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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  PERSONAL EXPERIENCE - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By RON MEISLER - August 25 - 10:33 am

  All of the accolades about this truck are well deserved. I was waiting for a truck like this to hit the market for several years. I traded in my 1986 GMC pickup truck which I purchased new in 1986.

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  The car I always wanted - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By hvyjet - August 25 - 2:36 am

  I originally drove this car to rule it out. Instead I found the car I always wanted. Fun to drive, corners on rails. I love watching other cars try to keep up with me in the twisties. Ive done a couple of trips of 14+ hours straight driving and the seats stay comfortable. Back seats are almost useless, but who cares. Car has a lot of road noise, but thats probably how they keep it at 2400 lbs. I always get at least 30 mpg and Ive gotten over 40 on a couple of long trips. I did replace the accessory belt at 30,000 because of noise, but no other problems. My wife doesnt like this car because its low and requires you to climb up and out of it.

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  "Smooth Riding SUV" - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Randy Utley, DDS - August 24 - 10:46 pm

  I went from a Toyota Solara to the Highlander and am still impressed! The ride for a SUV is awesome! It handles well and is very reliable. To top it all off, it looks great too! I almost bought a Lexus RX330 and am glad I did not waste my money! I got all on the Highlander and did not pay all the extra money! I highly recommend the Highlander! Thanks!

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  Buy It! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jim - August 24 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had 2 Maximas before the Sport Solara and this Solara is so much better than the Maximas. This is a great design. The black sport, V6 and sun roof is and awesome ride an really gets noticed. Its amazing that Toyota doesnt market these cars more... a great looking and performing ride for about $10,000+ less. This vehicle is a Lexus... Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Bad to the bone - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Roy A - August 24 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased in Dec and have 2000 miles logged. Vehicle is getting 22 mpg. Very comfortable interior with easy to read gauges. Sound system and blue tooth are excellent. Quality and fit and finish are above average. Fun to drive and overall view when driving good. Paint finish is excellent along with interior. New feature on this model is not having a dipstick for the automatic transmisson. Fluid is changed after 90000 miles. Have backup camera which comes in handy when hooking up my boat, can see hitch with no problem. Toyota has done a very good job with refining this SUV.

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  Tremendous Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By dennis_rhodes - August 24 - 10:09 am

  My dad bought me a brand new 2004 Toyota Tacoma regular cab extended cab when i graduated high school, that was now 9 years ago and this thing is still running, i have 335078 miles on it and it still feels like it did the day i came home and saw it in the drive way. i have only had to change the oil and rotate the tires, i have had no mechanical or any other problems for that matter. I LOVE THIS TRUCK

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  Excellent as expected - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By VivaDnA - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The only room for improvement would be its fuel mileage and limited fuel tank size. Otherwise this has been a fantastic SUV that has done it all from hauling family to towing boats and carrying mountain bikes, or all at the same time. I would trade my 4Runner in for a new one if it would be offered as a hybrid.

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  A great car for me! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By clh42980 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I just brought home my 05 SE Sport Coupe (V6), I have researched so many cars on edmunds.com before making my selection. I am a eclipse gal (had 4), still have a 00 eclipse gt BUT the inside is so very tiny on it. I was looking for something a bit more spacious, even looked at the Lexus is300, but decided to go with the Solara b/c its front wheel drive. This car is still very stylish like my eclipse, but a bit more upscale. I have so much more room! There is a bad blind spot when changing lanes in the 00eclipses, but I can see clearly in the solara! Also, the inside is not cramped. I can have more room (w/the sportronic gearshifter too), with still a 2 door car. Def a good choice for me.

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  toyota 2001 - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By parrotpapa - August 24 - 10:00 am

  great milage plenty of room in side and trunk

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  $$$ Saver !!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Les & Huong - August 24 - 10:00 am

  skepticism was my first feeling but it was won over by the gas saving feature. The voice activation is a bit "clumsy" (ie "AM" vs. "ATM") but we work around it. Constant MPG tells us our economy which is good. Only one some thing I find is the body in which can be improved to look like a car rather than a "Jetsons" car. It is economical for the one wantting to save gas and preserve the world, but for the power hungry driver (as I am), not one to have in your driveway. Thanks Toyota for the car, more money to spend on the wife.