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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  Great Car ! Great Value! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Richard Gutkowski - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  Well I have the car now for 24 hours it is really hot got lots of compliments on the car. V-6 very powerful and pretty nimble. The only real bad thing about this new camry is the radio and its controls they got cheap dont look like it belongs in the car!!! Aside from that sound quality is great and push to start is great! The only feature I dont have is navigation!

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  Low cost, low maintenance - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Jean - April 13 - 2:36 pm

  I always keep my cars 100k and longer. This is the first Toyota Ive bought and the first time to own a car that is low cost to maintain. Very little goes wrong. With the energy crunch, Ive lowered my speed to 60-65 and my mileage has gone from 30mpg on the hwy to 35mpg hwy. It has always maintained 24-25mpg in town. My only complaints are: the headlights; Ive changed the relay a few times but their light intensity is still weak; 2. Seating comfort: Im tall and thin and I feel like Im sitting on a park bench. Compared to an American car, the comfort level is inferior. Maybe the newer models are better with this. The low maint. and repair cost outweigh this issue.

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  Solid little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By BrushDog - April 12 - 12:46 am

  I bought this car mainly for its fuel economy and of course Toyota reliability. It has met all my expectations. I get a consistent 41 mpg on 90% highway driving. It has a surprising amount of interior room for such a small exterior and a huge trunk to boot. I dont understand how Edmunds and other "supposed" car experts review this car so harshly. It was designed to be a solidly built high MPG car without compromising economy. Ill skip the bells and whistles for reliability and a low windowsticker price.

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  Mid-pack, but reliable - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By canada_bc - April 11 - 9:42 pm

  Toyota reliability, but thats about it. Average car with overly sensitive pedals and average appearance. The inside space is used effectively, standard materials for the price point, but the overall design isnt for me personally. No issues in two years/45,000km. Dont enjoy driving it too much, but it is certainly functional, with lots of hatchback space for groceries, a large dog - whatever you need. Gas consumption leaves a lot to be desired; even by 2010 model year standards it was decidedly average. Not great fan of the seats. Interior space, reliability, solid build, functionality are good. Drive enjoyability, consumption, appearance are bad. Could to better, could do worse

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  Reliable Tundra - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Royce Hubble - April 11 - 3:57 pm

  great rating on reliability, choppy ride, great handling. In the day time very difficult to see dash screen for backup camera. Cannot get bench split seat for front seat on the Limited, to bad. overall looks, kinda boring.

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  On the fence - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By IJF - April 11 - 2:38 pm

  Ive had a 2016 FWD XLE for two weeks, and took it out for its first long road trip this past weekend, mainly interstate driving. Im somewhat disappointed in the amount of wind noise Im hearing while driving at higher speeds (over 55 mph). Im comparing it to my 2010 Highlander, which I was hesitant to trade in for the 2016 because it was the best vehicle we had ever owned--the only time it was in the repair shop was for oil changes and tire rotations. We decided it was time to upgrade since our 2010 didnt have a navigation system, power liftgate or any of the "luxury" options that are now offered. I did not hear any wind noise in my 2010, so Im not sure if the re-styled body and side mirrors have anything to do with it, because the redesign does give the vehicle a more aerodynamic, streamlined look which I would have thought would help with issues like wind noise. However, road noise is minimum, and the steering and handling is significantly better than the previous model.

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  Like it better than damn VW - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Dejan - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Finally got rid of the 2001 VW Golf 1.8T. Loved that car first 24 months, while the warrany lasted. Many problems after that, and strange enough, they started happening after I owned the vehicle for 25 months (warranty on 01 was 24 months). Got a good deal on Matrix XR in Melbourne, FL (go for the invoice, nothing else since these cars are not top sellers). So far, I enjoy it very much especially since I dont care about the fast acceleration and fast machine (see my performance rating). If you plan to race, do not buy this car.

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  Disapointed - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By droycraft - April 10 - 2:12 am

  Having driven a 97 Camry for 16 years and loved the smooth ride, Ive been very disappointed with the much stiffer suspension in my new 2013 Camry XLE. Why did Toyota think Camry buyers would want to feel every single tiny imperfection in the road? Doesnt make any sense to me. Additionally, the front seat backs curve forward near the top of the seatback, pushing my shoulder blades forward. This has resulted in it being very difficult to find a comfortable driving position. (Im tall). I love the hybrid drive system. It works wonderfully. Im routinely getting in the mid to high 40s MPG. It also handles well and has plenty of power.

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  Reliable - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By tsiok - April 8 - 8:47 am

  Our 07 Matrix is reliable. We needed that, since I work so far from home and cant be of much help if mom gets stuck and needs help. BUT, the amount of maintenance needed and the intervals of those appointments puts a strain on my alloted amount of days off!! OMG! Every month or so I "need" a preventive maintenance appointment. Dont the designers of these vehicles realize our lives dont revolve around the vehicles like theirs do? Expensive P.M.s also! Never will buy again. Back to Chevy! Also, maybe you can check into the morals of your dealers! Lost me and more than a few others too.

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  Good Reliable Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ilovemycar - April 7 - 9:13 am

  This car is very reliable and has great gas mileage. My average has been close to 28-30 miles and on long road trips about 31-32. Its not the most exciting to drive but it is reliable and very low maintenance.