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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  Dissappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jhunter - August 22 - 9:13 am

  Most people I talked to said they loved their Camry and would buy another one. As of right now I would not. My 07 Camry pulls to the left and I have taken it in twice and the dealership says it is fixed. Like others have said the cruise is not the best and sits at 5500 RPMs for an extended period of time and accelation is poor from stop signs most of the time. Also, the shifting in the transmission is herky jerky.

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  PLEASE do NOT buy this car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By chefgirl1 - August 22 - 12:27 am

  I have owned my Corolla for 3 years now. It had 57,000 miles on it. The only cars i have ever had have been Toyotas. Never Again!! My accelerator pedal became stuck 2 days ago I was merging into oncoming traffic on the interstate. I went from 35 mph to a sudden 75 before the pedal came "unstuck". It was the horrifying! My car was not a part of the recent recalls. Until after the incident. I am scarred to drive the car now. I warn all owners and people looking to purchase! it can happen to you! I never thought this would happen to me ever!

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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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  Very Bad in The Snow - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Rev. J. Wilson - August 21 - 10:06 am

  I really liked my new Avalon until it snowed. The traction control keeps me from going up any kind of steeper hills!! I was not able to get up a slight grade near my church because once the front tires started slipping the traction control shut off all power. I have never experienced anything like that. The dealership says I cannot turn off the traction control device, which leads me to believe Ill go back to driving my old Lincoln in the winter, which I gave to my son too early!

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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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  Dont buy on brand alone. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Noble - August 20 - 11:00 am

  After 28,000 miles with my 2006 Tacoma 2WD, manual trans, the overall experience has been less than I expected. The power of the 2.7L four is marginal even in a vehicle this light. 158 horses out of 2.7L is pretty pitiful today considering it has variable valve timing. The 5-speed trans is poorly geared, and not matched to the engines power curve. The 3:31 rear gears makes 5th gear unusable. Overall, I wouldnt buy it again. It will probably go 200,000 miles, but Ill never make it! Dont consider buying it because its a Toyota!

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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.