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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  Better than the Altima - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Merced Dave - January 11 - 9:13 am

  I planned to purchase an Altima Hybrid based on superior reviews in Edmunds.com. However, when I test drove both vehicles, I found the Toyota Hybrid superior in almost all regards. True the Altima handled better than the Camry, but the Altima was noisy and the gas engine continously cycled in and out of operation. By comparison, the Camry is quieter, the gas engine only cycles at appropriate times and the ride is quieter than the Altima. It is clear to me that the Camry Hybrid is a more sophisticated implementation of hybrid technology.

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  Upholstery problems - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By sewsue - January 11 - 7:56 am

  Purchased my base model 2008 RAV4 at the end of October. Love everything about it except the upholstery. At 3 months old and under 5500 miles, the fabric on the seats and on the door panels is starting to pill and fuzz. Toyota tells me this is "normal wear and tear". Thankfully my dealer disagrees. They are trying to find me matching fabric. Glad I no longer have kids and their gear to haul around. The interior would not survive. Wish now that I had chosen the Limited trim level with leather seats.

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  Satisfied Highlander Owner - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By DRAC - January 11 - 6:20 am

  We purchased this vehicle as a second family hauler. We shopped the Chevy Transverse, Mazda CX-9, Ford Edge, and the Honda Pilot. The Mazda and Chevy had the looks but when fuel economy and reliability was factored in, we decided the Highlander fits our need. The ride comfort was also a deciding factor in this decision. Were averaging 19 to 20 city and 24 to 27 on the highway (75mph) with the Base V6 package. The higher numbers were achieve during moderate driving. (I dont baby anything I drive). Dont let the recent recalls scare you away from this vehicle, test drive one and you will see.

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  No more American Cars for me! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By JM Tucker - January 11 - 5:43 am

  Reliability is the name of the game for me my Toyo is tops! When I turn that key I want the car to start, and it always does. My 2002 Corolla is very comfortable(Im 510 and about 285 lbs.) and I enjoy driving it. I have 65000 miles on my 2002 and have only had regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance. This car is very affordable to maintain. I just bought my stepson a 2005 Corolla who is in college and he loves his as well. American cars have along way to go in comparable quality.

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  awesome car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Vanessa - January 10 - 7:13 pm

  Very pleased with the Toyota Corolla. Comfotable ride, great on gas. The only thing that I would change on the 2005 Corolla is more comfotable seats for long distance driving and remote trunk opening.

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  Quality Second to None - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma05 - January 10 - 4:40 pm

  Ive been looking for a truck for years before finally settling on the new Tacoma. The Nissans didnt drive well after a few years, and the older Toyotas didnt come with much in the way of standard features. I got a basic regular cab 4x4 with the 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed manual. For a very basic truck, it comes loaded with many things that make it fun to drive everyday (cd player, ABS, etc). I was skeptical about the "knob type" transfer case shifter, but it has worked seamlessly so far. Overall its nice to be able to drive something that does what a truck should do, and still feel like a raised camry.

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  the best kept secrect in auto industry - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By car crazy - January 10 - 3:26 pm

  I have had this car about 4,000 miles and I am still amazed by it. After buying it, my wife made me sell her LS430 Lexus since she quit driving it completely. I really feel less tired after a long trip than I did in my Lexus. Many people have stopped me in parking lots and asked about it, and I have never met a person that has one that did not love it. If more people drove hybirds, we would be exporting oil not to mention what it would do to the environment. Believe it or not, this is about the 10th year that this car has been----and it is really perfected.

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  2005 Camry Safety Hazzard - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By stackowi - January 10 - 1:03 am

  In the fall of 2009 I purchased a used 2005 Camry LE. This has turned out to be the most unsafe car that I have ever owned. To begin with there have been multiple occurrences of unexpected acceleration which seems to be due to a design flaw in the brake pedal. It is too small and located too close to the accelerator which causes me to trounce on the gas when I intend to apply the brakes. I am very fortunate that I have not struck someone or something as this is a dangerous situation. I have taken it back to the dealer to adjust the brakes which has not helped and Toyota wants me to take it back for further examination, a process which would mean that I would have to spend money for this

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  Camry XLE 2011 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By bruinswin2011 - January 9 - 11:49 pm

  Test drove several competitor vehicles but landed on Camry (XLE) for its smoother ride, better comfort and quieter cabin. Other cars tested - Accord, Optima, Sonata, Fusion and Altima. Accord and Fusion lacked pep and road and engine noise were pronounced. Optima - although a nice car - seemed to fall short on interior quality and lacked track record for quality. Sonata is a good value but found driver seat lacked thigh support, thus was unable to get comfortable while driving. Altima was initially my first choice, but passengers found front passenger and rear seats uncomfortable. If you are looking for a car that has a quieter cabin, smoother ride and comfortable seats, check out the Camry.

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  Ill always buy Toyota. - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Americayay - January 9 - 7:30 pm

  I get amazing gas mileage for a truck. I adore this truck. Its cute and incredibly reliable. The only problems I have ever had have been normal car maintenance problems (battery, tires, brakes, etc.) I also threw it out of alignment jumping train tracks at 16. Other than that, Im pretty sure its powered by a 40 watt lightbulb. Absolutely zero get up and go. ZERO. Clocked it at 0 - 60 in 27 seconds. I am NOT exaggerating. The cab is very cramped. I did not know my husband when I chose the truck and didnt realize I would one day marry a 6 4" 300 pound guy. Its awful and painful to sleep in this truck. Storage space is zero. Overall, this is a wonderful truck. Particularly as a 2nd car.