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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  The Black Jet - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By The Black Jet - January 15 - 11:16 pm

  This is my second Avalon, and it is an incredible driving machine. There is simply no comparing it to the 3.0 liter models. The 3.5 liter, 280 horsepower engine delivers incredible pickup, and the 5-speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and quick. The steering is responsive and the suspension is tuned to take curves without any sway. I really like the ergonomics of the steering column, telescoping, and fully articulate. Radio and climate controls are embedded within the steering wheel, which greatly reduces driver disorientation while cruising down the highway. I would recommend this car to anyone who enjoys the value of a stylish and responsive road machine. Its a Toyota!

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  50mpg - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By toyota prius - January 15 - 8:40 pm

  The best car I have owned. Its comfortable, reliable, great fuel economy. No problem on the highway. Have had no problems in the snow. I love the fact that its a green car.

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  My Best Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Alex - January 15 - 6:43 pm

  I like big sedans with comfortable driving without any extreme with good fuel economy, I found it, its Camry XLE 4 cyl. It has all features I ever needed (except navigation), riding is very comfortable, though it makes me a little sleepy, but at the end I never want to go out of the car. And I dont need acceleration of 6 cyl 3.0 engine, 4 cyl just enough for me, just a few times I wanted it to be a little faster. I like that its just like sitting on the sofa watching TV, something like this, easy. It doesnt make you to think, the car just does its job perfectly almost without your help (on cruise control Im forgetting who is driver). Its perfect family car.

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  almost perfect - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By toyota family - January 15 - 4:20 pm

  I have had my Matrix XR for about 600 miles now. Its everything the reviews said. Its sporty, roomy inside, handles great thanks to the Goodyear Eagle tires and keeps suprising me with its great features. Ive only ran one tank of gas so far and got 28mpg on mostly city driving, no highway. Thats a little less than I hoped for but still pretty good. Yes, the seating position for the driver takes a little getting used to. (See improvements below) But once the seat is adjusted you have little problem. The sunroof and ABS brakes are terrific as is the upgraded stereo system. The stereo rivals my home system when you are playing a CD. The dash lighting (red on black) is wonderful.

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  Love the car but watch out for stereo - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By RmW - January 15 - 10:33 am

  Overall a great car. I live in Boston and year round I get the EPA 46 mpg. The technology is great - bluetooth, GPS, dimming mirror, stability control - all excellent. Watch out for the stereo. Even the high end has no mids or bass. I had to get a subwoofer and it helped. Also, the traction control for the snow on all of Toyotas hybrids is poor but livable. The deal with poor mpg in the cold weather has to do with the heater. Short cold trips kill the mileage because the Prius uses the engine to heat the car. This requires it to idle and run constantly until it is up to temp to heat the cars interior. So if you want better mileage leave the heat off until the engine warms.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bob - January 15 - 10:06 am

  I bought the 2008 Yaris for one reason,gas prices. But I am pleased at the quality of this car. I bought the automatic which has no acceleration problems. This car is fun to drive and comfortable! I love going to the gas station. Have been offered more than I paid for it!

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  Simply the best car. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Priusowner - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds has overlooked the 2004 Prius. It has made driving more enjoyable. The gas mileage is great but the main feature that attracted me was the style and feel of the drive. The seats are very well constructed and comfortable. Edmunds said that the Prius has a low resale value, evidently the facts didnt get in the way of that reviewers opinion. I have found used Prius cars in my area selling for near what new ones do, not to mention the price of the 2004 Prius has climbed in the last 7 months, some people are paying thousands over sticker.

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  One Satisfied Customer - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jay Steven - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I have leased and driven (4) Ford Explorers over the past ten years and figured I would only drive Explorers forever. When my lease was nearing an end last month, I figured I look around at the competition. I drove the Volvo XC90, BWM X5 , VW Touareg, the latest Explorer and the Toyota Sequoia. Hands down, the Sequoia impressed me the most...and continues to every day.

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  Oh Yea Baby! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By n40798 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  oh yea this car is definately a keeper!! i use it any where and every where i go and proud of it

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  overall a good car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By pakiangel - January 15 - 10:00 am

  its a good car, but during accidents the body is weak and gets damaged by minor hits. This car is fuel efficient and looks very nice for being a sedan. I enjoy driving it and the red color is my fav.