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 my FJ - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mel - May 25 - 7:50 am

  I bought this vehicle for off road. The stock vehicle is poorly set up for serious use off road (plastic bumper imitation skid plates, etc.) There 98% of complaints end. The off road ability even with stock tires is unbelievable. I have changed rims, ties and added armor (skid plates, rock sliders and real bumpers). The performance and power need to be driven to be believed. The standard vehicle is small inside, it aint a Suburban. There is limited storage space. The hood is high and forward visibility is limited. If you cant drive with mirrors this vehicle is not for you. FJ could use more sound deadening. Very noisy at high speed. it hauls and turns on a dime. I love it.

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  Id buy another - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By katwebb - May 25 - 5:33 am

  My 1993 Camry has 130,000 miles and runs beautifully. Its still a sound and good looking car with no rust. Ive only replaced the brakes shoes once and have only needed minor repairs and Im not that great about routine maintenence! Its not a hot rod or a hot style but Ive gotten my moneys worth. Its paid for and I plan to drive it a couple of more years!

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  A great second car. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe Z - May 25 - 1:43 am

  I turn on the ignation and it starts at once,never a failure so far.Great gas milage.Installed new tires at 43000 miles. Not so good features: A hard ride and could be less noisy.Over all, a great value.

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  Toyota is #1 - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By studio69 - May 25 - 12:40 am

  Over the years I have owned and driven over 35 cars, the first of which was a 1950 Packard, five of which were Toyotas. Now I own a Camry Hybrid. This vehicle is very exciting to drive and anyone that has ridden in it with me cannot belive the technology that goes into these vehicles. I have never been let down by any Toyota that I have owned. I am confident that this TCH will give me many years of inexpensive happy motoring.

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  2014 Avalon Hybrid - Caveat Emptor - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By avalon_owner - May 24 - 7:40 pm

  Theres a lot to like about this car, but dont buy one. I test drove it, and thought the ride was a little stiff, but acceptable. Ive been driving it for a month now, and each day the harshness of the ride becomes more annoying. Every rut, crack and bump on the road is telegraphed through the chassis. Youll hear every road imperfection and feel it in your feet on the floor and through the seat. On a rough road, youll be thrown around like a rag doll. The longer you ride in it, the more horrible it becomes. Toyota at least owes us an apology for the terrible suspension. But they really owe us a recall and repair of this abomination.

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  Best vehicle I have owned - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By formergmcguy - May 24 - 5:57 pm

  I bought this truck new and at 13,000 miles, I have not had one single thing not function the way it is supposed. My previous 2 vehicles were GMCs and I had nothing but problems with them and GM doesnt stand behind their products. I get about 19 mpg in mixed driving. Winter mileage drops to around 15. This truck tows trailers with ease---dont even know they are there. Feels safer than the GMC Sierra. Im very impressed with its build quality. Very quiet. Handles extremely well for a large vehicle. The TRD package gives a stiff ride but is good when loaded or has a trailer in tow. Love the crewmax cab setup.

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  Love my highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary - May 24 - 4:30 pm

  I have owned my highlander 8 mos. and would buy another one in a minute! Did a lot of research, drove several cars within in all major brands. This was my #1 choice. It has been great all the way around - very comfortable, good mileage (24 mpg hwy)and fits our family of 4 great. No regrets - two thumbs up!

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  Great Car! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By DSlayer121 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have never felt a four cylinder with so much power and it gets 35 to the gallon! Plus, my car has one of the most clasic body styles on the road! It is ABSOLUTELY GREAT!

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  984rnner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By bigcat9 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Had to replace both O2 sensors at 100,000 miles. Clock had to be repaced at 111000 miles and power antenna assembly at 105000 miles. No other problems. Paint and finish excellent. Rear springs replaced and supplemented under recall. Some emission control parts had warranty extended by Toyota.

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  140,ooo and still drives like new - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rhettro - May 24 - 10:00 am

  the title says it all, replaced an alternater belt, small water leak, and thats it, most importantly, the trany and engine are running the same as they did when we purchased this car. A/C is still going stronger than ever, surprising, since i live in Atlanta. Ive been moving a lot lately, and it has no problems towing a big, uhaul trailer, HIGHLY recommend this vehicle, with a V6, im getting around 17mpg