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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  What a great car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Ann Miller - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! This is my first Toyota, and I am very happy. The Matrix is fun to drive, sporty, the gas mileage is great,and all my friends are envious. It handles extremely well on wet pavement and around curves. The instrumentation is easy to see and use, the stereo is great, and it has a surprising capacity. Go Toyota!!

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  One Month Review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By RFXJM - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine is much more powerful than I thought. It rides nice; looks nice. Fuel economy 18.9 and 20.7 on the first 2 tanks of gas. Only thing wrong-the passenger seat is not very comfortable. Other than that, I love it!

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  Reliable work car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By linsleftovers - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Camray proved to be one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned. I have had many vehicles over the years and found that this car is second to none. It has almost 90,000 miles on it, and with regular maintinance and faithful, 3,000 mile oil changes,I only had tires and light bulbs to changed. Nothing major has been done. It still has its original brakes! How about that.

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  Rear suspension Noise - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Dissatisfied Custome - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The right rear suspension has a thumping noise that is very loud on washboard types of roads. The city streets of PA are not always the best but there is no excuse for having this much suspension noise. This is only on the right rear and usually when the left wheel hits a bump. A thumping noise seems to emanate from the stabilizer bar and right rear strut. Three times to the dealer and no repair or relief.. they tell me that other Camrys have the problem and they are waiting on Toyota to come up with a repair for this noise. I do not expect a new car to have this kind of noise. It was so noisy on one section of roard that my grandson asked if it is safe.

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  More than I expected - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lewbeau - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my first toyota.My wife and I are both thrilled with it.After driving a 95 Contour for 8yrs,well enough about that.I got the car I went after.Only it didnt come with leather covers but the dealer did provide them at an expensive price.I had to give something to my wife that she wanted because the rest is what I wanted.I wont say what I paid but I gave them what I said I would pay.

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  Potter 2007 Rav4 Limited 2WD - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By potter05 - August 23 - 5:03 am

  I had been driving a Toyota Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota line for several years. I needed a vehicle with more "utility" value. I researched the RAV4 on Edmunds as well as Consumer Reports websites. After an extensive test drive I purchased the RAV4. I am still pleasantly surprised and delighted every time I drive this larger and more powerful RAV4. The suspension is firm yet very comfortable, road noise is at a minimum, the steering is much more accurate than the Avalon, and the fit and finish is flawless, much like Toyotas Lexus products.

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  2011 Sienna Disappointment - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By rxgirl1210 - August 23 - 3:52 am

  I recently bought a 2011 Sienna. My 2nd Sienna (previous 2001) that I traded in for new one. What an all around disappointment. It screams CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP!!! Toyota should be ashamed of themselves for what they did to this vehicle. The interior is especially lousy! Hard, cheap plastic everything! Id give anything to have my beautiful, old one back. There are so many flaws and disappointments in this van, I wish I could bring it back to the dealer. The 2011 will NEVER go the distance like previous generations.

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  190K and still running great - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By clloyd - August 23 - 1:26 am

  I bought this pickup used and have put 160K on it. Ive replaced the U joints- the only thing ever done over routine maintenance. I live in the country, lots of hauling and dirt roads. I love this truck and will never be without a Toyota!

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  40+ mpg on average in MI - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cosworth - August 22 - 8:26 pm

  I bought the car as a commuter, and its been a great gas-sipping machine. On average, I average 40-42mpg on my commute (90% hwy/ 10% city). Its definitely not as fun as a Civic or Mazda 3, but gas mileage makes up for it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a no-hassle commuter car that gets just as good, if not better, gas mileage as most hybrids in the market.

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  Why spend extra for a Lexus??? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By maxgxe - August 22 - 11:46 am

  We checked out the 2005 Honda Accord first, but the dealer wanted us to pay list price and offered us very little on our trade-in. We were able to buy the Camry LE at invoice price, and received a much better deal on the trade-in. It is now 3 months and 3000 miles later, and we have no complaints with the Camry. The car is comfortable, quiet and reliable. The 4 cylinder engine is excellent, with 30 mpg overall average. We got 33.9 mpg on our best tankful (hwy), and 24.4 on our worst tankful (city). The large trunk holds all of our luggage for trips with plenty of room to spare. Theres no need to spend the extra money for an almost identical Lexus, unless you are into "snob appeal".