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:

• 

  Different than most Camrys - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By aippapa - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1994. Sportier than most other Camrys and has a look that still seems modern after all these years. Rock solid in all ways and the V6 is still quick and responsive. No squeaks or rattles or rust after 157K miles and we intend to keep to 300K if possible. A great car!!

• 

  A reliable, comfortable and plain car. - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By jrender - January 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is spacious reliable and well built, yet the styling is plain. I dont like the buick style bench seat. But the back is spacious and the car is of good quality. good trunk space.

• 

  My Best Truck Yet! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jazzbone - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this under the premise that these vehicles are excellent and reliable. So far, all of the accolades seem to hold true. The ride is very truck like but the seat is comfy for my 6 250Lb frame. The cab could use more room, but is sufficient. Econmy is good for the roads I. I avg 19-20 on these roads, and get near 25 mpg on the valley flats. 4WD is exc and treads excellent in deep snow and very good on ice. The motor purrs and the 5 sp trans shifts smoothly. Im real happy with this truck, this lil Tacoma is doing more than I expected.

• 

  quality - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By thespire - January 9 - 2:00 am

  More backseat room would be highly beneficial. Very narrow for 2 car seats in back seat. Quality vehicle that is dependable, stylish and safe.

• 

  Just Great! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By laureb - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love at first sight and after several days, I am still in awe when I consider the total perfection of this vehicle. The exterior design has much appeal as has the interior. Further, it has plenty of pep and handles beautifully in all traffic conditions. I like the 2-wheel drive as it burns less gas.

• 

  A winner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JGA - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Typical Toyota quality. The V8 4wd w/ X-REAS really flys and handles extreemly well. A nice ride on road and performs well off road. Edmunds review gives a thumbs down to the breaks... I disagee, it breaks very well and Im used to driving a sports car.

• 

  Great Road Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By IMRTIRD - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Car was bought for the purpose of taking lengthy trip around the United States. It has performed well. The fuel economy is excellent on the open road - 30mpg. Ride is stiff, just how I like it. Trunk space is more than adequate. The fold down split rear seats a plus. The 18 gal fuel tank is a plus for long road trip. Seating is very comfortable for long trips.

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By hazard767 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  i researched this truck and many others and test drove nearley every major manufactures truck i could find in san diego. when i finnally settled (no contest) on my 2003 tacoma xtra cab prerunner TRD (V6) this truck is by far the best, most comfortable driving truck out there. at first my impression was that this truck would have a stiff freeway ride and be bumpy as hell due to the off road suspension, but i was very wrong. a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride! and handles extreamley well off road, so if your looking to spend some money on a quality truck....this is what you need.

• 

  2012 Venza Limited - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By roadrunner70 - January 8 - 7:49 pm

  Had 2012 Venza limited since 3/24. Like others, copared to Ford Edge, GM crossovers, Kia Sorrento. Came down to sorrento vs. venza. Preferred the sorrento for price and features but didnt care for seat comfort. Overall happy with purchase. Too soon to rate most catagories, but have to agree that the shifter is poorly designed. It is too long and should be 2 or 3 inches shorter. Not happy that CD player requries opening nav unit. Presume that 2013 venza has corrected these design issues. However, if it gives the same level of reliability that my 2002 highlander has given (two minor repairs in 125,000 miles), I will be very happy. Oveall, a good vehicle.

• 

  20 Year Toyota Owner - Cant Beat It! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RIder - January 8 - 9:23 am

  Had it for about a month now... great to drive, very comfortable, smooth handling, roomy, great style, everything I wanted with great quality and workmanship. I would recommend this SUV or any Toyota for that matter to anyone. The 4cyl I think is fine and personally, I didnt see the need for the 6cyl. In any case, cant go wrong with a new 06 RAV4! Good luck with yours if you buy one!