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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  1995 Tacoma 4WD Xtra Cab V6 - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bobs95 - March 1 - 8:20 pm

  I have 135K on this truck and its still going very strong. I have cheated - I have always used Amsoil pure synthetic lubes, oil and air filters, so low wear is to be expected. But the fact that Ive had very few other components fail is testimony to a quality design and the famous Toyota reliability. Ive been 4-wheeling and camping and it goes everywhere I need it to. Recently I bought a 4000 pound travel trailer and will likely step up to the V8 Tundra since this trailer is close to the limit of this Tacomas towing capacity (5000 lbs). But it does tow economically - we just got back from a camping trip up into the high Sierras (6500 feet) and got 15 MPG on the trip towing the trailer.

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  I just love this car! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By S. Bay - March 1 - 1:33 pm

  This car has been the best performing car I have ever owned, and has great gas mileage (almost equal to a hybrid).

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  Love My New Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Shade - February 28 - 8:26 pm

  I just traded in my old 1999 Ford Taurus for a 2009 Toyota Camry. I bought the Camry used with 35000 miles. The ride is like riding on glass. I put a lot of miles on a car per year (about 20,000 miles) and filled up my Taurus 3 times per week at about 30 dollars a fill. I fill up my Camry once a week. That saves me 200 dollars per month. Amazing! The only thing I have to criticize is the head rests are very uncomfortable because they push your head forward. I adjust the angle of the seat to compensate. They should make the head rests adjustable horizontally. I have a four cylinder and it has impressive power similar to my 6 cylinder 1999 Ford Taurus I traded.

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  I am spoiled! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lairg - February 28 - 3:50 pm

  This is the funnest car I have ever owned. Love the top down year round in Florida. It looks like money without being out of the average persons price range.

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  Value for the dollar - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By BG - February 27 - 7:48 pm

  Make sure you understand the vehicle before you buy it. New vehicles are complex, as are the options available.

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  Raves 4 RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By mike nath - February 27 - 1:00 pm

  My wife, 2 dogs (German Shepherd and Rottweiler), and I needed a car that could carry us all on trips in comfort and with good gas mileage. The RAV4 seemed to fit the bill. In actuality, it more than fits our needs. We do not need super power on the highway, but the RAV4 is quick and does not have the usual 4- cyl engine noise at highway speeds. MPG is a solid 27 average for us. Fit and finish are great. This base FWD model is perfect for our situation. We could not be happier with this car.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By eleanor - February 27 - 10:33 am

  What a great SUV. I enjoy driving it in all types of weather and on any type of road. Tight turning radius, very good power for a 4 cyl and it has a smooth ride.

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  fj cruiser review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By arnold roque - February 27 - 2:23 am

  its fun and great to drive

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  Best SUV (Period) - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Harry.t - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I had 3 new Toyota 4Runners since 1988 and the 2004 Sequoia is truly one of the best trucks in the world. I do quite a bit of 4wheeling, and this truck is better than any other truck I have driven, I dont like the new look of the 4Runner so I am glad the Sequoia took its place.

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  my wifes SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Scout Av8er - February 27 - 2:00 am

  My wife loves her SUV. Has no problems driving in the snow. Feels safe and secure in the vehicle.