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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  A Comfortable Beast - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By joef5 - April 17 - 1:19 pm

  Well, you only buy one of these if your looking for a all terrain vehicle, this is what it’s for and this is what is does very well. I have done sand dunes, and 2 feet of snow with ease. I am amazed at some of these reviews, Jesus. I am not going to complain about a chevy 4 cyl that’s gets lots of MPG because it cant fit 8 people, and I am not going to complain about a Rubicon 4X4 because its not a luxury ride, there are different cars and trucks for different things. The FJ Cruiser is a all terrain vehicle that’s very capable of normal driving, its quiet, its dependable, I know people with over 100,000 miles without one problem and it will go ANYWHERE you want. You just feel safe in it.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By juliev - April 17 - 9:56 am

  I have had my Rav for over 4 years, but almost 100,000 miles on it and aside from new brakes, tires and regular maintenance...Ive never needed to do anything to it. I love this car, its perfect for 2 adults and maybe one child and a dog. The only problem I have is the back seat is too small. We have a one year old, with one on they way and we need to upgrade....cant fit 2 car seats in the back unless you want your knees in the glovebox. Aside from back seat, its a great car with room in the trunk for lots of stuff (including a giant stroller) and it drives great. I would recommend it to anyone!

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  Wheel Bearing - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By ellas - April 17 - 7:54 am

  Took my new Highlander (with 2300 miles on it) on vacation to Hilton Head Island - after arrival, started hearing a roaring noise from left rear tire area - stopped by Toyota dealership and they discovered the wheel bearing needed to be replaced. Had to delay my scheduled return home for a couple of days, thus putting me into the midst of a tropical storm. Very inconvenient and frightening. After all the research I conducted before purchasing a new car, I was shocked that I became stranded while on vacation in my brand new car. Needless to say, I feel uncomfortable about driving this car for a long distance again.

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  I Love this Car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By CaLaCrJo - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have read the edmunds review and have to ask what in the world were they thinking. If your comparing this car to a luxury car with all the bells and whistles I can understand why you might trash this car. But, I dont understand when compared to other like vehicles how bad things can be said. It comes across like edmunds reviewers are snobs. This is a wonderful and reliable car.

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  Nice truck, overall - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ontario102 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My last 4 vehicles have been Toyos for good reason. These are the BEST, esp. when a truck like the Tacoma is compaired with the Nissan.

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  My2004Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By abernardez - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive.Great fuel economy!Looks like a space-age sporty car.I love my Prius!!

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  My Sequoia Limited - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ProLine Painting - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Sequoia weve owned! I love driving it. Its just the right size. I traded my first Sequoia for a GMC Denali XL, I didnt keep it long and I traded back for another Sequoia Limited. The Sequoia s back door is the same size as the front door therfore making it alot easier to get a car seat in and out of the vehicle! That was a big factor in purchasing this car. I love the roomy interior also. The Sequoia tows really well also, we have two jet skis and a boat, we have no problem at all! Over all I love my car!

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  Outstanding Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By D Hanna - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this used with 22,000 miles and am amazed at what a fine vehicle it is. Did have a Tacoma with 145000 miles prior to this truck and expect this will be drivable for a long, long time. Thanks Toyota.

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  Problems... - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By upset customer - April 17 - 2:00 am

  From the beginning, the car pulled to the left. Toyota does not know how to fix. Also, Tire Gauge light does not turn off. Toyota does not know how to fix. Been in the dealer more than Ive driven it. Its a shame because its a beautiful car. Ive gotten lots of complements on it. Unfortunately, the dealer has not been very helpful. Instituted the Lemon Law. :(

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By tonto - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Best Car ever great car perfect!!!