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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  2007 Avalon with Special Edition Pk 2 - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By BlackBeauty - August 13 - 1:33 am

  I have been buying new cars for 40 years. This is my first Japan purchase. My Avalon is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Another Toyota disappointment - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By kirby28 - August 13 - 12:20 am

  I have just traded in my SR5, owning it since Oct. 10. From the get go had slipping trans from 1st to 2nd gears...tinny doors, poor quality seats, spongy brakes, noisy, growly engine... this is not the 4 Runner of the past generations....Id pass on this one.

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  Great First Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By T - August 12 - 9:23 pm

  As a 16 year old, this is my first car and I love it. I test drove the Civic but it doesnt even compare to the Corolla. The Corollas handling is much more secure and the dashboard is much more ergonomic. The ride is smooth, and the handling is tight. The fuel economy is great - I drove 363 miles and only filled up 9.9 gallons - about 36 mpg! The Corolla is a safe, fun, and well designed car and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Bad venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By jim - August 12 - 7:33 pm

  I have steering problems with 09 venza Toyota can not repair and I have been told tough! I was told to keep calling the dealer back monthly and if they eventually get the parts they will address it at that time. Toyota has cheated me just like thousands of others. Do not buy Toyota venza unless you want to get cheated.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Sam - August 12 - 6:40 pm

  Overall its a good truck, I sacrificed comfort for durability. Driver seat is not comfortable and interior design is not very good but the ride is excellent.

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  Switched from Accord - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By bill McDougal - August 12 - 5:10 pm

  The reviews on Edmunds are accurate. Excellent performance. Poor visibility to the rear. Horrible seats. Sincerely wish Accord had not gone to Variable Cylinder Management. Thats the only reason I went to Camry. A big mistake.

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  Nothing even comes close - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Autoinspector - August 12 - 12:26 pm

  to 4Runner. @50,000 miles - still original brakes, tires, and everything else with at least 15-20K to go. Gas mileage (with smooth driving style) - 20-23 MPG. Ride quality is better than that of others. And at this price point for a 4WD model, this is the cheapest SUV on the market.

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  Toyota burned the midnight oil - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundyguy - August 12 - 8:36 am

  Well thought out vehicle, this is my second new Toyota and I am not disappointed. I looked at all the other great trucks out there, Ford, Dodge, GM, Nissan and the Tundra is what I chose. Its impressive that such a great quality truck is actually 100% made in the USA. Great job Toyota. I have the Limited Crewmax and this truck has got it all. Beautifully made vehicle, makes me not want to rough it up. If youre looking for a great SUV and a great truck all rolled up into one the Tundra Limited Is it.

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  Love it! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Brookshire - August 12 - 2:10 am

  I looked at several cars, suvs and trucks. Mostly suvs and cars. After much research I chose between 2 cars. I wanted good fuel economy, a good ride, good quality with reliable service. And a good looking vehicle inside and out. And a few options. I choose the 20 16 Camry XLE over a 2015 Honda Accord Ex-L. The Camry was a little higher in purchase cost but gave me everything I was looking for in a car. I think it drives and rides great. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and fuel economy. The interior and exterior are good looking. My only complaint was the lack a availability in the car I wanted with the options I wanted. I bought the XLE with sunroof and convenience package.

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  3 Options That You Will learn To Love... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mcribs - August 11 - 10:12 pm

  Eco , EV & Pwr... Having owned a 09 Prius before we purchased the new 11 model I really like the 3 driving modes offered in the current offering. The older Prius offered great MPG and was confortable but you had to live with the girl you brought to the dance...No longer. All 3 driving modes serve a purpose and heres how I use them: PWR- Sitting at a light and really need that extra umph? PWR mode makes the dash info bar light up and will suprise you (and the car next to you) as you are launched forward with full battery/gas power with very little peddle effort...One of the features I like the MOST about the new Prius. EV- Parking lots? Low speed situations A+ Eco- Max MPG Period 50+