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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  Swagger wagon - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Jeff Hren - August 21 - 7:24 pm

  Its sporty looking! It doesnt look like a minivan.

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  Great little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By lumpylbk - August 21 - 12:30 pm

  Great car. Gas mileage awesome, ride and pep very good. Liked it so well I had my mother buy one too. Highly recommended.

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  Fun, Comfortable & no problems in 4years - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Zach - August 21 - 11:06 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and havent had a single problem with it! I bought it brand new when got tired of investing too much money into a 93 Ford Explorer that was going downhill. Toyotas MPG ratings are right on. I never get less than 25mpg around town and on the freeway I get 32mpg. This car is great for traveling and road trips. The cargo space is wonderful too. I play music and needed to fit my 2 bass cabs, amp and guitars into the car and they fit just fine. My buddy bought a Matrix cause he needed a new car and liked the roomy-ness (he is 64", 250lbs+). He fits his whole drum set and monster keyboard in his!

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  Slightly Disappointed - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By alexj - August 21 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my 02 as a demo in March of 02. It had about 1900 miles and seemed to be a great car. Currently, I have a water leak in the cabin when it rains and the service dept was unable detect or determine the source. Also, the front drivers side suspension seems to be loose. Although no problem was detected, I was advised that there was "paint- less" dent removal done. This leads me to believe it has been wrecked. Im suppose to take it to the body shop for further inspection of the leak. Also, Im gonna do a test drive with a service tech to demonstrate the bumping noise Im hearing from the front driver side suspension. My 98 LE was a much better vehicle. FRUSTRATED.

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  2003 Avalon Review - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Randy - August 20 - 3:40 pm

  I previously owned a Toyota Camry. The Avalon is definitely a step-up in quality. This is a more plush car with an abundance of features, ease of handling, and quiet ride. My only negative is the computer controlled excellerator. There is a "lag" that you dont notice in "direct wired" gas pedals. It is annoying when you really need to get out of the way fast.

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  32 mpg since when - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By boomer - August 20 - 3:53 am

  The Edmunds review says 32 mpg. The Echo seems to have a variable mileage with actual mileage being closer to the 32 mark in sub-zero weather. However in actual driving here in Wisconsin I consistently get 40-42 mpg. Above 50 degrees I have gotten as much as 44 mpg. lately on a vehicle with over 110,000 miles on it. Funky steering in the wind, funky looking, but very roomy inside and well-built body. Id buy one again in a heartbeat and no Im not selling the one I have.

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  Best Car Ive had in 73 years - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jim & Danae Michael - August 20 - 3:50 am

  We bought this car to be green, save on gas and replace the gas guzzling Buicks we had. We had a friend who had a 2001 and let us drive it. We were sold. Our 2004 Prius is the best car we have ever owned. The only thing that went wrong was the fairly expensive starter battery which was replaced by the dealer for $212. Not bad for a four-year automotive parts and repair bill!

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  Technology that works-and its fun - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By rmstrauber - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Prius because I believe that it is the best technology available at this time to promote environmental resposnsibility and reduce our dependence on oil. The first 3000 miles included a 1000 mile trip to Fla. on interstates at 70 mph and 2000 miles of local driving in an urban setting. The car lives up to all expectations, it is comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Better than an SUV - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sanjay - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought an SUV but after a careful research on the interior dimensions, Camry is very close to most mid sized SUVs in terms of interior space. Also, it sits taller than its competitors, and is shorter than at least a few SUVs by a mere 4 inches. Add to it the quality, comfort, and reliability of Toyota. Sure, Accords and Maximas have tons to offer too, but this a great product at a great price. One word of advice - You CAN get it for less than the TMV. I played 3 car dealers against one another, and actually got it $1200 below invoice, and almost $1000 blow TMV. THANK YOU EDMUNDS for providing SO much good information!!!

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  Excellent all-round car - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sam - August 19 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased this car after comparing this long and hard with the Fusion Hybrid, Acura TSX, and a pre-owned Lexus ES 350 in the same price range. It is on par with the Fusion with regards to the ride quality, handling (fusion is a wee bit better) and fuel economy. However, when comparing the top of the line versions, the fully optioned Camry beats a similarly equipped Fusion hybrid in interior build quality, hands down. The Camry is also a bit softer and quieter (On par with the ES 350). The only issue with the Camry is the image factor - If this is something thats important to you. Just dont expect your buddies to ask you for a test drive anytime soon!!!