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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  200CE camry 4-door sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Theodora Nikos - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent driving. Interior fixtures could be better (i.e. placement of fuel door and trujnk opener) should have been redesigned. Havehad toyotas since 1987.. Wheel can obstruct gauges on dashboard. In all my toyotas I have experienced replacement of front brakes at between 13,000 to 15,000. Ca r cannotr hold its weight on freeway goiing over 50 mph . Could be car is a 40cylinder.

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  Good Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By hibank33 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  A good reliable crossover suv.Very safe good gas mileage rides very nice.Wife has had to make 1 evasive maneuver and she said it handled it very well at 40 mph.Rides like a car

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  Not REAALLLY an SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By esiegel2 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive been looking for a larger safer car and settled on the Highlander. I had a crisis of conscience about buying an SUV, but when I drove the 4 cylinder and realized that it was plenty zippy, I got over it. I get mileage comparable to my ford focus SE wagon that the Highlander is replacing, and I feel much safer. It is the best looking car I have ever owned, even better than the pictures.

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  WOW! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Firstoyotaman - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota product. I love this car. I have test driven the Altima, Accord, and felt they were worthy cars but one test drive in my Camry and I was sold. This car is the best. I love the styling, I love the ride quality. True its no sports car but, whos looking for an exciting sports-like ride in a family car. If you are buy a Maxima but, if you want solid dependability, a smooth care free ride. There is none better than the Camry.

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  Awesome Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ETD1010 - March 16 - 9:00 pm

  This truck is amazing. I LOVE the body style, and the V6 really packs a punch. The TRD package made it easy to get ALL the features I wanted, and even some I hadnt thought of but LOVE. With all of this backed with Toyotas reputation, this is an awesome little pickup.

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  Going home--- - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Donna - March 16 - 5:18 pm

  5 years away from a Camry, it was time to go home. Home to another Camry that is. Too early to give a "review" but for the last three weeks, I have enjoyed the comfortable ride, really good air conditioning and really really nice looking car. This is not the same Camry I purchased in 1999 and drove until 2013. I purchased the 4 cylinder and it has plenty of power. There is a lot of technology in the car that I will have to get accustomed to but I look forward to a long time to learn everything.

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  Mixed Opinions - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lee - March 16 - 9:23 am

  Ive read reviews on the fuel economy, but happy to say so far consistently 23.5 mpg in local driving. But dont see a huge increase in mostly highway. Perhaps in 25-26 range, but not 29. Also, have complaint now with Toyota on occasional severe hesitation when accelerating from stop or nearly stopped situation. They mentioned it could be new Electronic Throttle Control whatever that is. Mostly positive other than that. Fun to drive with size, comfort, feel, ride etc. Hate tire on back, but oh well. New 2007 CRV losing its tire on door, which should have been a must for Toyota. Jury still out though overall if i made the right choice. First Toyota, so hoping it lives up to hype.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By wndsong - March 16 - 8:20 am

  It rides and drives like a car. Very comfortable ride. Tends to feel top heavy when taking curves in mountains at full speed. Plenty of storage behind 2nd seat. Have gotten as high as 29 mpg on the highway. Easy to handle in town driving.

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  Little Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Crazymagman - March 15 - 12:33 pm

  This is a great little truck. The steering feel is better than my Maxima, and the truck is very responsive to quick steering actions. There isnt a ton of power from the 2.4L automatic, but I bought it for a daily driver and to haul things for the house, so its just what I need. The stepside bed really sets off the styling of the truck, and Ive only seen one other stepside Tacoma with the same wheels that mine came with.

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  My years with a Toyota Corolla - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By college sweetheart - March 15 - 11:46 am

  Toyota Corollas are great cars. Id chosen mine because of dependabilities and comfort. I trust the Toyota to deliver a high performance on travelling (gas mileage) and it does. I have gotten many compliments on the interior layout and received many admiring glances on my red car!