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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  Reliable car!!! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By oeybonjovi - August 4 - 9:46 pm

  bought this car last Nov.2006, very good gas mileage & powerful! easy to drive, & no regrets in buying this car! no wonder it`s the best selling car in the US!

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  Will never buy a Toyota again - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By 1st and Last Toyota - August 4 - 3:20 am

  Bought a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.5L 4 cyl from my local dealership first impressions was overall good build quality, excellent road handling and it looks good although, Others seem to think it is very quiet with very little road noise. We hear much more wind turbulence than our older 2002 Honda. And driver side rattle not all the time, pretty ought and its annoying not helpful. Also rear or front Clunk Sound. I have taken it to the repair shop where I bought my car and they have heard the problem but cannot tell me what it is Really wish we had noticed it on the test drive. Disappointed.

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  The best mid size suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jamin - August 3 - 10:00 am

  After 22k miles and several long trips towing our boat, I am comfortable writing that the Sequioa is a dependable and hard working truck. I would buy another one without hesitation.

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  AC line corrosion - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By 8isenuf - August 3 - 9:34 am

  Love this van, like the design much better than the new one....but....we had our AC line replaced under warranty last summer, this summer we find that 3 other lines are also needing replacement due to corrosion...Toyota and the dealers offered us 50% shared cost for repairs, but, this should not be happening. The cost to us is still $1900.00, and, we are wondering if this will be an annual cost to keep the air in our vehicle? Toyota Canada stated this is not an issue with the Sienna and there is no recall or fix for this issue...

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  Toyota is giving these away - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By tommyb - August 2 - 10:43 pm

  Bottom line buyer got a LE with sunroof and alloy wheels for $209 per month on a 3-year lease. Turned in a Honda Odyssey after completing a 2- year lease.

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  If Mileage is the Major Driver - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rob222 - August 2 - 5:01 pm

  this is the SUV for you. Aside from the mileage, power liftgate and keyless entry, I have made a sizable downgrade from a Lexus GX. Comparable size, yes but heres a few other things to consider. No dual seat memory controls, soundsystem is very average, fit and finish is not nearly as nice, steering is numb, absolutely NO offroad capability with this SUV. Fun factor, think Ford Taurus wagon. My wife wanted a hybrid suv in our price range and I did the best I could. She really likes it. The vehicle will meet the needs of most every day users and they will be very satisfied. But, if you are looking for a driving experience whatever you push the button, this is not your car

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  solid toyota product - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By jztoronto - August 2 - 7:00 am

  i dont agree with the edmunds review this car is a tank, 170k and NO MAJOR REPAIRS just change the oil. typical toyota best maker in the world for the money. the interior has as much space as more exp corrola. not bad in the snow with snow tires. terrific mileage and the trunk is as big as a camrys trunk. styling is def different and not for all but the build quality is solid engine and tranny is typical toyota. if u had 170 km on an audi for example you are 12k in repairs lol. the reviews knock the appearance but ill guarantee that the build quality is solid. def not for a single guy but if you buy this you are ok for repairs

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - August 2 - 4:46 am

  Dont expect the advertised 50 - 60 mpg. Best Ive done is 44 miles per gallon and Ive talked to other Prius owners with the same experience. Great road handling and ride. Fast 0-60 and actually, the faster you go the easier it is on gasoline since the electric engine kicks in. If you want a $20,000 model expect to wait two years for one. The upgrade to leather and nav system is well worth it. The Pirelli performance tires and fancy 17 inch wheels are prone to flats from potholes. This baby is fast with great speed and transmission.

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  Loving my Solara SLE Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Meachy - July 29 - 3:16 am

  I have owned 2 Toyota Camrys, and my husband talked me into buying a 2008 Solara convertible. This car has such a silky ride. I love the dependability of a Toyota, but the beauty and smoothness of my car cranks it up to a new level of satisfaction with the Toyota product. I will never be without a Toyota product!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Landtuna - July 29 - 2:26 am

  Wifes car but I drive it often. Had one service visit in ten years - dirty MAF sensor. Doesnt get any better than that. Does everything youd want it to do in silence and comfort. Remarkably large cabin for a mid-sized vehicle. Trunk holds a ton of stuff too. JBL sound system is great. Visibility is outstanding (except as noted below). Wife gets 22 MPG (reg gas) around town. I get almost 30 on highway. Paint still looks like new. Only one small and insignificant rattle in almost 90K miles. I call it a Japanese Buick but its much better than a GM car.