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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  Well balanced vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By HMG - May 27 - 6:56 am

  I wanted sport car like handling but needed to tow a 2700lb trailer. The Highlander was too expensive and the handling characteristics of the Venza is much better. The car feels more balanced than the 57/43 front/rear weight would suggest. Plenty of power and corners like a slot car compared to the Highlander or Rav4 due to the lower center of gravity. Love the interior room and comfort and ergonomics. I have been getting 24 mpg combined city highway and easily get 27 mpg straight hwy.

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  I Almost Love My RAV4. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Melissa - May 27 - 6:16 am

  This is my first Toyota. I selected the RAV4 based on Toyotas reputation for reliability. I love the exterior design of the RAV4, it looks sharp with the optional 17" alloy wheels and crome stepbar. The interior is roomy and comfortable. I highly recommend against purchasing the 4cyl because of the extremely sluggish acceleration. I rated the Performance a "4" and Fun To Drive a "6" because of the acceleration (or lack thereof). I would love my little RAV4 if I werent so afraid of it ending up a little pile of scrap metal on the interstate.

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  goin green - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By dave - May 26 - 5:53 pm

  I really like the 2005 model prius. I got the smart entry which worth the extra money. My only disappointment is the winter driving milage. I get about 40mpg (they boast 50-60mpg). In the summer mpg is about 45. They dont tell you your winter milage will be less due to the fact that the engine must stay on longer in order to keep the interior car temp. warm. But...40 mpg is still great considering the roominess and comfort of this car.

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  Good cars for parents. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By BaylentheSky - May 26 - 5:46 pm

  Younger people, on the other hand, wont appreciate this car as much. The handling is awful, very bad around zig zag roads, I almost drove myself off the cliff (serious) because I was expecting it to be able to make a tight turn. Sure its my fault for driving so fast, but I would never have any problem with my main ride, a Nissan 240SX. A lot more comfy than my 240, not much wind noise, gas mileage is pretty good, performance is not bad, well built car that is very reliable. However its very boring :(

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  hate my new rav4 - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By josette1313 - May 26 - 2:38 pm

  being my first new car I should think Id love it, or at least like it, but I hate this thing. It is too cramped feeling inside, the cup holders are ridiculously worthless and out of reach, its such a stripped down model I cant believe I paid what I did for this. I have always driven luxury-level cars which seem to be a thing of the past, but this is bottom of the barrell in my view and I cant wait until I can get rid of it. this will not be good when I go on cross-country trips and wont be able to have a cup of ice water or tea close at hand

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  Great Car but easy to be stolen - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Mario - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My car was a great car in all ways. unfortunately My 1994 green toyota Camry le V6 was stolen this Wednesday in Inglewood, CA. if you really want one of these cars you better install an state of the art alarm and electronic locater. I hope the police will find it.

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  Steering Wheel always unlocking! - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Mimi - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What a great disappointment with my 2009 Toyota Avalon limited. This is my first and last Toyota. Had the mat / sticking pedal situation be disclosed earlier when known, I would NEVER have gotten this car. My steering wheel unlocks a couple of times a week. Brought into service center and they couldnt find anything wrong! Driving along and steering wheel just drops!! Tried to get rid of car but no one wants it!! I thought Toyota held his value but with all the problems lately, its a 50% sale for trade-ins! Going to get rid of it as soon as I can!

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  New to toyota - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By debb/rud - May 26 - 10:00 am

  First let me say I didnt want this car but we bought it because it was in our price range. It had 77,000 miles when purchased. I am happy to say it grew on me over the past 2 yrs. Great fuel usage (400+ to the tank), low maintenance cost and reliability. Ours has 135,000 miles and the drivetrain is still strong! I have the 4 cylinder And it drives like a six cylinder Interior is durable and shows very little wear (even with the dogs) easy to clean and the paint still looks good.

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  Bulletproof - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mcurban - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 118,000 miles. Got a great deal and drives like new. Solid as a rock with no weird noises. Driver seat a little to short. Other than that its one of the best on the market for this year. You spend a little more but you get more. When the world ends the only thing alive will be cockroaches and toyotas. Customer for life! Thanks Edmunds great site very helpful!

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  Great for familys! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ananomous - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought our 2006 Toyota rav4 base 4x4 w/ 3rd row in 2009 used to be a lease but there has been no problems. we have 5 kids and one adult and a driving teen and its ran great for long car trips and commuting. good car that will last a long time. A lot of trunk space and cargo it has seats that fold flat. easy to get into 3rd row has 10 cup holders and more!