of tight spots when parked parallel. People are always stopping me to ask about mileage, maintenance, and how much I like it. I tell them I love it! It is fun to drive and we think its great!

• 

  More than meets the eye! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By pclocksmith - August 30 - 5:11 pm

  You wouldnt believe me if I told you but Im going to anyway...I was able to fit a full size refrigerator in my Prius. Thats right. There is so much more space inside than what it appears to have from outside. I am a locksmith in Panama City, fl. And I use my Prius as a service vehicle. Having more than enough space in the back (without folding seats) to accommodate all of the tools and equipment required to do my job, and the way I have it configured, I can store supples, locks, etc. in a cabinet beneath my machines. This car is amazing! It has more than paid for itself with the extensive city driving I do and with a lumbar pillow, is plenty comfortable for driving the 8+ hrs a day!

• 

  It is too COOL!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By theran9 - August 30 - 12:40 pm

  I have only had my Fj for a week but I totally love it!! It is so retro but so new...it handles good and is so fun to drive..I have the 6 speed manual...fun fun fun, I had forgotten how much I loved a standard !! The Fj is sure a head turner...wow...I have had people follow me until I stopped, just to get a look. I think it is a vehicle that you either love or hate...I happen to love the old school look that Toyota has given it. My Fj is voodoo blue..and is so reminicent of the old fj40s...so cool..I love it, and the interior is so spacious you will not believe it. The model I have is a 4 wheel drive and has rear diffy lock!!!!.....lets see that on an Xterra...The Fj cruiser is COOL..

• 

  Very Cool SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gary M - August 30 - 7:06 am

  Comfortable, powerful, quick and nimble. This is my 3rd Toyota. I was going to buy another Jeep Wrangler till I test drove this vehicle. I am impressed with the quality and feel this SUV has. Shifts like butter and handles like a dream. Quiet and spacious has plenty of room for my stuff and kids. Strongly recommend this Toyota product. Test drive one and youÂ’ll be hooked!

• 

  06 Tundra One Reliable Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Don Stowe - August 30 - 12:13 am

  This is my second Tundra, owned the 2000 when it first came out, with never a problem. The 06 had recall for new lower ball joints, never had a problem with it. The 2000 was never in the shop, not once. The 06 as a recall as mentioned and 2 oil changes but I usually do my own. This is one reliable truck very responsive and tough with good fuel economy for its size. I would not hesitate to own another, sold on the quality of the vehicle. The ride is excellent, have made several trips to haul various things. Pulls my utility trailer loaded and with the bed loaded too very well. Can put a 1/2 ton on the tailgate and ride. The truck can haul a heavy load. Tundra is one solid truck.

• 

  Versatile - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Watercooled - August 29 - 8:43 am

  Very versatile car. Great ride. Range is a bit on the low side. Has enough power for city driving and merging with traffic. Have yet to take it on a long roadtrip with a load of luggage, kids, bikes on the back, and the A/C running while that 18 wheeler is running up behind me...