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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  RAV4 - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By AndreaH100 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I had one problem with the gas cap spring about a year after I bought it, but I took it to the dealership and it was fixed easily. Right now, I am having a problem with my auto door unlock and the auto windows that I need to get looked at. Aside from that, it has been a great car.

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  Hello Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By judsaba - October 15 - 2:00 am

  My Toyota Corolla is by far the best car I have ever owned. From every standoint, the engineers at Toyota have excelled in giving the buyer of the Corolla an excellent value for his money After a week of ownership, I have yet to find a fault with the car and I am quite happy with my new 2003 Toyota CE

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  Nice, but not nearly the best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ff - October 15 - 2:00 am

  A car built to serve daily routines, devoid of any fun or excitement

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By houcontrol - October 14 - 9:50 pm

  I love my new Tundra, so far. My only complaint is the gas mileage had been about 3.5 mpg less than the posted EPA estimates but thats not unusual. My (sometimes) lead foot may have something to do with it.

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  67,000 mile review - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By t h a m - October 14 - 8:10 pm

  After driving 4.5 years I figured I would write another review w/ reliability notes. Following service manual to a T and everything is running fine other than my sunroof which broke wide open at 55k mi with a $2400 replacement bill that I did not fix (just got it closed). Computer read out says Im averaging 20.3 mpg but its 10% off so actual is 18 mpg - reasonable for a body on frame SUV. Replaced tires at 40k from dealer oems to Mich Cross Terrains - nice improvement. At 63", head and leg room are just adequate. 2 prong outlet is great, but only 1 12v is not. Front passenger space is small - friends ride knees up at 61". Good truck overall and would recommend to friends/family.

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  Bad Engine - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tracy - October 14 - 1:50 pm

  I was having some issues regarding quality - replaced ECU and water pump and for the last 25,000 miles Ive had an oil issue and was told last week that I need a new engine. A new engine with less that 100,000 miles. Dont buy a Toyota.

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  Good Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Nevada Bob - October 14 - 1:23 pm

  I love this car. I had a 2005 fully loaded. Got a 2007 Touring fully loaded and like it better then the 2005. Comfort of front seat (drivers) is much better. I drove from Las Vegas Nv to San Pedro Calif and then to Ontario Calif. Topped the tank off, a whopping 7.46 gal. WOW!! Most of this at 65 to 75 MPH.

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  Simply the Best - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By vam - October 14 - 9:53 am

  I have a 2005 Pacifica which I thought I loved, but my wifes Sienna is simply extraordinary. I am very surprised at some of the negative comments I am reading on Edmunds. This van drives extremely smooth, better than a car, the power is astonishing and we get 26MPG. I truly feel its the best car we owned. We had Hondas, Ford, and my Pacifica. Dont take our word - go drive it. Mechanically impeccable.

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  This is not your grandpas Avalon - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By rjjarvis - October 14 - 7:31 am

  The redesign of the Avalon for 2013 converts it from essentially a rock-solid dependable geezermobile to a rock-solid dependable vehicle that appeals to people of all ages. It is flat-out gorgeous inside and out, the paint colors are incredible, the build, fit and finish amazing. The leather interior, formerly vague-looking and spongy, is now edgy and supple. The car really gets about 40 mpg on a dependable basis if you drive in Eco mode and arent a leadfoot. It has an absolutely cavernous rear seat space, and all of the controls and features are ergonomic and well thought-out. This car, completely redesigned from the ground up, is an absolute triumph of industrial design.

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  The seats won us over - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lee Woodward - October 14 - 5:13 am

  We looked at several minivans to replace our 98 Chevy Venture. In many ways we liked the Dodge/Chrysler vans better, but seat comfort actually helped win us to the Sienna. Were a little underimpressed with the mileage and power. The heating and A/C controls are a tad confusing. Quality is excellent. Its very quiet. Sometimes were not sure the engine is on. Initial acceleration is a bit slow, but on highway pickup is good.