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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  Total Reliability! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By phillie phanatic - May 27 - 2:20 pm

  I have used this car primarily for work commute of 60+ miles one way. It has gone through pouring rainstorms, snow storms, and ice all as easily as on a dry road. I have never been stuck or left stranded by this car. No matter how cold its been outside, it has never failed to start right up. My only repairs were routine; oil & filter changes, tires, belts, etc. This little baby is a 5-speed stick and didnt need a new clutch until 198,000 miles! After 274,000+ miles, it is still getting 36 mpg! It just passed inspection and 1st time emissions test without a single problem! I could not have asked for anything better and this little car is still going strong!!

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  Big truck mileage, mid-sized performance. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By ygbsm - May 27 - 11:56 am

  I needed a vehicle for reliable transportation to replace my 20 year old F-150. The dealer offered me an awesome deal on a three year old, low mileage Tundra and I took it. Very comfortable, 100% reliable, handles well and holds its value. On the downside is the mileage. Most of my driving is commuting to/from work and I feel fortunate if I get 15 MPG. I want to put a camper (slide-in pop-up type) on it and am extremely limited in what I can get. The tow capacity is more than what Ive ever needed but Id like to have more available. My buddies with 3/4 ton trucks get better mileage than I do.

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  Well balanced vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By HMG - May 27 - 6:56 am

  I wanted sport car like handling but needed to tow a 2700lb trailer. The Highlander was too expensive and the handling characteristics of the Venza is much better. The car feels more balanced than the 57/43 front/rear weight would suggest. Plenty of power and corners like a slot car compared to the Highlander or Rav4 due to the lower center of gravity. Love the interior room and comfort and ergonomics. I have been getting 24 mpg combined city highway and easily get 27 mpg straight hwy.

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  goin green - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By dave - May 26 - 5:53 pm

  I really like the 2005 model prius. I got the smart entry which worth the extra money. My only disappointment is the winter driving milage. I get about 40mpg (they boast 50-60mpg). In the summer mpg is about 45. They dont tell you your winter milage will be less due to the fact that the engine must stay on longer in order to keep the interior car temp. warm. But...40 mpg is still great considering the roominess and comfort of this car.

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  New to toyota - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By debb/rud - May 26 - 10:00 am

  First let me say I didnt want this car but we bought it because it was in our price range. It had 77,000 miles when purchased. I am happy to say it grew on me over the past 2 yrs. Great fuel usage (400+ to the tank), low maintenance cost and reliability. Ours has 135,000 miles and the drivetrain is still strong! I have the 4 cylinder And it drives like a six cylinder Interior is durable and shows very little wear (even with the dogs) easy to clean and the paint still looks good.

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  Bulletproof - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mcurban - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 118,000 miles. Got a great deal and drives like new. Solid as a rock with no weird noises. Driver seat a little to short. Other than that its one of the best on the market for this year. You spend a little more but you get more. When the world ends the only thing alive will be cockroaches and toyotas. Customer for life! Thanks Edmunds great site very helpful!

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  Great for familys! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ananomous - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought our 2006 Toyota rav4 base 4x4 w/ 3rd row in 2009 used to be a lease but there has been no problems. we have 5 kids and one adult and a driving teen and its ran great for long car trips and commuting. good car that will last a long time. A lot of trunk space and cargo it has seats that fold flat. easy to get into 3rd row has 10 cup holders and more!

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  Tow in Comfort - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By DJ - May 26 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a 10 double cab SR5 TRD with the 5.7. LOVE IT! We tow a 4-ATV trailer with it and you honestly dont even know the trailer is behind you. This truck has ridiculous power and Ive yet to even floor it. Extremely comfortable for long trips even while towing. You sit up high and have great visibility. Gauges are a little hard to read in certain light. Love the interior though. We are really impressed with this truck, Toyota got it right. Whenever I see an F-150 I think "I could smoke you". Only gets a few miles to gallon less than my old 4Runner - if you want good gas mileage people buy a car, this is a 381hp towing beast!

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  This car is the way to go - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Raslin - May 25 - 9:30 pm

  I have almost 600 miles on it and I have never had so much fun driving a car I love the constant gas status it makes driving efficiently fun. I was afraid the Bluetooth would be as bad as it is on many new cars but the sound is great and the auto linking is priceless. Also never having to use a key to lock the car unlock or start it is the coolest. The car has more power in take off then my Corolla did too.

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  MOST RELIABLE TRUCK EVER - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By conly brooks - May 25 - 2:23 am

  I bought my 2002 tundra with 60k miles for 16k and I just sold it to my cousin $6,500 and it had 168k miles on it and never once did my truck have one problem.