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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  LOVE it !! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Romer - December 26 - 7:53 am

  I bought my SR5 4WD 4Runner new in 97. 8 years and 88K miles later, only the antenna has stopped working. I have done all of the scheduled maintenance on time and 8 years later, I am averaging 20 MPG. The ride is fair for a truck based SUV. The power is also fair but not enough when I was towing my boat. Would not trade it for any other SUV.

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  Love it ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sharon - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I was not sure at first about trading my 01 Honda Accord but have been more than satisfied with the performance, looks, and comfort. I love the interior lighting... very retro. Ride is much smoother than the Honda.

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  Pleased With My First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Tim - December 26 - 12:56 am

  My first Toyota and Im very pleased with this car. Lots of upgrades and gadgets make this a fun car to drive and show off. Was considering Lexus IS, but back seat, even though I dont use a lot, was too small to compromise. Others: Chrysler 300 and Cadi CTS just didnt have all the extras for such a great price. Gas mileage first 2000 miles is 25-27 combined and 33 straight highway. Accelerates nicely/brakes well. Nav system is fun and useful, but the toggle/select button makes it so frustrating. Laser cruise control is the best feature. Keyless entry/start is beneficial as well as fun to demonstrate. Seats are hard and Id do without the vent/heat to soften them up (if given the choice).

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Rafael - December 25 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife (and three kids). Test drove various models including the Odyssey. The key feature that drove us to choose the Sienna was the AWD otherwise the Odyssey would have been our choice. The Odyssey drives very smoothly and it felt very comfortable. However the Sienna is very close. I was a bit disappointed with the ride as you feel pretty much every bump on the street. I guess it is because of the run flat tires since they are so stiff. Overall the interior design in very good and it works great for the family.

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  Pleasant, comfortable & reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Dick - December 25 - 10:16 pm

  I got into the car at the dealership and it was the most comfortable of all the cars I was considering. Performance was fine and the car has been reliable requiring only regular maintainance except for a battery replacement. It has been a car that is easy to use in city and great on the road usually delivering 30-32 miles per gallon country and 17 -19 city.

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  Good safe choice - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By winston - December 25 - 9:33 pm

  My wife and I were comparing Honda Pilot and Highlander. Decided on Toyota because of finance deal and 6 disc changer that dealer put in and DVD system. Toyota is a little smaller than Pilot and does not ride as high, but makes it easier for my wife to get in the car. Drives very smoothly with good power curve when accelerating. Also has better gas mileage than Pilot. Interior is well laid out with features such as backset bottle holders and backseat is comfortable and reclines.

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  Eco Two rocks! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By BobbyG - December 25 - 2:26 pm

  I averaged 62.1 mpg out of my first tank of gas. I only drive it in Eco mode, have never even turned on Normal or Power mode. This will probably be my best mileage score in this car, I expect about 5 mpg less when driving more normal, paying less attention to fuel savings. Friends that have the previous model Prius say I get almost 10mpg compared to them. Driving this car is great. The ride is exceptional for a $25K car, super stable and it hugs the road very nicely in corners. Im very impressed with the overall quality of the car itself and the handling. The Eco model doesnt have the fancy Lane Departure warnings or Parking Assist or even a Nav unit but I am very pleased with this car and is still loaded with new tech. Love the displays.

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  Love the Highlander! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Ann Patty - December 25 - 10:07 am

  I test drove over ten SUVs and by far thought the Toyota Highlander was the best value of any!

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  Best new vehicle purchase Ive ever made - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By David - December 24 - 10:33 pm

  Compared to my Jeep Liberty (which this replaced), the Highlander is amazing. It has just the right amount of space, gas mileage is impressive, and dont let anyone tell you that the 4-cylinder engine isnt powerful enough; it has more than enough "get up and go". Rides very smooth and quiet.

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  2005 Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom - December 24 - 8:56 am

  Had vehicle for 2 months and love it. Gas mileage is very good compared to other vans. Engine is right power for weight.