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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  2002 Toyota Corolla - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By sumac22 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Very realiable and gas efficent car. Cabin is quiet when crusing below 65 miles. VVTI engine is overated.

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  A Legend in its own class - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By vj - March 28 - 10:00 am

  What I am about to share with anyone is truly a feat on its own.I own a 1998 Toyota Camry LE (4 cylinder) and I currently have about 246,000 miles on it.This is not a typo, but I do actually have more than 246,000 miles on the car.

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  My Third Corolla - I Really Like It - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By bobnc3 - March 28 - 1:05 am

  Traded my 08 Corolla CE for the 2013 L because of a great deal at my favorite dealer. Only thing I didnt like was the compulsory power windows and locks. Shame the pure base car is no more. Love the Continental OEM tires. First good ones on my 3 Corollas. The Integrity tires on my first two were dumped before 10K for Michelins.

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  Touring - best choice for my needs - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By bluesman - March 27 - 2:33 pm

  The Avalon is everything I wanted in a new car; power, fuel economy, comfort, safety, size, value, and looks. The demographic on the Avalon is 60 years of age, but the Touring model has just enough "cool" factor for a guy approaching 40. The car is so smooth you almost forget how fast youre driving. This is the first Toyota Ive ever owned and it is a fabulous car!

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  Not The Best Buy - 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By lazarus2 - March 27 - 2:07 pm

  Unlike a gasoline engine, electric motors have maximum torque the instant you apply power. You can go from 60 to 80 in about three seconds if you punch it. But there is a big problem for the unwary; the Highlander has severe torque-steer and could drag an unsuspecting driver right into another vehicle they are passing. Does not come close to EPA fuel economy ratings. The 28/28 mpg only works at around 40 mph. Otherwise it is 23/26 with a combined mpg of 25 no matter how you drive.

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  Relevant Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By BayAreaClem - March 26 - 2:26 am

  Best purchase for the times. Have and X5 and 5 series. The Camry has brought daily sanity back to driving what with European Style gas prices. I have cut almost $400 dollars per month in my monthly fuel bill. Plus the environment suffers less. The Camry is comfortable but not too much like a boat. A great daily driver. I dont miss my other cars at all.

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  Satisfied Camry Owner - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By California Camry - March 25 - 4:43 pm

  A couple of years ago I used Edmunds in the process of selecting a used vehicle. I was impressed by the favorable remarks of countless Camry owners. Subsequently, I purchased a well maintained 2000 V6 XLE with about 90K on it. I have been very satisfied with this car. Rides nice, plenty of power with the V6 which I recommend to anyone who needs the extra power for highway merging and traveling up steep highway grades. Getting about 27 MPG highway with the A/C on. No problems inside or out. Recently had the routine 90-100k maintenance performed. Prospective owners should not skip this. Not a luxury or performance auto, but dollar for dollar the most reliable and practical sedan so far.

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  Toyota Echo 2003 met all my expectations - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Bob Hoy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After a year of owning my 2004 Toyota Echo, the car has met or exceeded all of my expectations. It is light in crosswinds and has poor acceleration getting onto the Interstate highway. But given that, I smile all the way home as I pass the gas stations filled with gas guzzling SUVs and minivans (like I used to drive). I have been on several cross country trips and have been pleasantly surprised. No aching back, cramped leg muscles or headaches. And the sound system beats anything else I own. The car drives straight and the tire wear so far is very even. I keep finding nice surprises, like the hidden tray under the passenger seat, just right for holding CDs.

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  Prius Impressions after 3K miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mikenunb - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After driving and washing and some interior disassembly for the purpose of Scothgaurding components I have come to some conclusions about the Prius. It is an inexpensive "econobox" type of car with high end electronics and gadgetry and the most sophisticated power train available in any car at any price. The seats are moderatly uncomfortable for my 510" 240 lb frame. And the interior construction and materials are kind of cheap. But all this is offset by only having to add gas every other week, instead of weekly or more often in Toyota Camry it replaced.

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  Serves the purpose well - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By spyd3rm4n - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Tacoma is a great truck. I bought a 2004 which is the last year of this body style. It is getting outdated, but it is a very solid truck with a proven record of success. The 2.4L engine provides enough power to allow you to haul heavy loads once in a while, yet it is still practical enough to drive every day. The build quality is far superior to other compact trucks (Nissan Frontier, Chevy S-10, Dodge Dakota). I would suggest getting the manual transmission as it will get better gas mileage and will be better for hauling heavy loads. I got the automatic because I spend 80% of my time driving in city traffic and dont like shifting.