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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  NOISE FROM BEHIND - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By nouxiong - November 14 - 12:16 pm

  I bough a toyota Highlander xle awd 2014, and i have a issue 2 weeks after my purchase. When i step on the break, and release it, i hear a strange noise from behind. I send it to my Toyota dealer, and they said that all Toyota on the lot have that problem. It will be my last Toyota made in the Us. Do not buy Toyota people........

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  Takes a Lickn - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tazz151 - November 14 - 10:26 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner. I had an 88 200,000miles & traded for the 97, wanted 4 drs. It has a 2" lift with HD springs & shocks and a TRD cat-back which added a little more low end power. This is my daily driver and hard use off-roader. I tow 3,000- 5,000# on a regular basis and it pulls great. I have removed my front and rear sway bars for better travel off-road, the little extra lean on the streets is not alarming. I run this on trails, service roads, crawling & even use it as follow vehicle at high speeds for quad riders. The truck gets beat hard with bumps & jumps (8ft in the air) & keeps on tickn. No major probs. Looking to get another one w/V8 but will keep this one. Quality is 2nd to none.

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  Mostly good - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Germann - November 14 - 8:20 am

  My Prius is manufactured in Japan, except for the Goodyear tires. Guess where all of my problems have been. With the tires. I had to replace one with a leak through the side wall. Should have been covered by warranty, but it wasnt. They said we must have abused it, which we didnt. Now another tire has a slow leak. I paid $10 to fix it but it still leaks. I add air every 10-12 days. Next time I get Japanese tires. Short trips in Minnesota winter gets me only 36 mpg, but usually I get 46-50. In Hot Springs, Arkansas area I got 55 last year. It likes hills, doesnt like cold. My Camry only gets 31, so it sits.

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  Rear end noise - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By flyron777 - November 14 - 1:33 am

  Bought a Limited Platinum 2014 highlander which now has a bit over 4,000 miles on it. It started making a "bump bump" sound when braking...sounds like something is rolling around in a truck, except there is no trunk! And, nothing at all 2nd and 3rd row seating except seats! Took it into to Toyota to get the noise fixed...and they heard it, checked it out for a couple of day. The final response we received from Toyota Corporate was keep driving it until they had enough complaints to recall or more thoroughly investigate it. That is not the espouse you want when you pay almost 50k on a new vehicle! If your vehicle has the same issue, please respond...

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  Perfect SUV for your needs - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By adman102 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After about three weeks and 1000 miles with this SUV, Im very impressed! Gas mileage has been in the lower 20s, impressive for an SUV. Interior and exterior fit and finish is excellent. It pulls a 3,500 lb. boat very well. Im 63" and leg room is adequate, as is head and shoulder room. The 4Runner steers and handles tightly, almost car like. So far, this is the great vehicle its been touted to be! It has all the features I wanted without some I didnt.

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  Not all Toyotas are created equal - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jsampat - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new Sequoia 8/04.Check engine light came on at 22 miles. The wheels started vibrating since day one. Dealer in another town changed all tires, aligned and tested the vehicle. It still has the vibration.Wonder if the manufacturer made a lemon? Already made four different visits to the dealerships.Still trying to solve the persistant problem.Anyone has any sugestions? Toyota seems to be ignoring this problem.

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  best compromise - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By to work and back - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Vechile purchased to meet mileage, saftey and poor road conditions( rain/snow). Driver comfort a plus due to long commute. Interior space very good for both front and rear seat passengers. Interior space accomodations for items very good due to flat fold seats and deck material. Standard features and xr option packages left little to be desired.

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  Had Enough Blazers! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Union Man - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride,tight steering, lots of power(V8). Stereo could be better....but,you can`t have everything!

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  Why does Edmonds hate on the ECHO? - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By dllibrarian - November 12 - 4:08 pm

  I bought an ECHO in 2001 even after reading what Edmonds had to say about it. The car is still going strong after 176,000 miles. Even at age ten, the ECHO has more testicular fortitude than the 2012 Hyundai Accent I test-drove last weekend. And, with all due respect to the reviewers, I happen to like the unusal "cartoon" styling of the ECHO, especially when car companies are all turning out their own versions of the same car. Viva la difference!

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  Cant Be Stopped by Snow, Rain, Mud or Rough Roads - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By DANIEL - November 10 - 11:49 pm

  Great truck for light hauling, fishing off the beach and traveling off road. Excellent ride on street travel. Five speed transmission is smooth and useful with its 4x4 gear box. Except for routine maintenance, no repairs had to be made. Jump seat in extra-cab with storage, rear window slider and rear side windows that push out on an angle.