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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  Buy It - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By meisterbob - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Have less than 1000 mile on it but I want to give you my opinion. Buy this car. The quality can not be touched by Ford or Chevy. Thats it.

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  A REAL JOY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By MICKEY - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE MY CAMRY NOW ABOUT 10 DAYS. THERE IS NOTHING NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THIS CAR.LEXUS QUIET,GREAT 6CD CHANGER,BUTT WARMERS OUT OF SIGHT AND MADE TO LAST FOREVER. THE ONLY PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE AM BAND OF THE RADIO, WHICH IS FULL OF STATIC. I WONDER IF THE WINDOW ANTENNA IS THE PROBLEM OR JUST A LOOSE CONNECTION. FIRST TANK GOT ME 30 MPG

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  Close to perfection - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By far_star - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I considered Toyota Camry for the reliability. The concerns about bland styling left me when I saw one and said "Is this really a Camry?" It looked so darn good. From the numbers, the Camrys solid. Ive owned it for a while and love the luxurious feel. The car is quiet beyond belief and the smooth ride is wonderful. Breaking is good. The XLE offers more features than I can count. My 4 cyl version is suprisingly powerful. My boss drove it she said, "So you got the 6 cyl huh?" She was shocked to learn it was a 4 cyl. Overall this car rocks ! Who says that this vehicle is for the over 40 crowd. I am in my 20s and am prowd to own it. I am liking this car more each day I drive it.

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  fun loving car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By melissa - December 7 - 12:36 am

  i love it! It is awesome! My kids loveit. It drives great and handles well. Great car for the price. Iplan on having this car for a long time. thanks very much.

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  Low cost and fun too - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Hahn - December 6 - 9:16 pm

  I love my Prius. I will never buy another automobile. I have been in the mountains of West Virginia and North Carolina, and the plains of Illinois and have never had a problem. I just do the oil changes and tires and enjoy the ride. I average 48-55 mpg and have gotten up to 62 mpg in the city. What a feeling!!! Toyota!!!

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  Buy It You Will Like It! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Pauldo - December 6 - 8:33 am

  Without a doubt, this is one of the best Toyota products I have ever purchased in the past 35 years. I have owned many Toyotas as well as one Honda and this car by far is outstanding. The build quality and features for the money are worth every the price. The double air tight insulation is also great as road noise is not heard. This 2006 Toyota S is just as quiet as my 1999 Toyota Camry which is a very quiet car.

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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob C - December 6 - 8:00 am

  After three weeks, this has been my best new car experience. I am very pleased with the car. It compares favorably to an Audi A6 I drove recently, and is roughly two thirds the price.

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  Riding on smiles - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Ahmad - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have brought my Avalon xls with 103,000 km. and just loss it in an accident at 243,954 km. This car runs like magic, all my friends, are so surprise how beautiful, comfortable and spacious it is on the inside. most of the people I give a ride, after being amazed by the silences and smooth ride, do not believe it is a 2001, they think its a newer model. I am going to miss this car. but now I am on edmunds researching a 2005 avalon used one. just hoping I will get a even greater one. I am now using a 2010 toyota camry for the rental, and I still would choose my 2001 avalon ahead of the camry, not for the looks from outside, but for the comfort,low noise and luxury of the ride.

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  First Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Toyota this June. I have always owned Dodge Ram (had 5 of them) My 10 SR5 TRD 5.7L I-force smokes the Hemi, the interior is way more comfortable, more creature comforts, and larger rear sear (comparable models). All the power anybody needs,Big, fast, tough truck. Dont complain about mileage you wont find much better. Smooth ride and plenty of room...Love this truck.

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  Refined & reliable - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John Doskoch - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Splurged and bought the Limited HL, and were glad we did. Pleased to know its made in the USA too! The new redesigned front end for 2011 looks sharp. Love the Limiteds Smart Key keyless entry system, pushbutton start, reverse camera, heated seats. Also appreciate the MPG gauge. JBL stereo w/XM is wonderful. This SUV is solid and drives smooth and comfortably. Power/acceleration on demand. Toyota makes a great V6 engine. Lots of safety features + airbags galore, so safety is a given. The kids love our HL too, especially the roomy second row seats and their own temperature control. Our first 2 tanks of gas we averaged 20 mpg, which is OK for a 4000 lb vehicle.