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:

• 

  Drive It before you buy another car... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By KLM - November 28 - 6:00 pm

  Perfect engine combination of power and economy. Touring is firm but what I wanted in a luxury car. My second avalon, I tried a 2000 model and liked it so much I had to get the updated, more refined, better design 2005 model. So far no problems other than radio door cover sticks in down position, and toyota punishes you if you take off your seat belt with an irritating ascending bell. Please..big brother, a simple light warning is plenty! PS. All those who cant figure out how to turn of the radio from the steering wheel..just hold down the power button for 3 seconds!

• 

  2003 Highlander (2.4L 4A) - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rich - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Our Highlander has been a very reliable vehicle. Its very well built and has lots of room. Im always amazed how much I can stuff into it! The handling and traction has improved considerably after replacing the cheap OEM Goodyear Integritys with Michelin LTXs. The 4 cyl isnt exactly a tire-burner but it consistently gets upper 20s to lower 30s mileage on the highway. We tow a two PWC trailer at just over 2000 lbs. and pulls it nicely at speeds up to 60 mph. Over that and the engine has to work quite hard. Needless to say the mileage drops to the low teens. Overall, Im hard pressed to find something as roomy and versatile as our Highlander on the market today!

• 

  Ive had enough - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By RJ in A - November 27 - 8:56 am

  Aside from a few expensive annoyances, the SE was fun to drive. Toyota makes a great family car with the sporty look, but it needed some tweaking. Based on prior Camry ownership, Im disappointed in the 02 SE. Major repairs on this car were a bit more frequent than I expected from a Toyota. Maybe the new 07 comes with better results. I may give Toyota another try.

• 

  What is Car and Driver Talking About? - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By John - November 27 - 12:03 am

  Granted, the fuel economy is not as good as the big 3 American truck companies, but for me its a small sacrifice for the comfort, convenience, options, and long term dependability of having a Toyota. This is my 3rd Toyota and I love it more than my previous Toyotas. I noticed that the road noise is slightly louder than the Ford equivalent. The towing weight needs to be improved on. Toyota needs a diesel option.

• 

  Built to last - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Toyota Pride - November 26 - 7:20 pm

  I own a V-6 but it has and does everything I need it to do. With todays gas prices, the V-6 comes in handy. I still get around 24 MPG while hauling a load of 1000 lbs. on the hwy. Im very satisfied with my purchase and wouldnt think twice about buying another Tundra. Toyota, thanks for producing a reliable product thats worth my hard earned money.

• 

  Long Term Economy - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By borchert - November 26 - 2:00 am

  One of the most desirable features I have found with the Echo is the motor and drivetrain. It has excellent performance for a 1.5L motor - I assume this is due in part to the Variable Valve Timing. There is no timing belt that will need to be replaced in a few years, it uses a timing chain. There are no spark plug wires that need to be replaced either. I agree with the Edmunds review that the styling is not as desireable as the Scions which use the same drivetrain.

• 

  Lots of miles...Running Great - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By BTH - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I liked it so much, I now own the 2001 model as well. The suspension problem (struts) mentioned in previous reviews was so common on the 97 that Toyota had a service memo to all delearships. My car was repaired (to my surprise)for no fee in 2000 by a toyota dealer after some frequent complaining on my part. That is the extent of my repairs. After 150,000 miles Im selling the car almost regretably and would absolutely reccommend this Avalon to make it to 200,000 miles easy.

• 

  Family SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Bay - November 26 - 2:00 am

  A family SUV with a comfort ride and seating capacity of 7 from a brand which hold its value. Powerfull enough 3.3 engine with most safety features included in Standard model. A well thought vehicle you will enjoy for long time.

• 

  Demand this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Wolf Breath - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many Camrys . . . all good quality. I would have bought sooner, but the Camrys you find with a good deal sell too quickly. Not only that, but some dealerships have jerks for managers. It was a hassle to find a good deal, but the car is worth it. Its good all around, dont expect sport, young or hipness, but very smart and sensible.

• 

  Could be Better - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jkjnl - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Typical Toyota quality. Everything works as designed. Not flashy but not a dog. Soft to sloppy steering is way below prior Chryslers. Climate control system is hard to work and balance for front passengers. This car could be so much better with a few small improvements. Still seemed to be the best overall choice (despite being the most costly) due to quality reputation of Toyota. Time will tell.