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 Minivan, but not Great - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By GarlicFolk - May 31 - 1:36 pm

  Initial build quality for Sienna is excellent. Engine is a little weak at only 3.3L. However, 5- speed auto produce adequate power and surprisingly good fuel economy. A full tank of gas (20 gal) goes about 450 miles!

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  i like it - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By dragon - May 30 - 1:40 pm

  taken on 3 long trips over 300 miles each never had any problems w/noise or anything else i find it a joy to drive and still get great mileage approx 28 in town

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Raj - May 30 - 7:26 am

  Ive been driving my Avalon XLS for past 4 yrs. Already put 95,00 miles on it. It drives more than a Lexus,280 HP - decent power and great fuel efficiency (Ive got once close 32 mpg).

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  Avalon XLS with Navigation - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By mbaxter - May 29 - 9:50 pm

  Great car, enjoy using the voice activation to control radio, AC and CD player. Nagivation system, takes some time to learn, but it has been great for mapping out points of interest, ie: golf courses, restaurants. Edmunds site was a great help in getting the best price.

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  consumer - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Regina Lambert - May 29 - 9:23 pm

  I have owned three prius and I`m about to buy another one. My car only had 3300 miles on it when I totaled it and I could have been hurt real bad, but with the airbags and and the way it was made all I got was a messed up knee and ankles. I never had any trouble when I had my car, It was great.

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  2010 FJ, love it... - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dr.d - May 29 - 1:59 pm

  if you want a dual purpose vehicle this may be the one, if you like cushy comfort buy a caddy. this vehicle is super durable and comfortable. I installed a Warrior bumper / winch / HID spots / LED spots on a roof air dam and a K&N, it is now perfect for my needs. not one failure in 114K miles. works Toyota perfect.

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  BEST SUV EVER MADE - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Linda - May 29 - 7:44 am

  I bought my 2005 Rav 4 over a year ago with over 100,000 miles on it. This vehicle is a beast!! Three months after I bought it, I had a full car load of people when a DUMP TRUCK rammed into my drivers door, HEAD ON, going about 30 mph!! I am amazed that this little SUV held up the way it did!! Other than some small cuts from broken glass, everyone was okay!! Upon having the accident, my Rav 4 was left in the body shop for over a month so that some major body work could be done to it (the damages left by the dump truck were everything BUT minor). I honestly thought that my "new" ride would never be the same again...but I was wrong. Here it is over a year later and my RAV 4 is still going just as strong as ever!! Other than the accident, I have not had to put it in the shop one time!! It is now at 140,000 miles and it continues to drive just as good, if not better, than some of the brand new cars I have seen!! I LOVE MY 2005 RAV 4 (not to mention, it hardly uses any gas) !!!!

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  All that was expected-and then some. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Phil C. - May 29 - 12:53 am

  The Prius delivers fuel economy unsurpassed by any other available four door sedan along with very comfortable seating for four large adults and a reasonable amount of luggage. It is a fun vehicle to drive, with an excellent turning radius and sufficient power to accelerate up even the steepest roadways. One can only marvel at the many technical amenities that are intergrated into this aerodynamically designed, near pollution free modern looking vehicle. I am extreemly happy to be doing my part to reduce our countires dependency on forign fuel and helping preserve the environment through pollution reduction, all while saving myself significant fuel expenses!

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  Prius 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ziga - May 28 - 12:16 pm

  The ability to actually recover energy for reuse through the battery has changed my driving style. I am much more aware of speed, decelleration and overall energy consumption. The energy monitor re-enforces that awareness. The vehicle is solid, comfortable and holds the road very well. The safety features are well equipped albeit an option in most cases.The other optional features are practical and add to the overall enjoyment of driving the Prius. Highly recommended as a step toward reduced energy dependence.

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  What a Comfortable Ride - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By DiversWife - May 28 - 11:40 am

  Im not sure about why other reviewers said this vehicle was uncomfortable. I have the leather seat upgrade and just spent a weeks worth of traveling in this vehicle (riding in the 3rd row) and found it to be VERY comfortable! The first time I drove my new van I was amazed at how it felt like I was driving my moms Lexus. It rode so smooth and felt very solid. Coming from a 98 Honda Civic to this is a HUGE change! The twins fit very comfortably in the van, as well as the two Dobermans, the cat, hubby and lots of luggage. Its also quite sporty so I dont feel like an old soccer mom when Im driving it!