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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  Reliable and Repair-free - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Gaye - January 27 - 8:05 pm

  Ive had my car for 9 1/2 years and it has NEVER needed a repair other than cosmetic and very minor recalls by Toyota.

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  Toyota Solara convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By robert o. ford - January 27 - 7:33 pm

  I traded a 2004 Mustang convertible for this 2006 solara convertible... absolutely no comparison, with Toyota superior ride, roominess, instrument clarity and sight appearance.... overall satisfaction on this change is undaunted. This is a keeper car.

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  huge improvement - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By feralcat - January 27 - 3:51 pm

  I refused to buy the previous generation 4Runner because it was too small and wimpy looking. My 2011 trail edition has been problem-free and has gone through several rough jeep trails without breathing hard. The size is perfect for us. The increased horsepower of the V6 is enough for long grades. I would and will get this again when the lease expires.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By BB - January 27 - 10:16 am

  I bought a new 05 double cab... great truck. Its got a lot of power and handles very comfortable both on the highway and on the dirt. My mother-in-law has driven it and is very impressed. It is also very quiet for a truck. I can get 5 big adults in it plus a lot of stuff in the bed and pull a big boat and have no problems! Reliability has been perfect so far. I have about 19000 miles on it so far. I could drive this truck all day and never get tired. You cant go wrong with this truck.

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  Toyota Matrix is WOW - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By whgille - January 27 - 9:43 am

  Since the day I bought this car it has been a pleasure and from now on I will only purchase a Toyota. There is a ton of room for cargo when you fold down the rear seats. The tie down features of the cargo area insures that nothing will be moving while you are driving. The operation controls are all easily reached and with the automated features you do not even have to remember to turn on or off your headlights. I think that the Matrix is a good mix of styling and functionality.

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  Great first truck - 2015 Toyota Tacoma
  By jasond2 - January 27 - 1:41 am

  Compared to the 2012 Ford Focus SEL, decked out in leather etc, I traded in, I find this truck (2015 TRD Sport, double cab) much more comfortable and has a much less "plasticy" interior that the so-called upscale Focus. Everything appears extremely solid, down to the turn signal stick. Plus, coming from a small car, I dont get Edmunds "weakness" of low-mounted seats - these seat are mounted higher/less reclined than Focus, or our 2012 Honda CRV. The engine can get a little noisy when pushed, but no worse than any other car Ive driven. More room for carseats in the backseat too than the Focus. Overall wind and tire noise are surprisingly subdued. A very nice ride!

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  Nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dean - January 26 - 8:36 pm

  This is a great car. My fourth Toyota and going strong. I love the V6 power. The V4 is fine but Ive graduated with this Camry and I dont think Ill ever look back at the V4 again. It also handles extremely smooth with an improved turning ratio. Trunk space looks a little smaller than the 2001 model which was my first Camry. Overall one of the best cars on the market for the price.

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  04 Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hoops1 - January 26 - 2:13 am

  Love this van. Good looks, comfort and convenience. Needs a power hatch which is only available on the XLE model. We somehow manage 29 mpg on the freeway. Toyota needs to simplify their option packages and regional differences as they are WAY to confusing!!! Honda has it down right. We are uprading to an 05 XLE soon.

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  Worth a good look - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - January 25 - 12:03 pm

  I purchased a new new Tacoma PreRunner after testing a 2006 Tundra. I was pleasantly impressed with the Tacoma styling and the handling, particularly when compared to its big brother. My only disappointment (and it is minor at this time) is the mileage of the automatic being rated at 6 miles/gallon on the highway less than the 5 speed standard Tacoma version.

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  Cant wait to jump in and drive - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By AOD - January 25 - 8:00 am

  I am 42 and I have owned 51 vehicles since 1984. I always thought Toyota had a bland design so I never bought until 2007. Now I LOVE Toyota. Seems all their efforts go into the important aspects of a vehicle, not "bells and whistles" I am so JACKED about my new Tundra and struggle to find anything significantly wrong. Just LOVE the Tundra!!!