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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  Mid Life Crisis Averted - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michele J. - October 25 - 10:20 pm

  For years Ive wanted a convertible. This is my 3rd Toyota.This is a great car and fun to drive. The only problem I have had is the convertible top. It seems to catch on the right rear side often. This causes the "lip" behind the back seat to tear. Other than that, no problems.

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  Impressed - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Satori - October 25 - 7:10 pm

  I do my part any way I can to help the environment, including converting to a Vegan lifestyle in order to reduce toxic emissions from meat processing. The obvious way I could do more was to get rid of my two Infiniti gas hogs, which I did. Coming from luxury vehicles with every amenity to my Prius was very easy, like a breath of fresh air. The only things anyone could miss would be power seats, lumbar support, a sunroof and more sound deadening. However, all of these add considerable weight, therefore reducing mileage. I feel as if I have lost no features from my luxo-barges, and gained a clearer conscience. I really love that I am not assumed to be pretentious, or image-conscience anymore.

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  It will get you to where you need to go but not much else - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By cato1998 - October 25 - 2:42 pm

  Ive owned my RAV 4 for 5 years now and its the 3rd Toyota Ive owned (91 celica and 00 celica being the others). All my toyotas have been really great on quality. I bought this RAV 4 because of it being more practical than my 2000 toyota celica I traded it in for. The RAV 4 can get me through the midwestern snow storms without much problems (big problem with my celica). It gets great gas milage for a SUV but the RAV 4 is pretty vanilla. Not really exciting to drive. It will get me to where I need to go but thats about it.

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  What A Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Happy - October 25 - 4:33 am

  Being retired, we tried getting along with one car for a year but, living in a rural area, it just didnt work. After much research, we decided on the Corolla CE as best suited for our second car needs. Now after 9 months of of trouble free ownership, its rapidly taking primary car status away from our 05 Pacifica. The little car is pleasing to drive and feels bigger than it is. Our fuel mileage is consistenly higher than that posted on the window sticker.

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  Best family vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By aero1964 - October 25 - 12:50 am

  Well I will start out with that I had another minivan that was junk. It sat at the dealership for about 30 days for a clunking noise, so I said thats it. I went to a toyota dealership and purchased my van. I have added xm radio mounted on the far left corner at top of my windshield and radar detector on the top left of my rear view mirror and navigation unit on the top right of my rear view mirror, all units are hard wired in.

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  My best car! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By CoBfan1987 - October 24 - 11:06 pm

  I bought this as my first brand new car and have not been disappointed one bit. In regards to the review by edmunds: When I test drove the automatic, I did notice more lack of power output. Its a good thing I was stubborn and would only buy a manual. Much higher power output. ;) And there is not a thing wrong with centrally placed gauges, its just different. It then allows for not 1, not 2...but 3 separate glove box storage areas.

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  duhyme - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By duhyme - October 24 - 3:46 pm

  Outstanding vehicle. Comfort of a larger class sedan, fuel ecomony better than a sub-compact. Ive had this vehicle for over two years, have driven it all over the United Kingdom and Colorado. I am very happy with its performance. Average fuel economy is about 45-50 mpg, nowhere near the advertised 65 mpg, but still very respectable.

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  Super car with great features. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mem103 - October 24 - 1:13 pm

  Although I have only owned my Rav4 for a couple of days now, I can say it is a fantastic vehicle. I moved up from a very nice but small Echo so in many ways the Rav4 feels like a luxury vehicle! It is powerful, fast, safe and roomy. I only wish that 2WD Limited models were available so I could have purchased one with a few more extras:) If you are thinking about getting this vehicle, you must take it for a test drive and check out all it comes with. Youll be sold! It is no wonder its been so popular for all these years.

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  Have problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By hdrca - October 24 - 1:03 pm

  Have to replace front axle (good thing it was under warranty - still under 60,000 miles), now I found all 4 strut was leaking, dealer ask more than $1,400 to replace (out of warranty - over 36,000 miles). before I never believe that Toyota has quality issue but since I have this Camry and more problems found, I believe what people said about quality of Toyota is going down.

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  Sporty car for year-round fun - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By dennyvibes - October 24 - 8:35 am

  I have had my Matrix for 6 years in March 2011. I bought it specifically for the all-wheel drive needed for New England winters. The Matrix never gets stuck in the snow, though the standard tires are slippery and you have to drive slowly to keep from skidding in turns, and make sure not to stop too suddenly. Its possible getting standard all-season tires instead of the sportier ones will remedy that. I LOVE driving my Matrix on beaches, sand dunes, and any off-roading I can get. Its so much fun! It holds its own with any 4X4 truck for any typical rugged fun. I just got into an accident in snow on an unplowed road, at a sharp curve, doing down a steep hill. My Matrix kept me safe and sound!