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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  Good Value - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Real - May 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive driven the Lexus 400 Series since 1991 and have just purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry SE V6, and the car is excellent. Its not the Lexus flagships I used to drive, but close & I have more money left in pocket which puts a smile on my face.

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  Excellent Stability and Comfort - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Sandeep Nema - May 27 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle just standard LE, without stability and traction control. Even then I feel its very stable during exit turns at high speeds and does not rattle. this year Camry is as quiet as previous year models and compared to Honda Accord. Exterior looks are at par with Lexus and more lavish than Accord 08/09 models. Interior is comfortable, but at times I get with interior plastic finish a bit cheaper feel. Probable Toyota tried to compensate interior to implement newer EPA safety standards and expansive research for fuel economy by keeping car at almost same price of 2008.

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  ECHO THE BEST - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Kat - May 27 - 4:06 pm

  When I need to "move" from an entrance ramp onto a fast highway, my ECHO is there for me. When I need to "gas-it" to get around a truck or Sunday driver...my ECHO is there for me. New York City should buy a fleet of ECHOs to use as eco-enviro Taxi cabs. The back seat is huge, I know, I am a tall person and have to sit back there to wash the windows periodically. I LOVE my ECHO! And he (vinnie..hes black) is SO cute! 39MPG + on the highway. 36mpg in Manhattan!!!

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  Another Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By frank452661 - May 27 - 2:53 pm

  Im very pleased with this truck. My last, 2.4 manual, had 137,000, no problems. This is quiet, well built, one hwy trip netted 28.4mpg. Combined driving in the 26mpg range. More than enough power to tow trailer and 4- wheeler.

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  Best truck out there - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Rob - May 27 - 6:53 am

  I have been a GM guy for decades. I came out of a 2005 Chevy Avalanche and was going to get a 2008 Avalanche until I test drove the Tundra Crewmax. What a vehicle! I test drove the best GM had to offer, the 2008 GMC Sierra Denali, and this beat it hands down in power, quietness, smooth ride, interior storage, and all the electronic gadgets. Love this truck.

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  2017 Tundra Double Door 4WD - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By James Alexander - May 27 - 6:14 am

  Excellent Value! Great quality!

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  My 2001 California Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By THendren - May 27 - 6:03 am

  At 110K miles, I am impressed with my classic Prius even before buying it. It is more fun to drive since I replaced the tires (52k miles, 2 sets) with a stiffer brand (67k miles one set). Brakes (still at 60%) should last 200,000 miles. Early on needed computer replaced, no problems now. Have taken two 4,000 plus mile trips with mpg at 44 each. I can sit in the back seat with head clearance. Fully expect the car and battery to last 300k. We like this model better than the 2004 version but am waiting for the 94mpg version due next year.

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  Red 2007 RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By darlag2 - May 27 - 3:03 am

  I bought my RAV4 in December and the whether got bad the minute I left the lot (literally the first snowflakes fee as I pulled onto the road). The car drove like a dream on both wet and snow covered roads. The heated seats and self-dimming mirror are great! As the motor gets broken in my milage is moving up. I love this car!

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  Super Economical vehicle - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By morphius12812003 - May 27 - 2:16 am

  My wife and I have recently driven home with our new 2010 Prius IV package. We paid for the extra paint and door sills. The illuminated door sills are excellent additions and we both love the aesthetics. As for overall performance, the vehicle remains efficient and sleek with its re-design. Added power and versatility gives more pep in the open road (although it will not win many street races). We have also looked at adding after-market products to accent the new purchase, paying much lower than dealer pricing. Dont let the dealer charge MSRP or more, I got mine for $1000 below sticker, plus a 7 year-75k bumper-2-bumper warranty for only $945 extra.

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  Watch the DOORS! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By macdukep - May 26 - 11:10 pm

  Sliding rear doors have been malfunctioning since purchased. Do not buy this model if you live in cold climates: the sliding doors freeze shut on a regular basis. Also one of the sliding doors malfunction and will not open at all (feels like the child lock is on even when it is off.) Other people with same problems can be found on edmunds.com under Toyota Sienna. Dealer wants $850.00 to fix. It really seems like a defective door yet they want consumer to cover the cost. In addition, dont ever try reaching Toyota on their 800 number unless you have time to spare. I was on hold 60 min before they picked up. Other times I hung up after 20 min. Not concerned for customer.