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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  Retired Tacoma Owner - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By fairmont79 - December 15 - 12:23 pm

  I recently replaced my 1997 T100 SR5 with the access cab Tacoma. I had well over 200,000 on the T100. I figured the Tacoma would serve me well also. I ordered the 4cyl Base Access Cab with the SR5 Package. The milage for the first month has been 24.6 - 25 MPG. The fit and finish is excellent, Millage is where it is advertised, and performance with the 4 cyl. has exceeded my expectations. I like the rear view camera, makes hooking up my small trailer a snap! I have a single axle trailer that I use to pull my Arctic Cat Prowler around with. The trailer loaded weighs about 1700 lbs., I have not had any problems to date. Id purchase the same truck again!

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  Good buy - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Brandon - December 15 - 11:23 am

  Fun car to drive with great fuel economy. The S model has a nice sporty look without having to pay sport car prices. This is the first Toyota my wife and I have owned, it is quieter and tighter than our previous Chevy and Ford sedans.

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  Requiem for a Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Requiem for a Camry - December 15 - 5:23 am

  I bought the Camry new in 1993 and we are donating it today with 135,000 miles on it. I drove it until 2001 and my teenage son has had it for the last 4 years. The water pump went out, but the engine is still great. Replaced brakes at 50K, power window motor went out in 1999, and radiator had to be replaced in 2002--rusted through, probably from lack of maintenance...but otherwise, its been terrific. Im now driving a 2000 and will buy another one in a few years!

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  Quality over Quantity! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Alesha - December 14 - 11:14 pm

  I wasnt sure if I wanted the Rav4 or the CRV! My mechanic told me to always go with Toyota. My heart was set on the RAV4, but I chose the CRV because it offered push start, keyless entry, heated seats, electric seating adjustment, blind side camera, and a few other perks I cant recall for the same price as the RAV4 that didnt offer any of these perks. After driving the CRV for 45 minutes on my way to see my grandson born 5 hours away my legs and knees were hurting so bad I wanted to cry! My back was killing me, and my butt felt like I was sitting on steel! No matter how bad I felt there was just no way I could keep and pay for a vehicle that I was so uncomfortable in. My drive to work is an hour and a half. I went to Autonation Toyota and not only did they give me a discount on the RAV4, they returned the CRV to Honda and paid for the daily rate and mileage I used. I absolutely love my RAV4! I drove to NY and back to GA very comfortably! It was such a smooth ride. I would recommend the RAV4 to any and everyone interested in purchasing an SUV! Thanks edmunds.com!

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  An 02... 60K+... & still bulletproof. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Chandler S - December 14 - 5:13 am

  Replacing our 95 4Runner (purchased new) was our 02 Highlander (purchased new - 3.0l V6 4x2). Occupants appreciate the comfortable and plush interior. The Camry-based ride is tight and refined. The original 16" Goodyears were just replaced @ 60K (with same). Absolutely NO mechanical problems to date. An extremely sure-footed vehicle (further enhanced with VSC) in foul weather. Much easier to park/maneuver than a larger SUV. I would describe the exterior styling as modestly elegant. We experience 23 mpg in mixed driving, approaching 30 mpg hwy. Overall, an excellent value.

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  In love...<3 - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Emily - December 14 - 12:50 am

  I bought this car with 194,000 miles on it. I was nervous because of the high mileage. I had the car checked out and the mechanic offered to buy the car from me! I knew I had a winner! I have taken many road trips and it is the car everyone wants to ride in when my friends and I go anywhere. I will be sad when it dies. Which I dont see happening anytime soon. I have had to have the air conditioning redone once and now have 214,000 miles on my baby. I get about 27 mpg (all city miles) and couldnt be happier with the power/fuel economy combo.

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  WOW! - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Timothy - December 13 - 6:19 pm

  Very well built, get the platinum edition! I wish it had a remote start system, larger gas tank and a truly automatic rain sensing wipers.

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  Great Crossover SUV. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By So Cal Driver - December 13 - 11:56 am

  The latest (3rd generation) RAV4 has it all: Plenty of room for driver, passengers, and cargo; V6 power to weight ratio worthy of a sports car; surprisingly fuel efficient for a 3.5l V6; Toyota quality and reliability. Ive driven my new RAV4 daily since the end of April and it continues to impress me. Dont bother with the optional 3rd row seat because the 2nd row seats needs to be pushed all the way forward to accomodate 2 adults in the 3rd row for short trips.

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  A smart purchase! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By grubbs1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My date of purchase was October, 2004, not 2003. I purchased a 2004 4Runner Sport with the V8. The only options were the sunroof and the spoiler. I invested a lot of time researching this purchase. I considered the competition, depreciation, quality, looks, price, functionality, amenities, ride, power, fun, etc. This was an easy choice! This a top quality vehicle! It pretty much comes with all the amenities you need. I paid just a little over $29,000. Toyota indeed lives up to its fame.

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  Excellence! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By nnclyn - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful SUV! Rides like a luxury car,and the comfort level is fantastic. I never expected to enjoy a SUV as much as Ive been enjoying this Highlander. After shopping for months for an SUV, I found the Highlander to give a lot of value for the money. Comparing it to the Lexus sister...its almost identical, without having spent $15,000 more!