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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  Satisfaction/Peace of mind - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By M.R.Maxwell - July 4 - 10:43 pm

  I begin by saying that my last two vehicles prior to this purchase were American made SUVs. As the years went by it seemed the form and fit of major components, doors, hood, trunk became somewhat loose with weakened hinges (especially the doors). I also experienced a myriad of electrical problems with items such as, rear latch release, rear wiper, some of the dash lighting and other electrical problems. With this vehicle I feel a sense of joy as it relates to reliability and the "feel"as I drive the vehicle. Good reviews by leading consumer groups doesnt hurt either. Interior surfaces and materials are not cheap and overlaid with all mannsr of plastic. The engine has power to boot.

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  Engine replaced at 56K. No more Toyota for me. - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By nomoretoyota7 - July 4 - 9:07 pm

  Sadly, though not my first Toyota, this will be my last. I had to replace my engine due to a hose failure. No recall on this part, but they changed the design in 2009.... wonder why...mmm. I take good care of my vehicles and got regular oil changes. This has become the most expensive car I have ever owned. And I bought it because of the Toyota reputation.

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  Vanilla is Good - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mohusker - July 4 - 7:30 pm

  "Bland, vanilla, appliance"...yup, and just the way we like it. The Camry LE provides excellent value, dependability, fit & finish and quality of soft-touch materials. It is quiet and roomy while delivering 500 miles per tankful. The highway ride is composed with an honest 32 highway miles per gallon from the responsive and sophisticated four- banger. Mid-level LE includes power drivers chair and outside temperature display. My only gripe is a recent dash rattle.

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  LOVE my RAV!! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By vtimm - July 4 - 6:06 pm

  I am in sales and pretty much live in my vehicle. Because Im in the construction industry and do some off- road driving to get to job sites, I decided to get the Rav4 Sport for the 4WD. I love the roominess and the layout. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. I also get excellent gas mileage. I am extremely pleased with it!

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By pbjb - July 4 - 1:46 pm

  Took delivery of a Limited AWD Hybird edition on 7/20. Sold the 2003 Highlander LTD to a family member. New 2006 has even better ride qualities with the Michelin tires vs Bridgestone Duelers. The shift between electric power and gas is seamless.It takes a little getting used to when you stop at a traffic light and realize the engine did not stall. You hear virtually nothing. Have averaged 30MPG city driving. Although this is relatively new technology its comforting to know that Toyota gives you an 8 yr 100,000 mile warranty on the hybird system. I would rate this vehicle, in the short period of ownership, one of the very best SUVs weve ever owned including Jeeps and a BMW X5.

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  So far, so good - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By colashan - July 4 - 12:07 pm

  looking for something practical. all in class seemed to have negatives except the camry. sonata, fusion (styling), accord (ride, noise) impala was her co. car that she didnt really care for. the camry was above avg in most everything we thought. safety and quality seemed excellent. ride and comfort was good. styling was above avg. and the dealer made us a deal at 25100, for the XLE with nav, out the door.

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  I heard an ECHO...and answered! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Ed1961 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be in more disagreement with the "professional" review for the ECHO (which came complete with an egregious spelling error.) My ECHO is red, and it looks like a rocket from the side. It handles very well in city traffic and on the highway. I love the roomy interior, I like the high seating the car affords, and I think the central location of the speedometer is pretty cool. The car has great pickup, its fun to drive, and the price was right. The Edmunds review of the ECHO smacks of snobbery and elitism. If you want a cool, reliable, reasonably -priced auto, you cant go wrong with this car!

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  Prius beats my expectations - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By hy voltg - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My Prius has ben a delight from the start. Its quality, fit and finish and feels are the usual Toyota rock solid. And the pay off at the pump is terrific. I just came back after a 600 mile trip and found it to be better than expected on the trek. The steering could use some more on center feel, and an armrest would be a plus, but other than that, I love it!

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  The loaded Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Gillmer21 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Its very realiable and drives very well. The only thing is that it didnt age well but other than that its a great car.

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  FUN AND SLEEK - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jam - July 4 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, SLEEK BUT AFFORDABLE, SPORTY BUT STILL ELEGANT