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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  Believe what your hearing about Toyota - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Robert Kellington - September 28 - 5:46 pm

  I have 1,500 miles on my brand new Venza 4cyl AWD, and I have knocking in the engine. This happens every day when I put it in drive and go. This vehicle is very deceiving when you initially buy it. Once you have been in it awhile, you realize all the fancy stuff surrounding you masks the quality problems. The noise level as other blogs are saying is true, loud. Im concerned with other problems too, the driver window when half way down makes a rattle noise and the steering wheel when turning makes a ticking noise. I have owned a 89 Camry and 2000 4Runner and always sworn by Toyota, so I ignored all the bad PR and went out and bought this Venza. I should have listened to the news!

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  What a car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Michele Daye - September 28 - 10:40 am

  When I saw this car, I immediately fell in love with it. Its like driving a Lexus with added extras for $15,000 less. The smooth ride, sleek look, soft preforated leather, laser cruise control, heated and air conditioned sits, automatic rear screen, voice activated navigation system that also controls the radio & CD, calender, push button start up, night sensored rear view mirror with built in garage opener, 12 position seats, 300 watts speakers, 280 horse power engine and the gas mileage of 22/31 mpg amongst dozens of other things below me away.

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  We Love Our 2009 Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Thom - September 28 - 8:13 am

  Happiest my wife has ever been with a car!!!! And, during the recent snow we received, the AWD Venza proved its mettle on snowy and icy roads. It is a very safe vehicle that handled superbly in very adverse driving conditions. It is stylish, roomy, comfortable, and full of quality everywhere you look. We cant wait to take our first road trip in this vehicle. We both enjoy driving it and we really like the way it handles. The leather seats are very comfortable. The stereo is excellent. The controls are driver-friendly and easily accessible. The safety features are excellent. Love the airline style overhead reading lamps for the rear passengers. Love the dual climate control. Outstanding buy!

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  Less dependency on oil imports - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Rienhart - September 28 - 5:23 am

  We have owned the Prius for about three months and are impressed with the mileage and power when needed. Versitle with the fold down seats and hatchback, room for four adults, comfortably, and did I mention the emissions rating? It is a car for the times and when more hybrids hit the market, the Middle East will have less of a strangle hold on our economy.

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  2002 4WD Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Prefers Harleys - September 28 - 3:33 am

  Bought new in 2002 and now have 110K miles on vehicle with little problems. After 2 years, rear window got REAL sluggish, so we left it up for a year afraid it would break. Toyota told us they had replaced a lot of motors. Waited one year, did nothing, works fine now. Too big to really go brush busting but wife likes it. I prefer my 1985 Land Cruiser. Parking brake stinks and truck lurchs forward after applying brake on slight incline. 3 weeks after brake service can drive 55 mph with parking brake on before realizing its on. Sister bought an 06, no parking brake problem. Mileage improved after 100K. Now we get 16.6 mpg in Georgia. Only get 6 mpg pulling 3500 pound boat though.

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  So Pleased - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fran - September 27 - 11:03 am

  I have been in love with this car since the day I purchased it. After researching and test driving various makes and models, my choice was absolutely clear when I decided to purchase my Solara. This car provides style, elegance and a list of very useful and upscale features at a price that was almost unbelievable. It provides an very smooth and comfortable ride and the interior is surprisingly roomy.

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  For the money, its all good. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By alfasax - September 27 - 10:53 am

  40 mpg. Easily obtainable, 37 mpg without trying all day long! Great styling. Luv this car!

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  Best Avalon Ever - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By John Allen Albree - September 27 - 4:40 am

  I purchased my 2005 Toyota Avalon XL on 3/16/05. Drove 8 hours to the dealer who gave me a great price and was great to work with. Traded in 2005 Camry XLE V6. The trip home was 456 miles and I registered 29.1mpg on Route 40. Probably the best car I have ever owned. Only options I have is floor mats and custom installed leather by a Chesapeake firm. This a fine automobile and a wonderful car to drive. Dont buy any car in this class without testing the Avalon.

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  best SUV on the road - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By toyota_man - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Land Cruiser, its the best vehicle Ive ever owned, and thats saying a lot considering I have owned the Lexus and the Mercedes... I think that whoever has a chance to buy one of these, do it, and dont worry about the price, its worth every penny and then some!! I LOVE IT!!!!

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  My first TOYOTA - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By M Franks - September 27 - 2:00 am

  First of all I would like to thank EDMUNDS for making this possible and a big thanks also for all the helpful reviews.I received my 2003 ECHO 2 weeks ago.Im impressed with my ECHO,but probably more so with TOYOTA.The option availability,pricing and the new style of the car seems to say that TOYOTA reads reviews.This has made the ECHO more exceptable to the public. I was shopping for a new JEEP WRANGLER,but had noticed the new styled ECHOS.After renting one for a week-end I knew what I was going to buy.Im very pleased over all with the new car.The unique styling is cute and gives the car character and spunk.