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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  Love for life - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner4life - May 2 - 7:36 am

  So far, so good!! This is the most comfortable SUV I have ever been in. I love the ride. It doesnt feel like a truck anymore. I take mine off- roading, on the highway, and grocery- grabbing. The rear window roll down access is great. When I out of the store with a couple of bags of groceries, I hit the key fob button to drop the window, walk up, and deposit the bags into the back without setting the bags down to open a door!! As far as I am aware, this is the only SUV to have this. The rest flip up, etc.

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  I wish I had It Back - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By happywiththetoy - May 2 - 2:10 am

  My Toyota was one of the safest on the highway. Involved in a major accident on 1/23/09. If I had been driving many other vehicles I would not be alive to write this review! Unfortunately, my Toyota was totaled, but I was not. I enjoyed just about everything about my 4Runner. I just wish I had it back. Dont know that Ill ever be able to replace it.

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  Sienna rating - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By yuyang - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Sienna rating: minivan leader, cool design, powerful and fuel economy, comfortable, easy to drive, more functions

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  135K and going - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By B4Runner - May 2 - 2:00 am

  135k miles and going strong. I take this off road also and had only the usual maintenance issues, breaks, rods, etc. Low $ cost compared to my other SUV. I’d recommend to any one and have. They have bought’em and loved’em.

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  Great Styling - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chad Wilhoit - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The suv is very reliable, along with the looks this makes a great vehical for any age driver.

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  4x4 KING - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By BrianV - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Dont be fooled, this truck is a TRUCK. The thing has a horrible highway ride, no real nice features (considering sticker was $38k). The stereo is awful, and the car lacks the power to safely pass cars on two lane highways. However, this thing is incredible off road. Its locking rear differential and 50/50 tq converter allow it to do ANYTHING. My friends Ford Explorer cannot do anything near what this car can do. Build quality is excellent, but only buy this if you really want a truck. PS - best looking sport ute ever

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  Go Karting! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Streettuned - May 2 - 2:00 am

  If u like go karting, u will love this the Celica! After 3 yrs of ownership at 36500 miles currently, Ive enjoyed every second in this little rocket. Its a real ZOOM ZOOM experience every time! Steering is quick and precise, cornering is firm and confident, braking is responsive, straight line acceleration is a blast when VVTLi kicks in at 6000rpm and all the way to 8200rpm redline! The only problems I had was the infamous squeaky belt tensioner and a peeling moonroof. They were all covered under warranty.

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  My 2001 Tundra SR-5 Access Cab V8 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By DrZ - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tundra as soon as it hit the market. I have not regretted my decision since. The gas milage (14.5 mpg) can be improved by adding a flowmaster 50 behind the convertor and duals from that. I now get 16 city and a bit over 20 on trips. I have loaded the bed with 1.25 tons of floor tiles and the suspension was close but did not bottom. Great truck! This AM I hit 44000 miles and had the check engine light come on. All the manual says is take it in to the dealership. I will do so and will drive my tundra until the wheels fall off which I believe will not be for a very long time.

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  Tundra, not what I expected - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By wsptally - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The cons that Edmounds refer to are true, about the chintzy interiour trimmings, the front seat is uncomfortableand meager rear cab room.

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  Very Overrated - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ggilliom - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned a Highlander for about a year and a half, and overall, Im disappointed. I hate the soft steering - its hard to drive straight at highway speeds. And its not very quiet at high speeds. If you put down *any* window, you get the vibration/roar people talk about. The seats are unsupportive, and the seat bottoms are very short. Im 6-feet tall, and my back aches after driving for more than an hour. Nearly as bad as my wifes old RAV-4. The stock stereo is TERRIBLE. The back tonneau cover is heavy and badly designed -- must be handled *very* carefully to avoid bumping/scratching the interior or cargo. Lousy dealer, too.