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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  Best Avalon Ever - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By John Allen Albree - September 27 - 4:40 am

  I purchased my 2005 Toyota Avalon XL on 3/16/05. Drove 8 hours to the dealer who gave me a great price and was great to work with. Traded in 2005 Camry XLE V6. The trip home was 456 miles and I registered 29.1mpg on Route 40. Probably the best car I have ever owned. Only options I have is floor mats and custom installed leather by a Chesapeake firm. This a fine automobile and a wonderful car to drive. Dont buy any car in this class without testing the Avalon.

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  best SUV on the road - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By toyota_man - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Land Cruiser, its the best vehicle Ive ever owned, and thats saying a lot considering I have owned the Lexus and the Mercedes... I think that whoever has a chance to buy one of these, do it, and dont worry about the price, its worth every penny and then some!! I LOVE IT!!!!

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  My first TOYOTA - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By M Franks - September 27 - 2:00 am

  First of all I would like to thank EDMUNDS for making this possible and a big thanks also for all the helpful reviews.I received my 2003 ECHO 2 weeks ago.Im impressed with my ECHO,but probably more so with TOYOTA.The option availability,pricing and the new style of the car seems to say that TOYOTA reads reviews.This has made the ECHO more exceptable to the public. I was shopping for a new JEEP WRANGLER,but had noticed the new styled ECHOS.After renting one for a week-end I knew what I was going to buy.Im very pleased over all with the new car.The unique styling is cute and gives the car character and spunk.

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  TUNDRA DOUBLECAB - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By LAKEFREAK - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I DROVE THE TRUCK 2,700 MILES THE FIRST WEEK I PURCHASED THE TRUCK.T FELT IT WAS VERY EASY TO DRIVE

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  Luvnmytoyota - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rosie12345 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 4Runner, but love it. This SUV drives so much better than the cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder that I have owned previously

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  04 4runner, had a h1 hummer - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By weav - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable, i live the smooth ride plus the DAC downhill assit control works great. I like the way the 4 wheel drive works and the layout of the dash. I had a HUMMER h1 and my new 4runner is much more reliable and in all aspects of my driving the 4runner is a better car. Lacking some offroad ability the HUMMER could do, but HAS done everything I put it up too. So even then I was really suprised. GREAT SUV!!

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  Drives like a dream! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rob Gillespie - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Powerful, smooth, quiet...if you are looking for comfortable city driving, this SUV will not disappoint you! I cant comment on off-road use because I dont do that. This is not considered a "luxury" SUV like the Land Rover, but gosh, what else could you want? If you buy the Limited model you already have almost every feature you can think of. This is the best car Ive ever owned! I would definitely buy another one.

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  1996 SR5 4Runner long term - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By dan - September 26 - 6:46 pm

  Absolutely the most reliable and best built vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned it for 7.5 years and it has never failed or broken down. It will go just about anywhere and do just about anything you want it to do. My nickname for it is "the Tonka Toy" because it is such a tough and reliable truck. The shift on the fly 4WD is great. I have filled it with people and camping gear, put a full catgo box on the roof and four bikes on a bike rack on the back and gone over Snoqualamie pass at 70 mph. I can tow small trailers with it and it is just fine. It is approaching 125000 miles and has no squeaks, rattles or mechanical problems.

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  since new... - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim - September 26 - 12:23 am

  Bought new in 2002 - love the vehicle. Left the van world an into the SUV world for the family - best thing we ever did. Great ride

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  Woman who loves her Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Woman - September 25 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased my certified used Tacoma in October 06 after a Denver snowstorm left me unable to exit my driveway w/my current car. Ive wanted one of these trucks since I was 15 (Im 41 now). Its been the best decision I ever made (besides divorcing my husband!). This truck handles so well, has so much power and is so fun to drive, I only wish Id bought one sooner! Gas mileage isnt bad either. I really am a woman who loves her Tacoma!