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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  Highlander - perfect reliability 5 years - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - Kansas city - May 13 - 4:26 pm

  I bought this Highlander brand new, and it has performed absolutely perfectly for 5+ years. I replaced a headlight last year, otherwise perfect. Very comfortable to drive, quiet on the highway, zero build defects, the V6 is adequate if not a neck-snapper, but with very good fuel economy (27 on the highway, 21 around town). The styling is a bit bland, but as an engineer I appreciate how well it is built. I have owned several Hondas and Toyotas, and both have been exteremly good. But when I replace this Highlander, I certainly drive a new Highlander first.

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Ting Xu - May 13 - 8:56 am

  Purchased the new Venza Feb 2010 after months of research. I compared several crossover vehicles include the Acura RDX, Lexus RX350 and found the new Venza to be the best value. You can get same luxury items and reliability for a lot less. I wasnt disappointed. Rides and drives are very comfortable and has plenty of power. Planty of interior space and the dual sunroofs is beautiful . The controls are driver- friendly and easily accessible. It is quite too. I do not know why some people complain about the noise. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a car/suv and interested in a crossover!

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  Fuel Mule - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By likestotrade - May 13 - 5:36 am

  I really like the vehicle. It has not lived up to the fuel economy 23 hwy and 25 city. If I keep the speedometer at 55 I can get 24 on the highway. I was expecting something closer to 28. Driving oldladiesque has yeilded me 25 in town. A let down for sure. I was hope to see numbers over 29. Otherwise this car is great. Lots of power when you need it. This is roomy vehicle, looks to be a very safe, and rides likes a camry. The ride is quiet. If you want an SUV that gets the gas mileage of your average car this is it. Toyota quality makes this a no brainer when looking at the competition.

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  Best generation of Camry, in my opinion - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By loneranger07 - May 13 - 3:47 am

  Always liked this generation the most, later they declined in build quality and too many electronic refinements: drive-by-wire throttle, automatic climate control. Also they stopped offering V6 with stick. Mine has leather, alloy wheels, sunroof. Bought used in 2009 with 64,000 miles for around $7500, probably could have negotiated dealer down but really wanted this car because of rarity. And besides regular maintenance and some worn out parts: suspension springs, clutch, and evap. charcoal canister, have had no unexpected issues. Engine is one of the best Toyota has ever made, great compromise between power and fuel economy. We have 123,000 now, happy that we bought it. K&N air filter too

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  Love it... - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By tony - May 12 - 7:46 pm

  I will recommend a Yaris, fun to drive, good on fuel economy and the sedan has more interior space along with trunk space. I was lucky to get my car with a body kit and alloy wheels at a low selling cost. I do miss a few more interior storage area for the back seats. A big Toyota fan!!..also have a Tacoma pre-runner..love it too.

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By californiakid - May 12 - 11:55 am

  People need to realize all cars have there potential problems, its part of owning a vehicle. If you look on here, there are only a few neg reviews, which are mostly prompted by an unhappy customer. They sold 48k Venzas in 2010. If you only have a few bad reviews on Edmonds, its a safe bet the car is fine in general. I perfectly happy with mine, not one problem. Poor ride quality could be attributed to air pressure in the tires. Too much pressure=stiff ride. My Venza is great. Never an issue. If your looking to buy a Venza dont let a few reviews affect your decision. If you find a vehicle on here that does not have one problem, let me know what it is, cause I want one.

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  WHAT A FEELING>>TOYOTA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Barry Townley - May 11 - 4:46 pm

  I was looking for a car that would last me a long time. Retirement is just a few years away. I was also looking for comfort, roomy and dependability.

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  I Love it !!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By toyota solara - May 11 - 2:23 pm

  I absolutley love my car.... fun to drive its a looker have had numerous folks come to me and ask how i like it... Its my first toyota and i look forward to its longevity...

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  Efficient Performance - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Dennis Jacobson - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the car for you if you value performance and economomy/efficiency. My previous car was a Mark II MR2 and I loved it. This car has similar performance but it is more civilized in everyday use on the highway. It is comfortable, quiet and very fast in day to day use. I would not hesitate to take it on a long trip yet I enjoy the excitement every time I get into it.

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  Gone but not forgotten - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By zronbo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 19,000 in 95. My wife then I drove this car until last week. Gave to 16 year old daughter and she totalled (not hurt)this week. Had 198,000 miles and drove and rode better than my 2000 & 2001 Camrys. Only regular maintenance timing belt oil and tires till replacement of distributer at 190,000 (stalling problem like previous reviewer). I miss this car.