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:

• 

  So far we like it - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Ray - March 26 - 8:56 pm

  Bought it in Nov 2006. Two years is too short a period to rate but so far we really like this minivan. We had check engine light once but at dealership they told us that we accidentally cut a wire under the seat and they fixed it for free.

• 

  06 Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Dennis in Wisconsin - March 26 - 3:06 pm

  Great Automobile. Only one item I would like to see improved. The flip up door for the front cup holders, the way it is positioned it is not real user frienly for the driver. Smooth to drive, quiet with adequate power. Really like the push button start.

• 

  Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Roberto - March 26 - 2:40 pm

  I had my Tundra in Mexico for 3 years. All we had were dirt roads and since we were on the beach, there was a salt spray problem. This truck is outstanding. It runs just like new and has no rattles.

• 

  Corolla review - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Janice - March 26 - 1:59 pm

• 

  Relevant Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By BayAreaClem - March 26 - 2:26 am

  Best purchase for the times. Have and X5 and 5 series. The Camry has brought daily sanity back to driving what with European Style gas prices. I have cut almost $400 dollars per month in my monthly fuel bill. Plus the environment suffers less. The Camry is comfortable but not too much like a boat. A great daily driver. I dont miss my other cars at all.

• 

  Beautifully engineered, great package! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By aaclaxt - March 26 - 1:53 am

  If you hate vans and Suburbans, but need seating for 7 in a pinch, this is your machine! Very cool to be green, too. I traded my Sienna AWD van for the Highlander Hybrid. Perfect for in-town (28 mpg in an SUV - wow!) and long trips. No one can tell it is a hybrid - totally quiet and smooth as it switches between engine to battery. It runs on 100% battery as you sail thru the grocery store parking lot (be careful! it is sooo quiet people do not know you are there). Good ride and handling in town and on highway. AWD is a must for me in snowy Pennsylvania and I have not been disappointed! Beautiul leather inside; truly a fabulous vehicle. Go hybrid!

• 

  Satisfied Camry Owner - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By California Camry - March 25 - 4:43 pm

  A couple of years ago I used Edmunds in the process of selecting a used vehicle. I was impressed by the favorable remarks of countless Camry owners. Subsequently, I purchased a well maintained 2000 V6 XLE with about 90K on it. I have been very satisfied with this car. Rides nice, plenty of power with the V6 which I recommend to anyone who needs the extra power for highway merging and traveling up steep highway grades. Getting about 27 MPG highway with the A/C on. No problems inside or out. Recently had the routine 90-100k maintenance performed. Prospective owners should not skip this. Not a luxury or performance auto, but dollar for dollar the most reliable and practical sedan so far.

• 

  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By truck04 - March 25 - 3:40 pm

  i have had a gmc sonoma before this truck nothing but problems had oil leaks starting at 20000 miles never could get it fixed replaced the oil pan many gaskets finally had the motor replaced. then about 104000 miles the trans acted up so had to go.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mae8596 - March 25 - 1:53 pm

  I totaled my Scion tC a month ago and just bought a Camry LE 4cyl today. I have been quite impressed with the way it handles and the torque. It does surprisingly have a bit of "pep in its step" I am quite happy with this purchase and I would recommend this car. My brother referred this car to me and I have never been happier with a purchase.

• 

  97 tacoma 4wd ext. cab - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By nodsyab - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build quality, paint and bodywork excellent after almost 6 yrs. Strong and powerful. Pulls trailers with heavy loads 3k+ well.