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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  A life-saver! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Gordy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the Camry for over one year and we love it. Our car was stopped at a light and was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling 45 mph; all other vehicles involved were totaled. My wife was able to walk away (thanks Toyota!) and the Camry sustained over $9,000 in damages. Even after the collision, and excellent repair work, it drives like brand-new. We love the ride and the peppy engine. It gets GREAT mileage on the highway and so-so mileage (23) around town. Well own this one for a long time.

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  beautiful ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By diego - August 23 - 9:20 am

  I just love how quiet and confortable this ride is.

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  Power Without The Guilt - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By FlipNHybrid - August 23 - 8:16 am

  I love this vehicle. Takes off like a rocket, yet doesnt guzzle gas like its competitors. Surprisingly, my gas mileage seems to be increasing with time. And Im not alone; check out the posts in the Highlander Hybrid forum. My friend, whos 6 4", finds both the front and second row seats comfortable. Hes driven the HH on our long commutes to work, and he doesnt have any problems with the seating nor the pedal layout.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla LE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Julie - August 23 - 12:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 Corolle LE a week ago. I love it! The body style is awesome, making it look much sportier than in years past. It is excellent on the gas mileage and with a moonroof it makes the trip more enjoyable. Im use to driving a large vehicle with a lot of interior room, but this Corolla is very comfortable for its small size.

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  rav 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By liz - August 21 - 11:30 pm

  goes forever on a tank of gas great fuel economy

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  Proud New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Lina - August 21 - 8:00 pm

  Im a new Toyota Camry owner. Mine is only two days old. I went from a Lexus IS300 to a Toyota/Camry and I really dont see much difference. Frankly, this car is more comfortable than my IS300 Lexus. Its very roomy and I love the trunk space. I recommend this car for its look, driving performance, etc. Ill let you know later how well it does on gas mileage but right now, Im a happy and proud owner of a Camry :)

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Fixx33 - August 21 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this car for my daily commute (about 55kms one way). I bought the SE (special edition) so it came with a sunroof. I was a little annoyed it didnt come with cruise control. The car has plenty of pickup for merging onto the highway and bombing around the city. Gas mileage was a little less than promised but still good. I would agree that the steering wheel position is difficult for taller drivers. It can be difficult to grab the steering wheel while finding a comfortable location for you legs. Plenty of space for a commuter car and lots of trunk room. Almost two years later no mechanical issues and the price was right.

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  I LOVE this little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Tom Hudson - August 21 - 6:26 pm

  This is my first Japanese vehicle in 20 years. I am 57, the car is PERFECT for my needs. I drive from Richmond to DC, once a week on I 95, and in city driving 6 days a week. The car gets fantastic gas mileage. My LE has all the bells and whistles that my former BMW HAD and MORE.

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  Youll Love This Van! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lee Ann - August 21 - 11:50 am

  This is my second Sienna. I had a 2002 and was pretty happy but the 2005 is amazing. The ride,the interior comfort, the response when getting on the road - amazing. I would recommend this to anyone interested in maximum passenger space yet still fun to drive.

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  My Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - August 21 - 8:47 am

  I got this highlander on the first of december last year. Since then, it has been a great car. I know, its not that exciting but it repays you with its great reliability. Everything has been fine, despite some issues with routine maintenance at my Toyota Dealer. The steering is unpredictable, its not dangerous or scary. Sometimes it has a weightier feel (which I like) and other times, a light steering feel. On a trip to Indianapolis I averaged 24mpg there and back. I like the iPhone/iPod integration and back up camera. It does many things well. Quiet ride and handles like a car. It was fantastic in the snow. It went through 6 inches NO prob. Not sure If I like the 2014 Highlander design.