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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  This is the greatest car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kerrysuz - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought this car, I was approaching 200,000 miles in my Nissan Sentra. But it was beginning to fail, so I took the plunge and bought the Corolla just after it appeared in dealerships, a year ago (Feb. 2002). I have 21,000 miles on it and its been absolutely reliable. We drove it from Boston to New Orleans last May and I had no problems. Its very comfortable. The heat is on and hot in now time flat. The A/C was a dream during last summer. And there is SO much storage space for all of my little knick knacks. I think I love that the best.

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  Comments on Toyota Echo 2003 2-DR - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Beatrix - September 24 - 4:53 pm

  I think this car deserves to write a few words.I purchased mine in 04/2003. I gave 9 on fun-to-drive only. As it is noted not always easy to drive on the high-way when it is windy outside. Also, without wind, if you drive on the highway like more than 85 miles/hr, it is difficult to keep the car on the same track. So, the speed limit (under 70 miles/hr) should be always kept:-) I gave 9 on performance, because sometimes I feel that it does not run that smoothly as it is seen in an e.g. Toyota Camry or Honda Civic - sometimes a noise is coming when it is simply neutral (mine is manual). I had no problem until today at all, just needed oil filter change, tire rotation and other maintenance.

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  1st and only owner of my 2001 Solara v6 SLE - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dsquared1 - September 24 - 4:04 pm

  Have owned this card since October 2001. Bought it from Toyota of San Francisco. I was never big into Toyotas having driven only American cars. I have to say that American cars, in my opinion now are pieces of shit. The Solara has over 105K miles on it and aside from regular maintenance, I have had to do nothing more to keep this car in tip top shape. As opposed to my 1996 Dodge Intrepid which I bought brand new, had to replace its engine 2 times and transmission once before it hit $50K miles. The Solara is rock solid in build quality and is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Even after 11 years, the paint is perfect (no chipping or fading). No wonder the Japanese are dominant.

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  "Old Reliable" - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Monique Renne - September 24 - 3:50 pm

  I bought mine new right after I graduated from college. Twenty years later, it is still my main car with almost 250,000 miles. I have only had to do routine maintenance and purchases (brakes, tires, tune-ups, oil changes, 1 serpentine belt), and one alternator. It has decent power (easy acceleration). The ride is rougher than some vehicles and road handling depends a lot on the tires, I think. Excellent mileage for a 20-year-old car: 20-35 mpg. Its not nearly as quiet inside as it used to be and its old. I lived on the coast for a few years and the paint is slowly fading. Whenever I am tempted to buy a new car, though, all I have to do is talk to my friends and family who have purchased new vehicles. I have never found as reliable a car as the 1995 Toyota Corolla. It was built when the Toyota name stood for quality.

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  CAUTION - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By raygen - September 24 - 6:31 am

  be warned this vehicle while an outstanding vehicle does seem to have problems with the steering rack at 65 K I fell as if I should not be asked to replace it already.

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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Grizman - September 24 - 6:20 am

  We needed to replace our Xterra as we were concerned about overall safety and stability. After reading on Edmunds how the 4Runner was redesigned in 2003 to widen the stance and improve handling, stability, safety, performance and fuel economy. We had to try it. We drove it and instantly knew that this vehicle would serve multiple purposes--it was safe enough to cart the toddlers around and rugged enough to take anywhere. We love all of the standard features, but most of all we love how solid this vehicle feels and how well it drives.

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  Avalon Customer - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken McClaren - September 24 - 3:33 am

  I have driven my 2006 Avalon Limited 20,000 miles so far. It is the best car I have ever owned, gets the best gas mileage and has the most comfort features (air cooled and heated seats, keyless entry and driving). It is truly a luxury car for $35,000, has more features than cars that cost thousands more. Very safe and very fun to drive, has loads of pickup and passing capability.

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  One sweet ride - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By DWS - September 23 - 9:00 pm

  This car has all the safety features as standard equipment and that was important to me. The ride is very quiet, road noise, almost non- existent. This coupled with the roominess and comfort make you think you are in a larger sedan. As a commuter car, the size is just right and the gas mileage very good. I have been buying Toyotas since 1984, and this is my third Corolla. They just keep getting better.

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  Best car Ive bought in a long time - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Tacoma Jim - September 23 - 2:26 pm

  Ive owned just about every car made over the years. I needed a car that got great fuel economy and didnt look like an egg going down the road. The Corolla S looks great, runs great, and I average over 40 mpg on the freeway with my 70+ mile commute every day. The new 2009 interior is comfortable on the long drives, much better than the 2008. I like just about everything about the car and the price was more than fair for something that I know will last me over 200k miles with no problems.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dan Parnell - September 23 - 2:23 pm

  I have owned many cars over the years so I speak from experience. The Toyota is one of the best driving cars I have ever owned. The outside appearence is no show stopper, but the inside is very nice and it drives like a luxury car. I have a Corvette convertible, but like driving my Toyota better.