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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  Good Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By GGreen - January 7 - 9:16 pm

  Handles good with no problems so far.

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  Its everything and more! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jj - January 7 - 9:43 am

  Having not had a chance to test drive a Prius before I bought one, I didnt quite know what to expect, except great gas mileage. I was very pleasantly surprised all the way around. It has great pickup, maneuverability, it is fun to drive and loves to pass gas stations!

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  samismom - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By samismom - January 7 - 9:13 am

  With gas prices rising, Im so happy with my Toy. Great for people on fixed incomes. Would consider buying another one when the time comes. Great in snow 1 foot or less. Front seat nice and high especially for elderly, and people with problems from the waist down, especially disabled transferring from wheelchair to car.

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  great car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chatty - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I have had 6 hondas and this is my first toyota. I like this car much better than any of the hondas I have owned. The ride quality is excellent...feels like you are floating on air. The interior design is beautiful...I love the the silky smooth leather seats. I get nothing but compiments on the car....especially after peolpe ride in it! I have the traction control which is working great in the current snow and ice conditions. I love the auto dimming rear view mirror and fully ajustable head rests (move forward and back). I never want to stop driving this car...very smooth.

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  Riding on Reliability and Style - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ShonaG - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have always had a two-sitter and this car blows me away with is space. I also love its interior look and comfort. And the best part is knowing how reliable it is.

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  Just Right - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Kristin Wilson - January 6 - 10:14 pm

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  Cant beat this car for the money - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jaded541 - January 6 - 9:40 pm

  Even if this car were not the least expensive car on the market I would still think it was a great car and fun to drive. Edmunds should create a new ratings category called Joy per Dollar (JPD). If they did this car would come out on top.

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  Excellent choice - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen Murphy - January 6 - 11:50 am

  Toyota has standard safety features that you would have to pay for at other dealers.

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  Highlander is high on quality - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill D - January 6 - 11:43 am

  I had my Highlander 7 months and I still love it. We went on a long trip and averaged 28 mpg on open highway. This vehicle can tow a light trailer just as well as my Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD. This vehicle will last me a very long time.

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  Very pleased - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By rjalder - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the overall design and performance of this little car.