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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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By chris - July 6 - 10:23 am

  I traded in a F-250 PS LB 4x4 and love this truck so much more. There is plenty of room in the cab for my children however I wish the bed and fuel tank were a bit larger.

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  My Choice Toy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By jersey joe - July 6 - 8:03 am

  I had never owned an import but was getting tired not having the reliabilty after 75k miles. The Tacoma was listed on the UAW.com website as a Union Made car to buy. Then after comparing on Edmunds.com nothing better in its class. The price was even better in some cases. So far it has been perfect choice. Fun to drive, more comfort than I even thought possible. Especially on the highway.

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  Very impressed with 2012 Sienna LE 8-psg V6 - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By bigedmundsfan - July 6 - 7:41 am

  When my Odyssey died (transmission problem) Ive decided to test drive a Sienna. Love it and bought it, and two weeks later I do not regret the decision (options: towing prep, floor mats, anti-theft.) The drive (handling and ease of turns) is excellent which is what I have not expected. The seats are very roomy and even the second-row middle-seat is fairly comfortable, the third-row benchs ability to recline is a nice touch. Ride is so comfortable that you dont feel like youre driving at a high speed so if you are a speedster, keep an eye on your speedometer. Acceleration is decent for a minivan and overall I would say it really up its game to rival Honda Odyssey.

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  Better than an Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - July 6 - 6:23 am

  After 55,000 miles I am still impressed. Tested Avalon and Lexus and just not worth the money compared to the XLE V6. Get about 30 MPG routine driving, still surprised at comfortable ride and quietness. JBL sound system still works excellently, as does everything. The layout of the dash, consoles, etc. is much better than the Avalon or the Lexus. Have not had to replace or repair anything. The leather shows almost no wear compared to other cars I have had with leather. Doesnt get any better than this.

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Elizabeth Libero - July 6 - 6:06 am

  I love my new Corolla. The bluetooth, storage, ride, comfort etc. is all there. Getting great mileage. Have not noticed steering problem and I have been looking for it after reading others. I like the way it looks too. I am very pleased and would recommend it to others. I do agree the clock should be moved, but thats about it. I find all the features to be up to Toyotas usual standards. I feel like I am in a Camry most of the time. I have had Toyotas in the past, still have an old Sienna. Got this car to get the good gas mileage and it was the most comfortable one out there.

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  beware of rear axle clunk - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By lilBlueTruck - July 6 - 2:06 am

  I have barely 700 miles on my truck, started to notice this clunk coming from rear axle. They call it axle warp found 26,900 hits on google for "Tacoma Axle Wrap". All say Toyota denies it to be a problem. I am really tired of feeling rearended by my own drive train. What a piece of junk. Gas mileage is horrific, been driving it as gently as possible (as if I had a raw egg between my foot and the pedal). Gets about 8 miles to the gallon 60% highway - They say it will get better with more miles. will it get 3 times better. I feel tricked by Toyotas false marketing. Please check the web out about this clunk problem then decide if you want the chance of that.

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  Im happy I looked and waited... - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By lvitch - July 6 - 12:56 am

  Great Truck! Down sides: Needs better lumbar support, Big turning radius (Im used to my old pathfinder), windshield scratches easily. I love this truck more every time I drive it. Plenty of power, I dont even know my 19 bass boat is back there. Highway passing is effortless. Gets the same mileage whether Im towing or not (18 mpg). Plenty of room for me and my family (Im 61 and my kids are huge). Hands down the best I looked at and drove, period.

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  Best car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By mame - July 5 - 8:16 pm

  This car is great because it gets good gas mileage, its small so its easy to parallel park in new york city. The car is pretty costly when someone rear-ends you because the back tire is there. The car fits my family. The backseat folds down and comes out of the car for storage room. The sport package makes the car more fun to drive because every one looks and admires the car. The options come in many colors. Options are the dvd player, the rims, the leather or non-leather seats, the alarm is very important but it costs extra but its worth it. Another option is the sun/moon roof. The rav 4 is a strong car and hopfully will get stronger

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  Finally a Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra Happy - July 5 - 4:50 pm

  Just purchase this truck last week and I love it! It has exactly what I needed without the extra junk. I really like the rear window roll down feature and that it has a defroster. The ride is superior to any of the other trucks that I test drove. Also like the taction control option. Have not tested for mileage yet (only 100 miles). Excellent interior insulation from noise.

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  After 5,000 miles - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - July 5 - 11:46 am

  The 2 reasons I bought this car is reliability & economy. After 5,000 miles Im getting 41.6 mpg, the a/c put our 40 degree of cold air today when the outside temp was 107. Back in Jan. this cars heater put out 182 degrees when the outside temp was 45 I am very pleasantly surprised at how efficient the a/c is on a very hot day here in Phoenix, Arizona. My only complaint is the lame squeak that is the HORN & the multiple reflections off the rear window from headlights behind me, at night.