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:

• 

  Finally gave up - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry Fisk - January 27 - 2:53 pm

  Well, after owning this car for seven months, I have finally given up. This car needs quality improvement! My Camry has been in the shop four times for the transmission problem and still has not been fixed. The dealer said they have done everything possible, and still cannot fix it. I have finally given up and sold it. Good luck to the next buyer.

• 

  Impressed - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Impressed - January 27 - 2:13 pm

  I turned in leased BMW530i, and got the camry. Guess what? I was very impressed. Very comfortable inside, feels very luxurious. I test drove the 2005 Lexus ES300. The XLE with leather is very very close to the older model of ES300. I love the blue tooth function. The rear sunshade is also great. Lots of storage room. I do have some issues with the performance. The car wont "go" at the stop sign, and the engine makes a lot of noise when accelerate. Also, the gas mileage doesnt seem to be too good. I average 22 so far in the first half tank of gas.

• 

  Yaris is best overall buy for a vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bfergalicious - January 27 - 10:16 am

  The Yaris is great car for someone who is going to be driving in the car 90% of the time by themselves. Excellent real world fuel economy if you do not drive with a heavy foot. Very low maintenance if you take of this vehicle, it will take care of you. the car is very peppy on the road, but the location of the beverage holders in front of the vents is annoying. Great bang for the buck. Have almost 70,000 miles and im just getting started. will keep this yaris for the next 20 years. This car is better than a hybrid because you get excellent fuel economy,dependability and low maintenance costs and dont have to pay premium to get that with yaris. i love my yaris

• 

  Inexpensive japanese sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SD Rider - January 27 - 8:33 am

  Feels like Im riding a luxury car. Stock audio system okay. Excellent gas mileage. I get about 27 mpg... very good for a sedan. Got the rare manual transmission. Effortless shifting. Had to buy V-rated performance tires. No problems with engine or electronics.

• 

  Comments after 2+ years of driving - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By BILL - January 27 - 3:43 am

  Great hauling space. Excellent mileage. Terrible radio display. Invisible with sunglasses on, especially on a sunny day. Rough ride, you can feel every bump. Jumps forward when moving from a stop. The PT Cruiser that the Matrix replaced was a better car to drive.

• 

  Should have ignored rep and bought hybrid - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By dvdmllr - January 26 - 9:20 pm

  I was debating about the Limited V6 4wd with the hybrid or just going with the standard gas model. The rep convinced me that I didnt really need the hybrid that the mileage would be just fine. I do a lot of highway miles yet Im still just getting an average of 16 mpg. Ive been told then when I hit 10k miles it will improve but its not even at city mileage right now so not holding my breath. I am also frustrated with the number of rattles in a brand new vehicle that the dealership cant seem to find and fix. Makes it seem like I bought a used vehicle.

• 

  Transmission Whine 40-60 MPH - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Charles - January 26 - 6:03 pm

  Transmission developed an irritating whine from 40 to 60 mph. This problem seems to be wide spread and Toyota does not seem to be addressing it. The whine definitely overshadows the good points of the SUV. Just another instance of Toyota stonewalling buyers.

• 

  Underestimated - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Alias Name - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife & I bought the Echo new in 01. My ego had inhibitions, but it was for her & I respected Toyota quality. I inherited a 97 Grand Prix GT. Although the Echo is a bit under-powered for my taste, Id drive it over any car Ive had. Its functional, fun & easy to drive, capable & economical. Edmunds latest review wasnt useful. It seemed they were evaluating it on standards it wasnt built for. If you want a gas- guzzling, gangly, glorified minivan (refering to SUVs), you wont be interested in a small car. We love it (including our 8-week old whose car seat fits great). And the crash test results Edmonds was so worried about later received 4 of 5 stars.

• 

  RAVEN - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By RAVEN03 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive and maneuver, however poor pick up due to low horespower. As well, can only get same color side stripe with the L pack. The RAV 4 looks better with the stripe the same color as truck...would sell better if had that option outside of L Pack.

• 

  my rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By kath23 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Since I have had my car its comfort and reliability have been the best of any car I have ever known. It is fun to drive and excellent to take on road trips.