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:

• 

  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By T Martin - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 Volvo V70XC fully loaded--that has been nothing but one problem after another since my second year of ownership. (Had to have a new transmission after only 54000 miles!) I am very impressed with the comfortable ride, and ease of driveability of my new Highlander. I didnt get the Limited, because after owning the Volvo, I realized I didnt really use half the "bells and whistles" my Volvo included. I would advise going for the leather though. (I did) I was not impressed with the quality of the cloth seats offered in the Highlander. I look forward to many happy (trouble free) years of owning my new Highlander! :o)

• 

  First Toyota after 6 Honda - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dmoose - December 17 - 9:06 am

  After looking at cars and trucks I decided to take the plunge with a Hybrid. I drive typically 45 miles one way to work and needed something to help with the cost with gas. After leaving a V6 03 Accord, I love the Camry. It has enough power for me and I cannot believe all the bells and whistles it comes with as standard. If you can spare the extra $ I would recommend the nav to experience the extra input on gas miles. Also love the quiet ride when the engine has not picked up yet, but even as it kicks in it is very quiet. Driving in Cleveland with cold weather (below 32 last week), so waiting for MPG to go up... getting around 33. Best was 38 MPG.

• 

  I love my corolla! - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Lee - December 16 - 11:46 am

  I totaled my new 98 corolla my freshman year of college (I wasnt hurt a bit though). We replaced it with 2000 corolla. I loved both cars. My little white "curla" has lasted me more than I would imagine. I drove it all through college, back and forth to work, and now, 9 years later, I have a carseat for my little boy in there, and commute 150 miles/day. And its still just right for me. I have over 200,000 miles on it, have rear ended someone, hit a deer, and its still tickin. Plus, Im not looking to get rid of it any time soon, and when I do, I just might look at another corolla.

• 

  Love this car - 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ellen Bader - December 16 - 11:18 am

  Ive only had this car for three weeks, but love it so far. Great gas mileage, smooth ride, no complaints!

• 

  Still excellent after 28,000 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - December 16 - 12:20 am

  Excellent car. Does NOT require the "dealer recommended" maintenance services. Follow what Toyota recommends. I have had ZERO problems in 28,000 miles. Average 50 mpg in spring/summer/fall and 46 mpg in winter. I added a tint to the upper portion of the windshield to assist in sun blocking. I will be buying another.

• 

  FJ - Great Truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Italia317 - December 15 - 11:16 pm

  Purchased my Silver FJ Cruiser on 02/04/07. I did a lot of research on Edmunds as well as other sites before buying. The truck is def. a head turner, big, powerful, different. The interior has a lot of room, big knobs, stereo isnt too bad, a lot of compartments. Sideview mirrors are a little tough to get used to, but not too bad. As for the outside, I love it. Older drivers might have a tough time getting in w/o running boards, but its def a younger persons car. Gas mileage is ok, but its a truck so you cant expect much. Overall, I think its a great buy... powerful, fast, durable, and an attention getter. I would recommend it to anyone in the 25-35 year range.

• 

  Excellent Choice Overall - only minor issues - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By ellisjeff - December 15 - 9:38 pm

  Had the 2014 Highlander XLE AWD for almost one year. Bought it in Feb 2014. I like the vehicle overall. Very comfortable, wide vehicle makes handling really sharp, but long reach to the glove box. Great interior and exterior finish and appointments. Large touchscreen display is outstanding but here is the big negative. The voice command system is very poor. Lets put it this way...If you have SIRI that would grade A+ and this voice system would grade F- Just does not undertand me. Sometimes the voice recognition recognizes me sometimes not....mostly not. That said excellent overall, mileage, power, safety, braking, reliable. I plan on getting Car-Play.

• 

  Fine Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - December 15 - 5:40 pm

  My wife and I bought this car almost three years ago now used. We love it, it is a very good and reliable car, never have any problems at all. Typical Toyota reliability, and preformance, I woudl recommend this car to everyone. If you are able to find one the manuals are great, not as smooth as our other car, a honda, but still shifts well we have 75,000 miles and still orginal clutch.

• 

  Prius Touring 4 not so good - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By disappointed buyer - December 15 - 3:56 pm

  Oh man the seats are very uncomfortable, small and even on a short drive can create back pain. Also very difficult to get in and out of the front seat. Visiblity very bad, the back seat head rest impede view through the back window. Very little storage, crummy single cd player. Interior trim around instruments and center console made with very cheap plastic materials. No spare tire! Wow Toyota how the mighty have failed. I had a 2007 touring Prius and loved it but this 2016 falls short on every aspect in comparison other then mileage.

• 

  05 Tacoma sport 4 dr - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - December 15 - 11:53 am

  It isnt a compact truck anymore the 05 has gotten a little larger it has a real aggressive look to it, it runs and drives like a car the v6 has lots of powerand gets decent mileage I have been averaging about 19-20 mpg with trafic, should do beter on the open highway . I was going to get a 2004 but drove them both and with 60 more horsepower it is a wolrd of difference, I got the prerunner with the sport package so it has all of the color keyed door handles and mirrors and I got it in Speedway Blue, a truly awsome color I get a lot of compliments on the truck.