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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  yota goes far - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By shris - January 11 - 7:06 pm

  I currently own a 96 tacoma and it has been the best truck Ive ever owned!! What tacoma lacks in size and power it more than make up by delivering in toughness, dependability, and most important FUN! Tacoma is such a great truck I am about to buy a 05 tacoma to satisfy my cravings for 245 hp!!! Thank you toyota, keep those tacoma improvements comming.

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  Best of the best - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By laurag - January 11 - 10:33 am

  I purchased this used for a new sales position. I call it my office on wheels. Im have over 140,000 miles on it and have had no repairs. Other than the oil and tires, its been problem free. Runs and drives like brand new.

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  FJ love - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By debonthebeach - January 11 - 9:53 am

  We off-road it on a gulf coast beach a/o 2x/mo. Its been up to every condition weve encountered. Commute to work daily 70 miles RT. Comfortable, feels safe. Handles everything well. Due to design, limited side and rear visibility on highway. Big mirrors help. Drive with caution in freeway traffic until used to using mirrors. Just returned from 2500 mile holiday trip with family in back seat; everyone comfortable. Kids think theyre riding in "Cinderellas Coach". Inside door handles dont bother us. In fact, with grandchildren and dogs, we prefer it that way.

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By SLucy - January 11 - 6:53 am

  This is a great SUV. My first small SUV as previously owned Dodge truck and Durangos. Bought new 18 months ago for V6 w/ tow package. I tow a 19 boat (~3,500 towed weight) and all sorts of stuff in my cargo trailer. I have been very impressed with the towing! I dont miss my full size truck (trailer is easier to load) or the gas mileage. I included trailer brakes on the boat trailer and am glad I did as brakes are the only weak point of the RAV4. Roomy, reliable, fun to drive and competent towing makes me very happy.

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  Great Economy Car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By G Honey - January 11 - 6:01 am

  Reliable and comfortable

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  Quite Possibly The Worst Engine Transmission Combo - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By andrew R - January 11 - 12:44 am

  Ive owned this car for 6 months now and can honestly say I despise it. I live in the SF Bay Area and this truck is awful on hills and the freeway. The engine feels very sluggish and when you slowly put your foot down for more power the engine agressively shifts up and makes a dramatic howling noise. The engine downshifts like crazy even when youre just coasting along. Which in turn means you have to constantly give the truck more gas. The brakes are grabby and unresponsive. Sure these trucks might have a great resale value but for 40K I expect something a lot better. Getting in and out is a task as well. At 58 I have difficulty getting in and out. Im constantly banging my knee on the steering wheel. The front molding has already come loose and is rattling very badly. Cheap plastic interior. Very disappointed Toyota. This is a swing and a miss.

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  NewRAV4 - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Erina Bista - January 10 - 10:27 pm

  Arlington Toyota, Jacksonville FL- Great place to buy a veichle.. I took my sister to buy corolla 16 and we loved dealing with Danny. I went there again because of that and Danny and Richie helped me this time. They both were great! Even though there was a confusion and almost returned my new RAV4 but they worked it all out.. overall happy so thank you..

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  Its a 4Rr thing... - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By T4R4ME - January 10 - 9:56 pm

  Shopped around for the perfect used 2008, 4WD with V6. Although these are bulletproof each has its own unique feel based on the previous owners driving habits. Love the look, driving is effortless, peppy off the line and around town. Nice seats and support. Engine purrs. Some strange noises here and there from time to time underneath with all the T-case, diffs and 4WD parts doing their thing. Purchased in KY from an automall there and the dealer treated me well. Thanks to Edmunds buying used is a new informed experience in 2010.

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  2007 Toyota Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Marvh - January 10 - 5:33 pm

  Love the car, hate having Toyota as my mom. The limitation of the navigation system are stupid. Having to acknowledge "I accept" everytime you start the car is ridiculous. But even more annoying is that your passengers cannot program the nav system while the car is in motion. Driving down the road with my wife we decide we want to get something to eat. Toyota makes you pull to the side of the freeway and stop (endangering life and property) and then do your navigation. By the time you work this out you can drive through most towns and find a place to eat without the navigation system. The lack of an aux input for the stereo system in this day and age is just plain dumb.

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  Cant go wrong - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - January 10 - 5:10 pm

  I would like to say that this is our first leather vehicle. Just as nice as our traded cloth Nissan. Highly impressive cockpit, road visibility, and totally quiet ride. My children love the DVD player, an added bonus no doubt. Rear reclining seats are a must. The whole no-key thing takes some getting used to. Its like the VISA of SUVs. Toyota has offered a level of refinement related closely to a lux cousin. You wont find another with more room, comfort, style, or versatility. A clear choice from any vehicle in its price range. You cant go wrong with this one.