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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  wifes favorite car ever - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By sajslade - February 13 - 2:00 am

  We like the vehicle overall, but expect a little more in a top of the line vehicle (have a Limited awd 6 cyl)

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  camry from 9/12/01 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By michaelg - February 13 - 2:00 am

  mine is japanese.seem to have less rattles than others.reliable except for a tracking problem on the highway especially in a cross wind;still working on this with the dealer. posible the cheap potenzas are at fault; theyre also noisy and wear poorly.

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  So far, so good with SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Mike S - February 13 - 12:56 am

  I bought this car for the nice looks (SE), roomy interior and trunk, and good fuel economy. So far, I like everything about it. It felt bigger than the Malibu and Fusion and includes all kinds of safety and sporty features in base SE form. Fuel Economy is about 26 mpg so far. This car is a keeper for me. It is handling my cravings for sporty looks, soft ride, and good fuel economy with plenty of room for the family, all for $23K!

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  Bevs Ride - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Beverly Weisinger - February 13 - 12:06 am

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  I will never buy Toyota again - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By love4cars2014 - February 12 - 10:56 pm

  We brought this car of the dealers lot in Dec 2003. We have had numerous problems with it. Except for its engine, everything has had problems. - Radiator blew off at 15K and again at 98K - Rear shock replaced at 35K - Body parts just rattle, rattle and more rattle - Water seeped into the rear of the car causing us to get that cleared couple times - Alignment goes off the whack every 6 months - I have to change tires every 2 years due to excessive wear. No one can tell why - Automatic door broke twice! Forutnately second time the part was covered under warranty - Radio has gone bad - Side door plastic cracked - Rear axle hub had to be changed at 95K - AutomaticWindowreplac

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  Best Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By LaVerne Schenk - February 12 - 8:13 pm

  This vehicle is great to drive..no problems at all. Wonderful perfomance, great get up an go vehicle.

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  You cannot go wrong - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kyle - February 12 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this truck used with 34k. I now have 101k and other than tires, brakes, water pump and belts it has never let me down. Pay the dealership for timing belt replacement - crank pulley is too tight to loosen. Overall mileage for v6 4x4 5 spd is around 20-20.5 city and 22, maybe 23 on highway if you are less than 75 mph. Towing is good with receiver and 4wd is excellent. I have gotten stuck one time. I want an 07 Tacoma but I do not want to get rid of this one. Paint, interior is like new. Ride quality is so so for a 4wd with 31x10.50 tires. Reliabilty and fun factor is why I still have this truck.

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  First Year Blues? - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By John - February 12 - 11:16 am

  I have had problems with the transmission not shifting into overdrive when the temp gets below 32 degrees. Dealer says its "NORMAL"). Also the front passengers inside door handle broke in half!(It was fixed under warranty).

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  Updated Review After 5 years and 100k Miles - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By yungunz - February 12 - 9:17 am

  Here is the original review I wrote 5 years ago: http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry-hybrid/2009/consumer-reviews/the-smart-way-to-move.html?style=100975664&sub=&reviewId=103341721 What can I say, its been a great 5 year run! Ive averaged 35mpg getting about 450-500 miles per tank. Also, I NEVER had to change my brakes! It has something to do with the braking system and the promotion of safer/slower driving. I am thrilled with my purchase. All you have to do is get your oil changes every 5k miles and rotate your tires often! Free oil changes at my dealership was a bonus. I changed my tires at 35k and 85k miles. I was hoping by now Toyota would release some sort of AWD Hybrid. A+++

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  Reliable, handsome vehicle - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By tom378 - February 12 - 1:32 am

  I get about 25.5 mpg overall. Gas mileage is up 3 mpg since a moved near the expressway. The cabin is fairly quiet and the ride is decent. Acceleration is adequate. The seats fold down flat for over 73 cf of space. I love the way the sound system reads back texts aloud and the bluetooth is easy to pair and works flawlessly. Braking is excellent even on wet pavement. I have not heard any wind noise. The interior plastic scratches a bit easy, and that is my only gripe. I plan on leasing a new 2018 Rav4 LE come May. That model has all the safety features that are missing from the 2015 Rav4 LE.