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:

• 

  Luxury meets ruggedness - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sutam Biswas - October 19 - 7:33 am

  When I bought Toyota Sequoia, my main objective was to get safety for my newborn kid and 5 year old. However, once I drove it, I felt the power that the 8 cyl 4 wd beast generates on/off the road with minimum effort. Also, the satisfaction and peace of mind that you can get by owning a Toyota is there. I think it is a real value for money. Offers you space, performance and luxury at a good price.

• 

  Great New Model the Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel McCain - October 18 - 4:03 pm

  This car drives great in any situation Ive been in. Fuel economy is great and that is a huge plus. Very comfortable ride. Quality of assembly is outstanding. I love the new Camry.

• 

  Worth the Wait - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mvince - October 18 - 2:56 pm

  Car is extremely quiet and offers a good ride, and has enough juice when you need it. Averaging low 30s on mileage, as expected. Nice to move to regular gas from premium on my old car as well. Trunk is small, as others have noted, but generally enough for what I haul around. Am sure Ill be just as happy with this purchase a few years down the road as I am now.

• 

  2007 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By trumpet - October 18 - 9:30 am

  This is my 3rd Avalon -1995, 2000, 2007. I didnt feel comfortable with the drive by wire acceleration. Two trips to the dealer where they scanned the computer didnt show anything. Finally, on Edmunds forum someone had TSB EG 029-07 regarding the tranny controller. Brought to the dealer with this info. The reprogrammed the controller and this fixed the problem.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Pleased Owner - October 18 - 6:06 am

  This is an incredibly comfortable, quiet, and well thought-out car. Am averaging a little over 40 mpg, driving 60 - 80 mph on the highway about 70% of the time, with 20 to 40 mph city driving about 15% of the time, and stop and go big city traffic the remainder of the time. I find myself becoming increasingly obsessed with watching my driving habits, but still drive this like a normal car - I havent become a complete hybrid geek... yet. With the tax credit (currently being phased out), the cost compares very well to similarly equipped gas Camry. Handling is good for this type of car, and exceeds expectations for a Camry (earlier Camry handling too soft for my liking). Try it!

• 

  Higlander, AWSOME SUV!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By i am - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I got my Highlander 2 months ago,and I have not had any problems yet. (what am I saying,of course I havent had any problems! Im driving a Toyota!) I previously leased a 1999 4-runner and had no problems.It was never in the shop,(exept when I got in that wreck) and it never broke down.I absolutely love the interior design,and the exterior is almost as nice.The drive and ride are just excellent!! It is so comfortable even going from Glendale to Palm Springs.Its performance is great,and it is pretty fun to drive. I highly recommend it.

• 

  2003 ROLLA - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Big Babu - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Best compact car out!

• 

  2006 Sienna LE - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Jerry - October 17 - 8:23 pm

  You can put me in the category of somebody who never thought theyd own a minivan. However, it just made sense for my family. And Im exceptionally glad I made the decision. Plenty of room for everybody, tons of space for stuff, very quiet and comfortable, and actually doesnt look too bad (silver).

• 

  Lovely Avy Touring 05 - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Touring05 - October 17 - 4:56 pm

  I have been driving this car for a year now and I like this car a lot. I am in love with this car, let me put it this way. I know that there are always some problems with any new car but its a small matter. For instance the shield between a spoiler and the trunk is somehow sticking out. The other thing is the frog light is loosening. Other than that its a great car. As you know its a big car and comfortable which I feel like I am in the living room especially when I am in the back seat with recliner. Also I think Its saved me gas with this big car and comfy. How can you beat that? Most importantly I like the power this car. its unbelievable but at the same time it rides like a lexus.

• 

  the greatest car ever made - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By brian arnott - October 17 - 4:26 pm

  i love this car because its easy for my 65 y/o uncle who had a stroke to get in and out of and all my friends like the looks and even the younger kids at work like it and say thats the kind of car they want my boss would buy one in the future and even my grandfather is considering buying one i love playing my ipod on it it sounds better then a cd