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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  Camry-Better than you thought - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mk - February 24 - 3:23 am

  I am very impressed with this vehicle. Traded in a lexus ES 300. This is actually a little bit nicer all around. Of course it is loaded, but even a loaded V6 XLE is about $9000.00 less than a Lexus ES 300. As for comparisons to other vehicles in this catagory, I think you need to do a little more work. The Camry is definitely the class of this group.....!

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  Loved it! Buy one. - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By con - February 24 - 1:50 am

  Great car. I just sold one with 140,000 miles on it and I had only only a couple of minor issues. I am 63" and weigh 230. Very comfortable. Test drove the newer model, but I really needed an SUV for work purposes. I love my SUV, but I already miss it.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By David - February 23 - 2:20 pm

  This is my 5th truck and I couldnt be happier with the vehicle. The wider body, fuel economy, and tow capacity make it an excellent compromise to a full size pickup. It offers all of the creature comforts and handles like a car in town. The TRD package with locking differential make it a capable off road vehicle. Performance is surprisingly strong even at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

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  I love the car. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dennis - February 23 - 8:23 am

  This is the best car in this class. I test drove a BMW-3. Even ignoring the price difference and the fact its in a different class I liked the Solara better.

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  Luxury Car without the Luxury Price - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Power2g - February 22 - 10:50 am

  This is a great car with plenty of luxury and power. The fit and finish is great, the drive is luxurious with power to pass even the sports car. I cant believe this is a Toyota even more so I cant believe it is an Avalon. As you drive the Avalon you will feel like you are in a Lexus more than a toyota. There was a lot of thought put into this machine prior to going to production. With the economy the way it is saving a few thousand dollars on a vehicle is great.

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  Great Car...Never a problem - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Burnie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This car handles like a dream. In nearly 6 years of ownership, Ive had but one problem, an electrical quirk with the passenger side window control being erratic when the passenger tries to control it. Problem is relieved with touch from drivers side, then passenger side control is resumed. Service Dept. could not nail down problem, so Ive lived with it. Otherwise, theres not a thing wrong with the car.

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  Great for Large families - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bbrown - February 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love taking our family of 7 on trips in our Sequoia. We fit very comfortably. My second youngest son who is 6 sits in the back row is comfortable. Im 65" and have plenty of legroom in the driver or front passenger side. This SUV handles great.

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  Almost perfect - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By JB - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car in a congested city every day. It is perfect in traffic. I always feel "comfortable" with my speeds and I have a tendency to go over the speed limit, but it holds the curves good. I drive occassionly on a 65 mph highway and before I know it, I`m up to 75 and 80 mph, without feeling any scary moments. The only time I get concerned is on those "draw bridge grids". The tires may not be wide enough. The one thing that I absolutely can`t stand is the ice-cold air does not come on soon enough. I "melt" down before the air is cold. At least 10 blocks to get cool air. Evidently there is NOT enough insulation. Thank you.

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  Sparky - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Sanchez - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a wonder! I have not had one single problem with this vehicle. The quality of the fit and finish is second to none. The economy and ecology are more advanced than most cars on the road today. Once you drive it you begin to drive wonder why this technology hasnt become common with more vehicles on the road today. When in stop and go traffic with only the electric motor on, you understand just how wasteful gas only cars are. I have 75000+ miles on this car and will buy the 2004 Prius with every option I can get.

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  Best small commuter car ! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By maltais - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I still don"t understand why Edmunds rate it so low. It is the best car for city driving. Good accelaration. Super low gas consumption. Quiet ride. Well assembled.