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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  Wow this thing is great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Woodyb - February 15 - 6:23 am

  Yes its small and maybe a little drumming inside, but I expected it. Bottom line: great car. Had to make a 20 hour run for a family thing, three bad disks in my back and all. No back problems and total comfort for the whole drive. Im sold.

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  Love the Quality and Performance - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By F. Yaghoobian - February 15 - 4:23 am

  I am 52 years old and I purchased the 2004, 4-Runner, V8 Sport Edition in Dec 2003. So far, I have over 80K miles on this car, with absolutely no issue. The only issue I had, was related to the driver seat, in which the seat would drop gradually and you had to pump the seat up every once in a while (design issue). I must say that this car is extremely reliable. I have never had any issue with this car and after 80K mile the car is running just like the day I purchased it. All parts including the battery are still original parts. I must say that I have done oil and filter change every 3000 miles, but none of the major scheduled services yet. Great car with great quality.

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  TRD w/ Bilsteins - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Norm Silver - February 15 - 4:00 am

  I was aware of the transmission complaints so the first thing I did was go to an aftermarket tranny shop and had them service the automatic and put in Royal Purple full synthetic fluid and also check it out on their computer. Then I installed a cold air intake and took it to the tire shop where they let the air out of the tires and pumped in Nitrogen. This one has the 16 inch tire option and I can see there is already some inside tire wear. Ill be rotating tires every 5,000 miles to assure good tire wear. The acceleration is good, fuel economy is 22-24 hwy and 18-20 in town. Would I do this again? Yes. It is a decent truck and I like the size and appearance. I plan to replace the radio soon.

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  Best Car for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By jka07 - February 14 - 10:33 am

  I have owned my Avalon for about three weeks now, and it is absolutely amazing. First look, it seems like a grandma car that wouldnt be fun to drive, but it is just the opposite! I love the way it accelerates (0-60 in 6.6 secs.) and it is so easy to drive. I purchased an 07 for $1200 below invoice! Toyota designed the Avalon very well and made it very practical! Every button serves a purpose. Dealership was fast, nice and easy to work with. I love my car and think that for the money, no other car compares.

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  Cheapest car buyer wins with Edmunds - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By ralph sathre - February 14 - 7:30 am

  Im the cheapest car buyer out there. I dont fall for the gimmicks of cash back, getting jacked on trade in values or being sold something I dont want like extended warranties or floor mats. I walk out of the dealerships on a regualr basis when the price isnt right. NO exceptions. They train these car salesmen on how to sell you stuff. If they can get you to test drive it then they say youve all but bought it. Not me. So when I knew what I wanted in a car, I tried Edmunds. They sent out inquiries to all the dealerships in my area of exactly what i was looking for. Two dealerships came back. One dealership was lying they never had the car but i wont mention their name. The other dealership was 40 miles away had 3 colors to choose from and the Edmunds price guarantee beat the best price I could negotiate myself after working at it for months. I couldt believe it . So the car dealer honored the Edmunds price and i picked my favorite color and I am one happy car buying customer. Edmunds beat everybody credit unions big box stores you name it. And i got it below what the average buyer paid for this exact car. Thanks Santa.....I mean Edmunds!!!!!

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  A Car for all Seasons - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By New Englander - February 14 - 4:03 am

  Having recently moved from Manhattan, where I spent my entire adult life, I was completely overwhelmed about the car choices before me. I researched virtually every model of every make of every 2005 car. What did I end up choosing? The Toyota Matrix. First off, I loved the styling. Its got a very Eurosmart kind of feel to it. Secondly, although the 4WD does not get the kind of mileage that the FWD manual does, it is still efficient. Thirdly, I can pack virtually anything into Trixie. Not only that but the multiple folding seat options, various cargo nets and tie-downs rock. The 4WD worked beautifully on those snowy days, yet shes petite enough to park on tiny NYC streets.

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  1 year later - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nancie - February 14 - 3:46 am

  I wanted to wait to write a review until I had my 4Runner a year. I drive appx. 30000 per year so I needed a comfortable vehicle. My only major complaint is the handling in windy conditions. That might be inherent of this type of vehicle, though. If I keep my foot out of it, my gas mileage improves greatly - 24 MPG. Overall, I love the look and performance .

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  Great truck! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian Brown - February 14 - 2:05 am

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  200,000 mile report (Automatic Trans) SR5 - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By cst010 - February 14 - 12:06 am

  Wanted to report that the Tacoma has reached the 200,000 mile marker. Normal maintenance so far: belts, timing belt, water pump, and cat converter. Oil changes performed at 3000 miles every 3000 miles. Truck runs great. Body and interior holding out great. I do take care to keep it clean and waxed. Dome light has failed (constantly burns them out) and one light for the fan switch has failed- I have not replaced. Miles are mostly highway and the truck has not been off-roaded. I hope to be able to write a 300,000 mile review. No rattles to date! Great truck so far. Couple of more years and maybe I will have gotten my monies worth outta it.

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  Overjoyed - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David - February 13 - 7:23 pm

  Wow, what a car. The 09 is slightly bigger then the 08 which enlarged the trunk somewhat. It is one good looking auto. Electric motor battery is relatively small and is attached under the rear window shelf. Love the keyless system--when you carry the fob it knows its you and unlocks the door as you approach. Push button start is very futuristic and fun. Gas mileage is great. My first tank in town averaged 33 mpg. On level road at 65 mph the fuel consumption stayed steady at 45 mpg. Continuous mpg display replaces the tachometer. The ride is solid and smooth and the car handles great. Good power as the electric motor supplements the gas engine when needed.