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:

• 

  Smooth ride, sufficient power - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By springcreek - August 13 - 1:03 am

  I and a friend bought a corolla today. We got a deal of 13600, which is well below Edmunds TMV price for a very basic corolla with a cd player and automatic transmission. Overall, it has sufficient power for highway speed. It took about 6 second to get from 45 to 70 mph, but the engine noise sounds working hard. Wind noise is not bad, but road noise is noticeably annoying. You may have to turn to volume a bit higher to listen to music. Brake works well. A/C runs smooth. There are really not much you can expect for this price, but the main thing is the engine sounds quiet and the car has reputation of reliable.

• 

  Future Technology NOW - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Suitt - August 12 - 7:30 pm

  Surprising performance for an Hybrid. Driver controls take awhile to learn but they become instinctive. Fuel economy nearly twice that of comparable hatchback sedans. Luggage room excellent and very flexible. Very well engineered technology, particularly the interface between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The Navigation system works fairly well, although verbal requests frequently result in unexpected responses.

• 

  Avalon is Great Value - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Alan - August 12 - 11:06 am

  I test drove Buick Lacrosse, Chrysler 300 and Ford 500. There was no comparison for me. The Avalon blew them away with build quality, comfort , reliability and mpg. It has a 280hp 3.5 liter engine and still gets the best gas mileage of this group. Definitely consider this car!

• 

  Love love love my 2015 Toyota Venza XLE - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Chelsea - August 12 - 3:46 am

  I test drove countless crossovers and suvs before settling on the Venza (highlander, 4-runner, pilot, escape, explorer, outback, forester, etc). It provides the luxury, comfortability, and safety that I require in a vehicle. I wish it got a little better gas mileage, had a better turn radius, and the Bluetooth were a little clearer. Other than those minor complaints, the Venza has more than lived up to my standards. No complaints from passengers either. Easily fits 63" 250# males in the back seat, without feeling squished. Plenty of leg room for all passengers. I would not trade it in for anything. It was also a great value at $32k new, having all my required features (leather heated seats, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry). Wish they wouldnt have discontinued this model.

• 

  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Great SUV - August 12 - 12:10 am

  Coming up on 120,000. I guess Ill get a tune-up. Every time I take it to the dealer they say its fine. Replaced the brakes once and had a ball bearing replaced. Other than that, it runs great. Husband bought me a new VW CC as an early Christmas gift - but I cant give up this SUV, so hell have to take the new car. I know this sounds crazy -- but why replace it if its running great!!! Plus it has more room and can haul more.

• 

  Bought car used - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By avalonowner4 - August 11 - 10:26 am

  I bought mine off the Toyota lot used. and it was a great choice. the quality of the leather and the interior design is good for being a Toyota. The roominess of the car is also great enough room for four people to sit comfortably and stretch out.

• 

  great car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By court811 - August 11 - 2:06 am

  This is my fourth toyota and my second Avalon (last one was a 98). This car rules! Its gorgeous, rides so smooth and has tons of room. It also has lots of interior storage for stuff like cell phones, etc. Love love love this car!!!

• 

  Go Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Margo Firestone - August 10 - 5:46 pm

  I owned many Toyotas, from trucks to Camrys, now I own an Avalon. The car has been totally reliable. Other than changing oil every 3000 miles and recommended services, this car needed no repairs. Frankly, dependability is the most important factor for me in owning a car. I can truly say that Toyota lives up to this standard My next car will be another Toyota Avalon. It comfortable, roomy, and best of all, the performance of this car is truly outstanding.

• 

  Rate this vehicle - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Tina Anderson - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a fun car and I got it. I owned a 2003 Nissan 350Z and I honestly have more fun with my Toyota Spyder MR2! I really like the Toyota name and the reputation it holds. I am very happy with my MR2 and now my Mom wants one.

• 

  Do yourself a favor - drive one! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert Desrosiers - August 10 - 10:00 am

  If you think you want an SUV but you know that youll spend 99% of your time on paved roads and you only need room for 4 or less passengers, then you owe it to yourself to look at a Matrix. Seats 4 adults comfortably with plenty of leg and headroom. Rear seats and front passenger seat fold completely flat for hauling cargo. Friends who have driven my Matrix comment on 1) the excellent driving position and 2) the ease at which the manual transmission shifts. Look folks, its simple: at $2+ per gallon of gas these days youd be fuelish to pass up on an opportunity to save big $ annually at the pump, not to mention the $ youll save vs. the cost of an SUV.