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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  Good Minivan But Engine Humming Noise - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By ChrisYL - June 5 - 1:10 am

  Bought my 2009 Sienna LE in Dec 2008 in Orange, CA. Everything is good, drive smooth, roomy, comft. However shortly after driving, I start to hear engine humming noise, sometimes loud, sometimes not there. Happening specially at acceleration. My friends 2007 has similar problem, others on Edmunds Discussion site mentioned same problem. Any of you seen this problem?

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  Wonder if engine will hold up. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Worried - June 4 - 5:16 pm

  The 2007 Toyota Tundra is a nice truck, but I have a few complaints: the engine sounds like a diesel until it warms up, the ride is jarring, and it is hard to see when backing up. Toyota seems to use a lot of cheap plastic material; some have started to discolor already. When I ask the dealership for help on issues that seem to be abnormal it all ends up being normal; like the clattering engine, the vibration in the steering wheel and cupping tires, and transmission down shifting.

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  Built for a purpose - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Billy Bob - June 2 - 10:53 pm

  I needed a truck that could seat three people (including booster seats) in the back, have strong safety features, and still be able to handle off-road conditions for camping and hunting. I ruled out the Honda Ridgeline because its undercarriage is more vulnerable. The Tacoma is designed for high clearance, and low roll-over risk, which means the floor is high and the roof is low. The transmission and transfer case are well protected. Everything else, including Tacomas flaws, derive from these design goals. The fronts seats are low. Toe room is bad in back. With side airbags and stability control, it is the safest thing out there. The roof meets 2010 IIHS standards for a "good" rating.

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  Fun Ride! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By BRIAN HAVEN - June 2 - 2:48 pm

  This is your grand-mas car but, it is gentle on the wallet and awesome on the street. Also own a 2015 bought new. This was bought with 189k miles and 9 years of smoking. The mileage has not affected the performance and fun to drive feel the 2008 exudes. Still a great ride! The smoker is a whole other issue. Detailed and scrubbed down thrice, bottles of Febreze, bag of charcoal, pans of vinegar and the stench is only just subdued not removed.

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  The money pit. - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By M S - June 1 - 2:20 pm

  Since I purcahesed this Toyota I have been taking this van to the dealership for repairs every 2-3 months. Check engine lights, O2 sensors are some of the more expensive repairs. I regret purchasing this van.

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  2010 Toyota corolla S - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By angel - June 1 - 8:53 am

  I recently bought a Toyota s, at first sight I loved it but when I put it to the test and decided to step on the gas it was like if some thing was holding me back or if the car was too heavy. I would try to pass up cars but the poor acceleration made it difficult. Also the handbrake doesnt perform as well as I thought it would.

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  Enjoyed it while I had it but decided to trade in. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By camrygirl2 - May 31 - 11:13 pm

  2013 Corolla LE w/ complete package. Cute, stylish & economical car. Was averaging around 30-34 mpg in town. Full tank gets you 400 miles + . Had steering wheel issue but the problem was fixed by dealership under warranty. Touch screen display not as responsive & had to push it a couple times. Entunes could use some improvement. The sound system is nice. Loved my sunroof. Sometimes its much nicer to drive a smaller car because you can make quick u turns & fit into smaller parking areas. I really liked this car but it didnt have enough power for me. I didnt feel comfortable merging on to busy freeways/highways. Also space & leg room felt kind of tight. Other than that this is a great car.

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  Great versatile car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Matt_B - May 31 - 2:33 pm

  This car rides great and is comfortable around town. It has plenty of room (headroom is great without the sunroof) and I am 64" 230lbs. The fuel economy is excellent. We just bought the car so I cant comment on durability etc. Maybe I will in another 5 years. If you are looking for a fuel efficient vehicle that is very practical and roomy look no further.

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  Living up to the Toyota name - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By cpm199 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  With just regular maintenance this car has been rock solid. Its certainly not a hot rod, but to its credit with the 5 speed manual transmission it is quite peppy. My wife and I are looking at starting our family soon and when we do we will say goodbye to our trusty Corolla in lieu of a, yet to be determined, SUV.

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  Love this car! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By barryaz1 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Prius because Im an environmentalist. I drive it because it really is a very enjoyable little car to drive in the city. Ive always had Hondas and I appreciate the tight, precise handling. The Prius is even a little better than our Honda Accord in that regard -- driving is almost effortless. The steering is very smooth. The ride is quiet. The drivers seat is positioned well and is quite comfortable. And of course, it helps when you can feel a little bit of pride in what you drive. If you support American energy independence and clean air, you should be in one of these.