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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  camry le auto. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By gfield50 - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  Love the car. great mileage. great ride, quiet, nice looking. looks more expensive than it is.

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  Outstanding Quality - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Patricia Kappenhagen - May 20 - 10:06 am

  I have less than 3,000 miles on my car but driving it from Texas to Florida was a great experience for my husband and me. The quality and handling of the vehicle is superb in all categories.

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  A fun ride! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Steve - May 20 - 5:26 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle in the Spring of this year and it is the best vehicle purchase we have ever made. The car gets fantastic gas mileage, fits 4 easily (5 in a pinch), and really has a devoted fan club following. I am 6 3" tall and I fit in the front and back seats without any problems. I thought we might find the car lacking in power, but even in that area I was pleasantly surprised. All in all this car is a wonderfully driving and exceptionally good value given how well it holds its resale value and the great gas mileage. I find myself trying to squeeze every MPG I can out of the tank. Truthfully you will love this car and will wonder why you waited so long to get one!

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  Couldve been the best - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Garth McBride Sr - May 20 - 1:18 am

  Love the car, but, couldve really been better. For driving modes, why cant the driving mode remain in the position you push it in even after you leave the car and return. Only remains in the position for "normal", for sport and eco you have to punch it every time you enter the car and start the engine. I like sport cant it just stay there. After 36,000 miles brakes are a little jittery at stops. Should be smooth. Doesnt ride smooth like my 2006 Avalon but thats OK we were warned and the 2006 was too cushy. If you want the 2006 ride buy a Buick. LED headlights and daytime running lights should be standard on all except the Premium. Add a spoiler to the "Touring" as the 2006 thru 10 had!!! Bluetooth sometimes goes from on mode to off mode for some reason, just once in a while but cant figure that out just annoying when it goes into Bluetooth off in the middle of a call on I-95 or 76! Pretty good car for the money but couldve been great. It better stay reliable though. A lot of other choices out there for similar money. I am a Toyota/Lexus guy but can you say, Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.6!! This is a 2013 and this model is about halfway thru the cycle before the new version. Enough facts are in so they should be able to straighten out the kinks if they (Toyota) is willing.

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  A disappointed Toyota fan - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By disappointed toyota - May 19 - 11:40 pm

  I have been a Toyota fan for years. I like Corolla, Camry because they are reliable, gas efficient, good looking, keeping their value really well. A huge mistake was made when I traded in my Camry for a Tundra. I wanted a truck to haul my boat sometimes and for more fun. Auto experts have rated the truck very high. I must say, Edmunds you did totally wrong: Gas mileage: 10-13 MPG. Performance: No fun at all. Engine is very loud. When hauling, it is extremely loud. I miss my Camry very much. Quality: Cheap all around. Styling: too ugly. Reliability: 2 dealer visits per month

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  Side air bags? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lucky to be alive - May 19 - 7:53 am

  I purchased this vehicle in july of 2006, i only had it for a bout a month when a drunk driver hit me on the side. When i purchased the car i was told all about the side curtain air bags and about the air bags for the drivers knees. and wouldnt you know i get hit on the side and NOT a single air bag deployed. I look on the internet and find that there was a recall in april about the air bags and i was not told of this when i purchased the car. Look for recalls before buying. Im just glad me and my husband are still alive. can furnish pictures of damages upon request so you can see how toyota stands up

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  Mostly Good, few points to consider... - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By armartin22 - May 19 - 7:25 am

  I traded in my 2011 Honda Pilot (yes, a 2011) for a slightly used 2010 Sequioa Platinum. I did this mostly for the towing capacity, but I also love the styling of the Sequioa. Despite loving the overall SUV, I will list the cons to consider if you dont need the towing capacity: - Seat layout. Platinum captain seating in back is silly and inconvenient. - Nav/Audio: overly complex touchscreen interface. For example, to change stations to next preset (without using the steering wheel controls), you have to switch to "audio" mode. - Handling: while good for a 3 ton truck, its still shaky at speeds and subject to wind. If you need a luxury tank, buy this.

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  Camry Lease Values Unbeatable - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By cattom1 - May 19 - 3:37 am

  Loaded SE 4 cylinder with leather, heated seats, blue tooth, keyless etc. Looked at Accord EXL, Civic, Camry SE & Corolla. 36 month lease @ 15,000 miles per year, and monthly payment only $15 per month different between Civic-Accord or Corolla-Camry. Cheap interior, engine/road noise, buck board ride not worth it on Civic/Corolla to gain maybe, 2-3 mpg over Accord-Camry. Accord-Camry have much higher residual values making them the much better overall lease value. Went with the Magnetic Gray Camry SE because of better looks than Accord EXL and 24 month-25,000 mile free maintenance. Lease cost virtually the same. I put 3K down & lease @ $239 for 36 months 15K, 1st tank 30MPG combo driving.

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Susan - May 19 - 3:30 am

  The 2002 Prius is fabulous. I have owned it for 3 1/2 years with no problems. The car gives terrific gas mileage, steady, comfortable performance and excellent reliability.

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  Great to Own, drive, and Practical - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By donger - May 18 - 7:10 pm

  I owned a porsche 911sc and this thing is nearly as fun to drive but unlike the 911 you can drive it with 4 passengers and all their luggage. This car does everthing you want it to do, it can be a mule and a racehorse all at the same time. I looked at a lot of cars (civic Si, Impreza, mazda 3s) and this was the best in nearly every category; passenger space, speed and handling, reliability (cant beat the japanese), looks. If you are in the market for a car like this you HAVE to drive the matrix to make a fully informed decision. I drove my XRS across the country last summer(CA to PA), through 104 heat, rain for 12 hours at a time and my back wasnt sore and the car never missed a step.