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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  Solid sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By yyelin - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very good value for a family sedan. Quiet ride, comfortable front and back seats, Great look. Dont afraid to step on the gas – It goes! Do not know anyone who complains.

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  Limited 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Koz - April 29 - 8:30 pm

  This is by far the most sure footed vehicle Ive ever owned. Its whisper quiet, smooth & powerful. It is almost impossible to get the vehicle slip or slide under any conditions. With the Xreas & air susp it handles better then most cars. I went offroading & cant believe how capable it is. Went through 2 foot water/mud, very steep rocky hills & didnÂ’t skip a beat. There are so many features and little details that IÂ’m still finding. The Nav is awesome with the back-up camera. Talk about sweet comfortable heated leather seats. The V8 & 5 speed has to be the smoothest drive train on the market today. If you want to get spoiled, you will fall in love with this vehicle. It has no equal!

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  Awesome car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By antonio - April 29 - 10:46 am

  I bought the 50th anniversary edition. Its equipped like a Lexus. I get 36 mpg and it has plenty of power. I have no regrets. I cant think of a car I would rather have for the price. We recently went on a road trip because its a hybrid. My brother thought it didnt have passing power. (I know this is out of line) we hit 120 mph in no time. This thing moves.

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  Amazing - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Michelle - April 29 - 12:03 am

  I rented this car for a week while decided which car to buy. While Ive decided to wait until Toyota releases their next-gen battery, the 2008 Prius I drove was absolutely wonderful. I commute 50 miles round trip to work each day, and averaged 40 mpg during my commute. It was also comfortable and had all the creature comforts I could want. My only complaint is that as a 56" driver, the bar across the back makes it difficult to see out the back window at times. If buying, I would opt for the rear view cameras. Otherwise, worth every penny. As soon as those lithium batteries come out, Ill be trading in my Honda Fit for a super eco and fuel friendly Prius.

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  Fast Car!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Nate - April 28 - 6:03 pm

  I am the 2nd owner of my 97 Camry V6, and it has over 145,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only work I have done on this car is replaced the A/C compressor, and the brakes re- done. I love the V6, it makes the car much faster than the model with the 4 in it.

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  My Wifes Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By JohnnyJ - April 28 - 5:33 pm

  We purchased the plain Jane model but even so, this vehicle still comes loaded with features that other car manufacturers would consider options. It is a very nice vehicle. We purchased it after reviewing Consumer Digests reviews of 2004 model vehicles. Our top concerns were safety and dependability. With this vehicle, we have both.

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  Excellent - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By vlapizco - April 27 - 9:00 pm

  Best priced pick up in the market for its exterior and interior design, reliability and performance on the road. Perfect size; not too big or too small.

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  Simply WOW ! - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Rabia - April 27 - 7:37 pm

  Great car at a great price .

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  this is my third toyota car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mouse2005 - April 27 - 11:23 am

  I buy a car for best value and reliablity. In May 2005, I bought the SE V6 to experience same value and reliabilty as my 95 camry 04 forerunner. As mentioned by other reviewers I experienced a pause/hesitation when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd gear while pressing the gas pedal harder I was trying to feel a strong acceleration . I have 300 miles now and am no longer experience the hesitation/pause during gear shifts. I thought this may be caused by safety design linked to the braking system. I read on other review that this is a drive by wire technology, so it may be controling something to make the car safer to passenger and driver. I still have to break in my car.

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  Very happy with this purchase! - 2015 Toyota Highlander
  By DIVEN E HILL II - April 27 - 7:47 am

  So glad I jumped into a Highlander instead of the Explorer or waiting for the 2016 Pilot. Versus the Explorer, it simply came down to reliability. I mean, how many Toyotas do you see broken down on the side of the road versus the Fords? And after just seeing the 2016 Pilot pictures, it solidified my feelings. I get many compliments on how much it looks like a Lexus and it is truly a joy to drive. Not too bulky in city driving/parking either. Having 2 kids (ages 9 and 6) theres plenty of room to spread out for them with the 3rd row. If i had to pick an issue, it bothers me that Toyota charges extra for Blizzard White. All considered, you cant go wrong with a 2015 Highlander.