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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  Just what I needed - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By cwbarrett - January 31 - 3:42 am

  I just leased a 2013 S mainly for my son. He loves the car. Sunroof. Rides well. Quiet. Enough power with the manual. Hes 64" and fits fine. Edmunds recommends considering other cars but the ones they recommend dont inspire confidence. The difference between the editors and me is that they get to give theirs back after 2 weeks. I noticed the negative user comments on the Corolla are around style and a little under powered. I noticed the negative comments on the suggested alternatives are mechanical, like transmissions grinding and steering columns shaking. I guess Id rather have a "disconnected driving experience" than a disconnnected wallet experience.

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  V6 powerhouse AT smooth ride - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By carb1776 - January 30 - 9:36 pm

  Truck rides like a Camry. V6 is more than enough power to drive straight up inclines in Vermont hills! MPG 21 or better if you drive the speed limit. I have only changed the oil. My first truck, would buy again! Toyota quality and great resale market for this truck. Lots of room for a very tall guy.

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  Reliable S.U.V. - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By casino2 - January 29 - 6:44 pm

  This vehicle has been reliable ever since. Ever since, I purchased it brand new, there has been no major issue. I had the battery replaced with the one from Sams club. The front and rear brakes was replaced with O.E. pads. The transmission was done with new filter, new gasket, and O.E. Toyota Type 4 fluids. Also four new tires were done. The oil is changed at every 5,000 miles.

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  Secret Rocket V6 version - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By RobRav4 - January 29 - 6:16 pm

  Rav4 means quality and performance. I urge you to test drive one that matches your personality. I can only talk about the more powerful V6 2WD version with 269 horses. Driving the Rav4 (V6 2WD) is like driving a rocket. I bought the V6 base and it is fast. The transmission is a little touchy but it really kicks into gear when needed. The list 0-60 time is 6.6. I have smoked many 30K sedans off the line. I can have fun and still have room for friends. If you want a fast, quality, functional ride you should look into getting one.

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  Why buy a Lexus ? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mimi Klier - January 29 - 12:56 pm

  I recently had a 2000 Avalon that I traded in for a 2005. I was told by the dealership to wait because they were comming out with an all new body style. Even though the 2005 was late by new car standards, it was worth the wait. I am very happy with the changes they made. The amentities on the Avalon for the price tag our outstanding and the design is much sleeker than in past models. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  2002 Toyota Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By amarone1973 - January 29 - 7:56 am

  I have owned many cars at many price points (eg Chrys 300M, BMW 325I, Cadi STS, VW Passat) most brand new, this is by far the BEST value for your buck. I have owned this car from the start, no problems what so ever NONE. Original tires went 90KM, everything else is 100% original and have well over 150km (95Miles) and not a penny spent. Change my fluids, and treat the car normal. I expect well over 400KM like a friend has. I totally would re-buy again. See you in another 5-10 years Toyota!!

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  Highlander Hybrid Excels - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jjdrvr - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased 2011 Highlander Hybrid limited after owning 2006 same model. Hugh improvement in driving/riding experience. Also transition from gas to hybrid a lot smoother and less noticeable than previous car. Really like few changes made to car appearance although wasnt initially sure about limited grill (like it now). Hope reliability will be as great as my 2006.

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  toyota - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By grh - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several 4wd ext cabs in the past this is by far the most enjoyable and best built of them all. Could use a little bigger back seat , and for the price should have abs standard. Excellent vehicle .

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  I Love This Car! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rachel - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car, Im 16 years old, and I love it! It handles incredibly well, is fun to drive, and has an especially good driving position. Its not too small, just big enough, a perfect car for anyone. Kind of a gas guzzler, but still, a great car. I highly recommend it to anyone!

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  Sienna -- Perfect moving appliance - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By TIPSTER - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the mini van -- can not go wrong. May not have the excitment of others but so what. I want a family car that is reliable, safe to drive and is decent in every other area. I know the design of the Toyota is a little dated and it can not fit a 4x8 wood sheet in the back, but when was the last time you needed to haul whole plywood sheets around. It has plenty of use for 99% of the time. We tested the Chryler and it had a plusher ride but came up way short in many other area.