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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  Camry is the car to choose - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Fan - February 22 - 3:00 am

  I have had a Camry for 4 years and love it. It has an extremely comfortable and smooth ride. There is very little road noise. Reliability and resale are all above average. My husbands family have all enjoyed their Camrys so much that it is all they drive.

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  First Toyota--Venza Rocks - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By David Smale - February 21 - 9:36 pm

  I went from a Murano to the Venza. I need room for big product. It has the feel of a lexus without the same "see me, I have a Lexus" statement which I did not want for a company car. One business associate said the wheels looked like they belong in the hood. I took it as a compliment. It has a great feel and ample power. Our other vehicle is a BMW 330xi. This vehicle does not have that "grin while you drive" sense but I enjoy getting in it every day and I love the cargo bay. We are cyclists and are gone a number of weekends. We could put a full hitch on it and can haul lots of gear. I have not raved about a vehicle other than the Beemer in a long time. I think Toyota hit a home run.

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  Has flaws, but still loving it... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By XOXOPrius(= - February 21 - 4:20 pm

  I absolutely love this car the gas mileage is excellent and even meets and exceeds the mpg when in ideal situations (lots of stop and go, coasting down hill, etc). However I dont attain it too often because I have a lead foot and live in a small city that doesnt see too many stops. Most of my gas usage is spent when the gas engine recharges the battery after starting. The spoiler in back seems to be a little delicate. Im afraid Ill break it if I slam the trunk too hard. Also, the interior should be more resilient. Ive already noticed that the paint is peeling on the glove compartment. Maybe Toyota or an accessories shop could design covers to customize or conceal the original look.

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  Grammas Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By gramB - February 21 - 3:33 pm

  We live in mountain country and I used to have a little diesel car that whimped out going up hills so I appreciate any car that climbs hills . . . but Toyotas do it best! This vehicle is fun to drive without being too big, in fact, I didnt realize it was considered an SUV until after we had bought it . . . not that I have anything against SUVs per se --- but were all trying to be a little more economically minded these days.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Leonard - February 21 - 1:06 pm

  This truck is fun to drive and is a real work horse. Gets better gas mileage in town than my previous GM truck that had a smaller V8. Recently towed a 32 travel trailer 500 miles and it was an effortless tow for the 5.7 V8. So far, truck has been trouble free. I love the extra space behind the front seats. Added a rubber mat in that area to keep things from sliding around. The truck is easy to get around in the woods while hunting. In my experience short wheelbase trucks are much more fun to drive and have fewer vibrations and wheel balancing problems than extended cab models. I love driving this truck.

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  Highlander Limited Platinum, Very Luxurious - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tim Hornik - February 21 - 9:22 am

  Everything you could imagine you would want or need in a vehicle is here. You dont have to get a Lexus for luxury.

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  Venza 2009 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Dave - February 21 - 3:43 am

  I bought a fully loaded Venza 2009. I love this car. It is luxurious, well build, solid and safe feeling. I look forward to driving it. Do not get this car without the navigation system. It is so worth it

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  Id buy it again! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ed beasley - February 21 - 3:06 am

  I bought this to pull a pretty heavy bass boat through Ozark mountains comfortably and have room for 2 good size dogs. It has had no trouble pulling the boat up and down those mountains, even passing up steep hills with the boat. Im on 150,000 miles and maintenance has been basically a couple sets of tires, and a set of breaks. It still rides good.

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  An Absolute Blast to Drive - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By WHWilson - February 20 - 6:43 pm

  This is my daily commute car and is pure fun to drive. Top is easily raised and lowered in a single motion from the drivers seat. Handling is so precise and agile, I sometimes think this car reads my mind. I really wish Houston had more twisty roads. Gets approximately 28 mpg even though my normal freeway speeds are 85 mph+. Car is absolutely rock solid all the way up to top speed of 130 mph.

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  200,000 hard miles - 1997 Toyota T100
  By truckintahoe - February 20 - 5:23 am

  My 97 T100 is used as it should be, a no nonsense truck in the Sierra, NV mtns. I cant say enough about the quality (nothing squeaks when I hit bumps), comfort and overall driveability of the truck. Toyota had a winner with this one. Everything works excellent and my A/C still blows coldddd.