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:

• 

  Smooth as silk - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Randy8213 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The good; Fast, smooth, quite and fun to drive. The bad; For $30,000+ you should get visor mirrors. Visor swing out arm doesnt block the sun well. Drink holder doesnt hold drinks real well. Driver floor mat doesnt have heal gaurd. Could use slightly better brakes. Overall; It seems to be more American than Japanese. Toyota seems to be not as concerned with the little details like they have in the past. A refined vechicle that has been stripped down of the little goodies that I so loved. Its still a great vechicle, but Im starting to think that its not the best deal around.

• 

  Camry LE 2000 4 cyl - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By W. Lederer - June 5 - 10:00 am

  We have driver this car for just over 3 years and it has performed excellent and beyond our expectations. To this date no repairs necessary.

• 

  why anything else? - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Preacherman - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why anyone would consider a Jeep Cherokee or, worse, a Trailblazer. I work with another minister who got a Trailblazer the same time I got my Highlander. Weve traded a few times - Highlanders ride is superior, although not markedly so - but the real separation is in this. Hes been back to the dealership twice in a year; once for a malfunctioning headlamp which required leaving the car all day. My neighbors Grand Cherokee has the same story. Once the warranty ends, God help you. I also have a Camry and Corolla for my kids. We dont even know what a repair bill is!

• 

  My new car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bdb - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car since 1989. I purchased a indigo blue 4 door Corolla 4 door sedan. Ive had Fords, GM and Dodges in the past. This is by far the most superior car in the price range ($13,000) that I have ever owned. Everything that a drive needs to get to is in easy reach. The fit and finish are wonderful. Everything about the car is exceptional. It rides smooth and has plenty of pep. When I went shopping I quoted the price as it was given in Edmunds and got it on my first call. Thanks Edmunds for making the car buying experience hassle free!!

• 

  Camery XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ep - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The Camery XLE provides power with comfort.

• 

  Toyota Does it Again! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JLL - June 5 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Sienna for 2 weeks and we love it. Very smooth ride and powerful engine. We are ave 26.3 mpg after 2 tanks of gas. The seats are very comfortable and the interior room is great. We have 2 kids, 2 labs and we still have enough room to fit all of our camping and outdoor gear in the back end. We looked at several SUVs but when we saw and drove the Sienna we knew this vehicle would satify our traveling and space needs. And of course with Toyotas reputation for quality and reliability we are confident that our Sienna will will provide us with a great ride for many years.

• 

  Watch for falling Odyssey prices! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By samgolfer - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Good ol market forces came into play. Loyal Honda owner for 15+ years--price inflexibility opened the door to competitors and Honda has a big one now. We love our 2004 Sienna. Too new to rate reliability but gave conservative 8 based on Toyotas great track record. Roomy, comfortable. Tight turning. Smart features galore. Armrests could be improved. Great performance and MPG even loaded. Friendly dealer and service team at Leesburg was just our type. The improvements I suggest could make a near perfect minivan superior. Glad we already own one because its the next Odyssey and will be hard to find. OK American manufacturers, try to beat this one.

• 

  The New Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ATOYOTAFAN - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is well built. It has personality style but not that exciting to drive. The tranny and engine are smooth and well contolled. The 2.5L 4- banger is fuel effecient but not exceptionally powerful. The interor is quiet. The steering is improved over my previous Camry but not as responsive as it could be. The brakes have good stopping ability but feel a little mushy to the touch. Toyota needs to find and fix that annoying rattle that I hear in the door. Ive gone to the dealer but, of course they claim they never here it.

• 

  3rd 4Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Donald Garner - June 5 - 9:56 am

  This is my third 4Runner, sixth Toyota. Never a problem with the 4Runner that required a return to the dealer. I will buy another 4Runner after this one.

• 

  Good Minivan But Engine Humming Noise - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By ChrisYL - June 5 - 1:10 am

  Bought my 2009 Sienna LE in Dec 2008 in Orange, CA. Everything is good, drive smooth, roomy, comft. However shortly after driving, I start to hear engine humming noise, sometimes loud, sometimes not there. Happening specially at acceleration. My friends 2007 has similar problem, others on Edmunds Discussion site mentioned same problem. Any of you seen this problem?