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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  Great Everyday Car - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Lance - April 3 - 11:01 am

  We purchased this vehicle in September this year which just happened so randomly since we are only at the dealership for my wifes 2013 Corolla maintenance service, we saw the car and fell in love with it. Toyota did a very good job with this car compare to previous Camry models, very comfortable ride and the 4-cylinder actually very powerful for me, great handling on tight corners, cabin noise is minimal but it can be a little loud when speeding on the freeway. Toyota App is very annoying it will ask you to connect to your cellphone every single time you start the car, very poor Bluetooth connection and registration to every single music app is required dont not why it keeps on logging me off, cant use Pandora directly from the app, instead ill use the app from my phone. Toyotas GPS app full function is required to be connected thru USB port which is very inconvenient for users and feels archaic. Center console material used is a dust magnet and looks very cheap, I have OCD and I have to wipe it off every single time to keep it from dust and smudges. As of this moment the car is in the dealership to check my moon roof that keeps on squeaking that can be very destructive when driving.

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  Camry fails my expectation!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ToHo - April 3 - 10:50 am

  I bought my Camry March 07, its at 4000 miles. Overall the car did not fulfill my expectation. It failed! The car hesitates as many already pointed out. The brake doesnt respond promptly, sometimes it jerks forward when you step on brake, after almost a second it slows down and the brake is very very soft! The fuel efficiency never gets the number that Toyota advertises. After 3000 miles, highway only gets 28~29 mpg. City, awful, < 22. After one week, I found a rusted conjunction block, which mounts the transmission. I dont know how and why? I sent the car to dealer, they have not decided what to do (fix or replace). The air conditioning is very weak.

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  Almost got killed in my hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By myraferr - April 3 - 10:00 am

  These hybrid are in the baby stages, there are a lot of serious problems with the hybrid system components, these vehicles are death traps, they can stall on you and shut down without any warning doing 70 mph, no power, no steering, no brakes almost got killed by a semi on the freeway. Im talking to a lawyer, its happening to others in other states, they are very expensive to fix, 14,000 dollars thats what my dealer wants to fix, they are nuts a four year old car, needing such expensive repairs, my last hybrid, or Toyota, and yes they say they are warrantied, but a warranty is only good if they will fix it and Toyota wont.

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  It is a Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By steve b. - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This a very good car, rides good handles all weather conditions very well, great gas mileage 29+ miles per gallon. Sporty good looks what else can I say, I plan on keeping this car for a long time, this car would make a good used car for anyone who wants a 2 door coupe.

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  Outstanding Crossover - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Beverly - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Have absolutely loved my new Venza. Drive is smooth and quiet; gas mileage good, and car feels sturdy and heavy. Would not trade for any other vehicle!

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  Dont buy a 2011 Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Gordon - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My 2011 Avalon has problems with the rear window sun screen, heater/AC, and windshield wipers, the GPS is useless and the wind noise is worse than any car I a have ever owned. The dealer admits the problems, contacted Toyota, and Toyota will do nothing about any of them and neither will the dealer. Do not buy this vehicle.

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  Disappointed with new 2011 Sienna - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Disappointed - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I was a loyal Sienna LE owner since 2006 driving about 35,000 km a year. Previous model was well finished, good handling, and reliable van. That perception changed when I looked for replacement of the van with a new 2011 model after car accident. Obviously my first choice was same make and model. I visited local Toyota dealership and looked at all models of Sienna. I was surprised to find out that interior finish (even the top of the line models)looks so cheap with low quality hard plastics resembling domestic products. I was so turned off by the interior, that I even didnt care to take the van for a test drive. Will look now at new Honda or Nissan vans.

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  The Real Deal - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bratva - April 3 - 9:40 am

  Edmunds got it wrong on this one. They did make SLE V6 in Manual transmission. I drive one. I got it used, in immaculate condition. I care for it and installed a Magnaflow exhaust, KYB suspension, Brembo performance brakes, and sticky tires. Overall, a terrific car. Great JBL sound system and tons of fun with bulletproof reliability and power to boot.

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  BEST CAR IN ITS CLASS - PERIOD. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By R. P. Oakley - April 3 - 6:53 am

  For the price nothing, absolutely nothing, comes close in this class. Lexus, Acura, Infinity you just dont cut the mustard. Wonderfully designed and built AMERICAN CAR, solid performance, fully appointed, eloquent style, comfortable, Toyota reliability - and a GREAT price!!!! Why throw your money down the tub to get a "fancy" label on the trunk? I am extremely happy with this TOYOTA and have no doubt I made the best possible buy. This car will appeal to smart shoppers that do their homework when looking for the absolute best performance and quality in a car - for the lowest price. Not for those that are willing to pay more for their clothes just for the "fashion" label.

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  2012 Sienna XLE - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By bruno - April 3 - 5:30 am

  This is my 4th Sienna and every year they get better. I hated to sell but we decided to get a new 2017 Sienna XLE. I actually like some of the items more on the 2012 than on the new 2017 model, such as the layout of the dashboard. My 2012 was absolutely trouble free for the entire time I owned it which was from 7K miles until I sold it at 58K. One item I really enjoy are the power sliding side doors and power rear hatch. It has tons of power and gets great mileage. The dealer did not want to give me very much for my vehicle for a trade in, so I sold it myself. Do yourself a favor and always use Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil. Your engine will thank you in the long run! When purchasing a vehicle, always get a detailed service history and ask for receipts for any maintenance performed. Although a Carfax report is helpful, it does not always disclose the complete history of the van. Do your homework and have the van thoroughly inspected for storm or flood damage. The Carfax is only as good as the people who submit the information. I would highly recommend this vehicle.