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:

• 

  Cant Beat It - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By BB - April 9 - 2:46 pm

  This is my 2nd Corolla. Have had my 2005 for almost a year now & with 19,000 miles...no problems. 2005 Corolla has more hp than Civic EX & is a much more comfortable ride. Saturn Ion, Ford Focus...I think not! Toyota quality is the only way to go!

• 

  Getting 2016 Corolla - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Alex Durkota - April 9 - 12:42 am

  Definitely recommend getting the Corolla, Vehicle runs smoothly!!!

• 

  Great price in using Edmunds.com. - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Walter Velicaria - April 8 - 11:14 pm

  Check Edmunds.com first, then compare.

• 

  V8 04 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - April 8 - 5:23 am

  It looks great, drives great, feels great and, if you get the chance, GET THE V8!

• 

  Red and Robust - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By WA - April 8 - 12:30 am

  I went looking at an Avalon and ended up with a bright red Camry and about $3000 - $4000 still in my pocket. Minus some trunk space and sprawl room in the back seat I have no regrets. Ive always liked bright red cars and when I saw the new style Camry in red I had to drive it. The drive sold me that unless space was the critical buying point, save some money and go with the Camry. I was surprised by how quiet the cabin was and just how comfortable it was to sit in and drive. No regrets!

• 

  Ouray colorado - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By E slye - April 7 - 11:53 pm

  took it to Ouray Colorado and it was a blast. It did every thing I wanted. Jeep trails to anywhere I wanted to go. Great ride there from Texas and back. Drives like a Lexus climes like a jeep rides like a lexus.

• 

  spyder - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By chad - April 7 - 10:00 am

  you meet the nicest people in a spyder. Everyone stops to look and comment on how cool it looks. I enjoy the sound of the engine, the grip of the road,the constant feel of being in control.

• 

  cant beat it - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By 5speeder - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine brand new and have put 171k miles on it. Still runs and looks great. Incredibly reliable. Have replaced alternator and clutch (at 151k) and struts (at 155k). Otherwise, no repair expenses. I will drive it til the wheels fall off (which at the rate its going, wont be til 400k miles!)

• 

  A great Mid-Size SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Benjamin - April 7 - 10:00 am

  the highlander is a great a suv with 220hp. the interior is very roomy with a lot of leg room. the highlander is great suv and is cheaper than any mid-size suv.

• 

  Highlander Mom - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By mom londen - April 7 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a safe, reliable, smooth handling vehicle that can get you through the occasional snowstorm, this is the car for you!