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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  First Impressions - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dooey - May 23 - 10:00 am

  A surprisingly comfortable, quiet and secure vehicle. First departure from European sport sedans for me. Love being able to see other than only straight up when in parking lots.

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  very smooth! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By wario - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 03 honda accord for my new 04 le camry. Everything about this car is very smooth, the engine is very quite and theres no wind noise. I dont understand why some reviewers say that this car makes alot of engine and wind noise. My guess is that those reviewers have never driven this car.

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  It could be better - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Richard - May 23 - 3:06 am

  Overall, it is a very nice car. This is the second hybrid I bought this year, my first was a Ford Escape. The power of the HH far exceeds the Ford, but it cost you 6-7 mpg. The HH is more spacious and I am confident the resale will be better, but I do enjoy driving the Ford more than the HH.

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  I rave about my RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By bubearkot - May 23 - 2:56 am

  My daughters 2003 RAV4 convinced us to wait for the new design, a very wise choice. Only have 250 miles, but going to Houston this weekend for our first road trip. Should be fun!!

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  Gallery Edition - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Gallery Edition - May 22 - 9:00 pm

  Got this 2001 V6 Gallery Edition Camry as a gift from an aging relative. Got it in 2009 with only 20,000 miles. Edmunds should have mentioned the Gallery Edition. Perfect condition. Excellent JBL! sound, solid V6 power. Bulletproof reliability like all Toyotas. I do all the scheduled maintenance. Car is very easy to drive, but not particularly fun. But, what do you expect, its a Camry. Its like the AK-47 of cars, everyone has one and it never lets you down!

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  Great Ride & very smooth - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Frank Epps - May 22 - 8:06 am

  First Avalon & really like to drive. Exterior could be jazzed up. Interior is tough to beat for features & comfort.

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  Best Purchase of My Life! - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By snoqueen440 - May 22 - 7:03 am

  This car has been a dream. Reliable, great price and great looking. This car I think is fun to drive. I opted towards the side curtain air bags, ABS (Winter Weather Package) and sunroof. Great gas mileage rides smooth and the engine is quiet. I like the S model because it looks sporty but are not paying the price of the sporty cars. Be careful not to bottom out going in and out of driveways and parking lots!

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  4Runner Limited - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By rnt76 - May 22 - 4:50 am

  Great vehicle. I owned a 2006 SR5 and this one has lots of improvements. The extra ground clearance and lack of plastic body cladding that 4th generation 4 Runners had makes this model better for off-road use. Very smooth on the road; handles great with plenty of power.

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  One mean truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By dgallina - May 22 - 4:13 am

  Bought a used 2009 Tundra Rock Warrior. It is without a doubt the baddest, meanest half-ton truck out there. Toyota knows what they are doing with their TRD and Rock Warrior packages. Theyre great looking and blow the competition away as far as standard off-road accessories. The engine is a beast, tranny is the smoothest shifting you will find in a half-ton. My buddys 09 F-150 is like a little fragile mini-truck compared to this tundra. I like the inside, the Rock Warrior came with black cloth and carpet which I think look great.

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  The Sedative! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Rip - May 21 - 3:06 pm

  The aboslute comfort, ease of handling and quietness of this vehicle makes it one of the most relaxing to drive. After 10 years of driving this vehicle it has not once let me down, started every morning and has always taken me where I wanted to go and brought me back. Whenever I get into this vehicle it is as much a joy and pleasant experience to drive as it was the day I first got it. Toyota servicng is, off course, supreme!