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:

• 

  Like the Matrix - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Rick - April 24 - 11:06 am

  Surprised by how peppy the engine is, no problem accelerating at highway speeds or up hills. Amount of interior space is impressive and well laid out.

• 

  Not for passengers - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - April 24 - 10:50 am

  I think I need to buy extra medical coverage for my vehicle insurance. Everyone hits their heads when entering/exiting the back seat. The interior panels are below Chevy in build quality and fit. The front windshield wipers chatter, and do not lay flat in cold weather. The exterior paint has scratched very easily.

• 

  Toyota Hits a Homerun - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Frank G. - April 24 - 10:20 am

  Initially, the new rear window pillar area seemed a bit "mod". After looking at the competition, we quickly came back to buy the new RAV4 because it simply has the very best to offer. RAV4 has an attractive interior design, a pleasant and logical dashboard, good seating and a large well planned cargo area. We just LOVE everything about this RAV4. The impressive road handling, fuel milage, great visability and of course, Toyota quality, make this vehicle the one to beat. RAV4 gave us the best of both worlds - a pleasant carlike interior AND an undercarriage and exterior body that is a rugged 4WD truck, when needed. We just turned 3500 miles and so far, this is our very best vehicle yet.

• 

  2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hammerstein - April 24 - 8:13 am

  Picked up a used (28500 miles) 2009 Camry hybrid for the size and mpg. Quickly learned the sweet spots (`35 mph) and (`72 mph) that results in incredible mileage. Feather the gas peddle and try to keep the car operating on battery power alone for as long as you can. I read most of the review on this site and agree with those who post excellent gas mileage. I drove a couple hundred miles and easily got close to 40 mpg! Ride is soft and comfortable and will be great for the family. It drives straight and has a lot of features that made this car the perfect choice for us. The car is certified and I purchased and extended warranty, so am very well protected.

• 

  One of the Best Cars Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By David Chase - April 23 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased this car new and except for routine maintenance have never had a problem. My daughter was taking the car to college so I called a local Mechanic to see have the car checked out - I was concerned that the car had a serpentine belt that might need to be replaced. They informed me that the engine had a timing chain (lasts longer) and that the car wasnt scheduled for its first tune up until 120,000 miles! I purchased this car at the same time I bought a 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser - I made sure to purchase Toyotas that were made in Japan, not the U.S. (both were). I have had zero problems with both cars.

• 

  ECM Died at 105M - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By saddened customer - April 23 - 6:56 pm

  I originally posted at Edmunds how I loved, loved, LOVED my Rav4 at time of purchase back in 2002. However, car started jerking last week, couldnt accelerate, so towed it to dealer, went online, and discovered the brain/transmission problem! Paid over $1300 to replace the brain, and have no faith in my car anymore. Dealer couldnt guarantee it wont start lurching again, so its time to switch from Toyota, sadly. A company that doesnt stand behind a problem that it knows exists at least when I trade it in, I can show I paid to fix the ECM, but I pray the car just gets retired rather than potentially hurting another soul!

• 

  Its like heaven - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By GreyGoose9631 - April 23 - 1:43 pm

  In one word, Awesome. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. This is my first Toyota, and unless things take a turn for the rest, I will definitely be back to buy another. I have just over 4k miles, so far no rattles or any complaints or problems. If there was one thing I could change, it would be the stereo. I cannot play MP3 formatted cds and I think the sound quality could be improved. I am hesitant about making any investments because I did lease this car, but it is still a thought. For the price, this is the perfect coupe.

• 

  luv the mileage - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By webtravelin - April 23 - 1:04 pm

  We are senior couple and have about 1200 miles on the highlander. We are averaging just over 24 MPG, and on our three trips of about 90 miles each we got right at 30 mpg. This was driving mostly on rural highways, with about 35 miles of interstate at about 72 to 73 MPH and about 62 MPH otherwise. The wife thinks the seats are not as soft as our 04 Grand Cherokee, and the passenger seat is manual only, but that has already turned out to be a non-issue. In addition to the very good mileage we immediately noticed how much more quite it was than the Jeep. It is close to the same size as the Jeep but can seat 7. Weve had six adults in once for a short thirty minute drive and no complaints

• 

  As Much Fun As My College Convertible - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ByeByeHonda - April 23 - 12:20 pm

  I havent had so much fun in a car since I owned a cheap European convertible in college. But this car in no way feels cheap. My seats are fabulously comfortable, I love the interior (fantastic fabric & spacious for 5!!), it handles like the little convertible I so dearly loved, and its as quiet and smooth as any car Ive ever owned, including the $27k gas-guzzler its replacing. Ive put 265 city & highway miles on it in 2 days and the tank is half full! Love it, love it, love it!! I call it my little red "Toy"!! It is everything I was looking for. It is the perfect commuter car!

• 

  Love Our Sienna! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave - April 23 - 8:50 am

  I had to turn in my company vehicle which was a Ford Freestar and couldnt get another one so we needed a van. Once you have one you cant live without it, I found, very much to my surprise. So we traded my wifes Camry Solara for a Toyota Sienna (her idea!). We tried out a Honda EX-L (Very close competitor, better back seat, but bumpier ride.) and the Hyundai Entourage (Watch out Toyota and Honda, these guys mean business, great van at a great price, better ride than the Honda). It rides like a luxury car. The interior is extremely comfortable. Heated seats, MP3 capable stereo, aux jack, power doors, storage, reconfig options, all great. We bought it to last 10 years and I bet it does.