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:

• 

  Excellent Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By itgetshotinaz - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The Solara is the only car in our two adult, no children home. We use it for everything from trips to the Home Depot to a night on the town. The Solara is a great two door car; fun for road trips and comfortable for commuting. Trunk space is great, back seats are roomy, pass thru is a savior. For the price, I dont think there is a better coupe on the road.

• 

  Best truck for me - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By DLee - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I drove a Ford Lariat & it was nice, but, like StephG, when I drove the Tundra a half mile down the road, the Ford was out of the running. Tundra is far smoother running & solid feeling. Of course, you cant beat Toyota for quality & reliability. My old Toyota small truck is 18 years old & has original clutch. Tundra has easy access to all components under the hood; Ford looks like they went out of their way to cover up all components with plastic shrouds. Toyota is traditionally conservative in styling-this truck doesnt have leading edge bells & whistles, just good quality & the features most people want.

• 

  O what a feeling... - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By BTF - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I want to thank Edmunds.com for making me an informed buyer and helping me get TMV on my new car. I researched six different cars and finally settled on the Camry...what a wonderful car. Gas mileage is OUTSTANDING and the ride and performance is second to none! Test drive and you will buy one...O what a feeling!

• 

  Leased It, Gonna Buy It - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Dan Martincic - April 25 - 11:10 pm

  Because my new job came with a company car, it made sense to sell my pickup. However, this left my family without a vehicle to haul pets, outdoor gear and any large items (couch, lawn mower, etc.). My wife, bless her heart, agreed to trade in her Lexus ES 300 for a Toyota Highlander. Five years later, she still loves her Highlander. The ride, the convenience for hauling people and things and especially the great sound system (the girl loves her country music). Rather than replace the it when the lease is up, were buying it. It runs so well and has needed only very minor repairs. This is a well designed vehicle built by Toyota. Enough said!

• 

  Love It - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Brad Hogan - April 24 - 7:16 pm

  We purchased our Sienna right after our second child was born. A mini-van for a young family is a must! The ease of getting them in and out (especially when you have one in a carrier) is worth the money alone. This (for us) is the pure car pool / soccer practice / grocery-getter / long trip vehicle. Gas mileage (especially on trips) is outstanding. Theres plenty of room for luggage and several kids. Ours is nearly paid off and well probably keep it - when we do decide to trade.

• 

  Absolutely Love It! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By LauraNTexas - April 24 - 5:23 pm

  I love everything about it. Drive is smooth, good acceleration, quiet ride, roomy interior, good gas mileage (averaging 21 mpg), looks great, tons of standard features. You name it, I love it! I feel like its worth every penny and then some after driving it 2500 miles. No buyers regret here.

• 

  New owner - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ41 - April 24 - 4:36 pm

  This has to be the tightest vehicle that I have ever been in, rattle free. Drove 450 miles 2nd day, very comfy for a 4x4. Mileage is around 20 highway. Well built. I love this vehicle. Tried using 93 octane, it will run stronger. Im 56 y/o - this vehicle is like a shot of youth, in the arm.

• 

  Its a "10" - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By newtoyota2008 - April 24 - 1:46 pm

  The 2008 Corolla excels in all the important ways. Its nicely styled, its most reliable, its efficient and well handling. Ive read editorial reviews that feel things are not placed exactly where theyd like, or that the model is not of a style to their liking. Well, they are most welcome to spend their money on flashy boats. I smile all the way to the bank with my new 2008, and all the way down the highway. In particular, I find the driving column and seat extremely comfortable and well placed and wonder if they knew the seat had three adjustments possible (seat height, forward placement, and backrest) as well as a tilt steering wheel. I think they may have missed that .... :)

• 

  Like the Matrix - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Rick - April 24 - 11:06 am

  Surprised by how peppy the engine is, no problem accelerating at highway speeds or up hills. Amount of interior space is impressive and well laid out.

• 

  Toyota Hits a Homerun - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Frank G. - April 24 - 10:20 am

  Initially, the new rear window pillar area seemed a bit "mod". After looking at the competition, we quickly came back to buy the new RAV4 because it simply has the very best to offer. RAV4 has an attractive interior design, a pleasant and logical dashboard, good seating and a large well planned cargo area. We just LOVE everything about this RAV4. The impressive road handling, fuel milage, great visability and of course, Toyota quality, make this vehicle the one to beat. RAV4 gave us the best of both worlds - a pleasant carlike interior AND an undercarriage and exterior body that is a rugged 4WD truck, when needed. We just turned 3500 miles and so far, this is our very best vehicle yet.