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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  yes - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By yr56e8967 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  i love this car its the best thing ever.I love how it drives and the awsome looks

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  Rust Bucket - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By ajcd - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great engine, sturdy suspension, decent interior, but its rusting away at 9 yrs old w/103K mi. Expected better durability from Toyota. Power antenna, windshield washer motor both quit, and tailgate key cylinder is frozen with rust. Better rig for dry climate, Indiana humidity & road salt eat it up.

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  7 years, 200,000+ kms, <$1000 in repairs - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Chriso - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 years and over 200,000 kms. In all that time i had to replace a clutch, a waterpump, and the front exhaust pipe for a total of under $1000 in unscehduled maintence which in way better than any other car I have had or know of. I had this car since my early 20s and drove it very hard the first few years, never broke a thing. Car still gets close to 40 mpg on the highway. The 5-speed gives the car a lot more umph especially off the line and highway passing. I will drive this car until it dies which at the rate it has been going so far will be years down the road. Best investment i have ever made.

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  Nothing Bad to Say - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dale Howard - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I can not find anything to complain about regarding my new 2004 Prius. I average 50-55 mpg and this is great with gasoline prices so high now. The car actually has better pick-up than my former car, which was a 1985 VW Scirocco. I have lots of people to ask about it and how I like it. My friend, who owns a VW Jetta, says that my car has more interior room than his. Wonderfuf CAR!

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  Immediate decision thanks to internet - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By maxvok - January 10 - 10:00 am

  General impression is very positive but after 800 miles I had a flat auxilliary battery without any apparent reason, which was covered by the warranty. This is the first new car I bought in 50 years after only a few hours surfing on the internet, usually I required weeks to study/compare brochures and could still not decide. The trial trip was a formality and hardly spoke to salesman who knew less than I as the car was introduced in the Netherlands only a few days before; bought the only available showroom car as another dealer had then already delivery time of 4+ months

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  2004 SEQ REVIEW - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By JMG0308 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  GREAT FAMILY CAR PLENTY OF ROOM HAS DRIVEN WELL IN SNOW.

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  Love my Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rcarroll2 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion it is the best all around truck for the average guy. Configuration is perfect for me,have compact truck needs but have 2 small children, kids fit comfortably & safely in rear seats, truck is big enough but not too large. Was a bit skeptical with the V6 but so far have been happy with performance.If you are one who hauls heavy loads or tows a trailer youll need to step up to V8, Has Smooth, quiet car-like ride, handles better than my Camry. Great for highway travel.

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  Can you say... DEPENDABILITY?! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By DaveinNorthCarolina - January 10 - 10:00 am

  One word sums up WHY I bought the Tundra, DEPENDABILITY! This makes my 3rd Toyota truck! I still have #2 (a 95 Tacoma extended cab V6 4x4) which I use as a daily commuter. 122,428 miles and counting! Simply stated, I BELIEVE in the Toyota product! Don’t take my word for it. While you’re here at Edmunds, check out JD Powers assessment of the Tundra. Compared with Nissan’s Titan, the Tundra got higher marks for MECHANICAL QUALITY, FEATURE & ACCESSORY QUALITY, and BODY & INTERIOR QUALITY. Key word is QUALITY! That says volumes for me and MY money! Another MAJOR factor in buying the Tundra; the GOTTA HAVE IT factor! The Tundra MORE than satisfies here!

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  Craigs truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Craig - January 10 - 4:06 am

  This truck has all the power you will need. The brakes are spongy and the clutch takes getting used to. Otherwise, this truck is typical Toyota quality.

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  It even autocrosses well - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla DriveR - January 10 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car new. it now has 113,000 miles and I plan to keep it till it has about 300,000. never any mechanical problems. the original brake pads were still good when I replaced them at 100,000 miles for grippier pads for autocross. I won the regional H stock championship for 2005 in this car. not a great amount of power in the motor but it handles well. much more power than the 99 civic I traded for it. under normal use, these cars just dont break. I do have the 5 spd manual and normally get 37-42 mpg combined city/hwy. runs like a champ.