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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  Reliable Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gauntlett - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  I have the fully load 4x4 limited with gold trim. No issues with the Sequoia for 9 months. High way milage is excellent for a truck of this weight 18 + miles/gallon on long trips, with a load of 6 people. Around the town ~16 miles/gallon.

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  Great Choice!! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Petrocchi - May 29 - 10:27 pm

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Orange - May 29 - 1:19 pm

  I have driven a new RAV4 Limited AWD for 3 weeks. It is a great car and Im loving it. Only a thing I dont like is GPS. Very complex to operate. Hope its operation were as easy as my old GERMIN.

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  My Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By M Jacobs - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I had researched this vehicle along against the ACURA DMX and that LEXUS 300. I followed EDMUNDS.COM to the LETTER about how to DEAL with DEALER GAMES and the reponse I got was AWESOME!!!!! THIS VEHICLE IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! I love evrything about it; I was even able to keep get my payments to were EDMUNDS.COM TOLD ME THEY SHOULD BE:) For my next car buying experience I will go through EDMUNDS AGAIN TO REASEARCH AND THEN BUY.

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  After 2 1/2 years but only 14000 miles.. - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jerber - May 29 - 10:00 am

  It is very sporty and handles like a sports car. After 2 1/2 years, but only 14000 miles, I know why we drive the 98 Expedition everywhere. The ride is not very comfortable, and on the open highway, the kids in the back seat were scared for the first month because they felt like they were riding in the back of an old pickup. It is loud and has lots of wheel and highway noise. Also, there are 3 loud and irritating trim or structural rattles and noises that are relentless in all driving conditions. It is great for around town, but after 2 1/2 years, its not for me.

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  Excellent Choice - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By dkolstedt - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable and handles well in snow and ice. 4WD immediately available when needed. 63000 miles and no repairs so far.

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  rav on - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By tommygun - May 29 - 10:00 am

  it is fun to drive looks good and as are all toyotas wellbuilt buy

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  Love it. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wxpunk - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 4Runner after owning two Hondas. I love the power offered in the V6 and the interior/exterior design is great. My first SUV is a winner. Very happy with purchase.

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  Very Efficient Package - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Grenedy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Have just turned 1000 miles on new black/gray base 4cyl w/QO,AW,DR,HE,HP,MG,SR,SP,Z1 paid $1,000 under invoice. Vehicle has been excellent thus far. Only issue is engine can be a bit "buzzy" on launch and works pretty hard with full load and A/C on. But the overall quality package, low price and fuel economy, for me, outweigh any performance issues.

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  Easy choice - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Daviddgc - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Great value. very roomy for a small car, great fuel economy and I feel comfortable with toyotas reliability! I have always had problems with timing belts in previous cars, its just my luck. The new corolla has a timing chain!!!!! I give this little car a solid 10. The only negative would be, traveling over 80mph in high wind, its a little skidish but the pros outway the cons by leaps and bounds. I have read others complaining about the sulfur smell of the new car......It fades away in a few days, this is normal for almost every car!