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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  Impressive and a steal - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Worth every $$ - May 5 - 6:16 pm

  Have had the car for 1 week and its been a great experience. I would recommend this car to family. Cant go wrong. The price point makes sense. You get a lot for your $$$. They actually redesigned this car to have its own character... not a bigger Camry.

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  Sport Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toyota Loyal - May 5 - 3:10 pm

  This is my 2nd Solara and I love it! The vehicle is not a "sports" car, not good for those who want the (unnecessary) acceleration and zip of other sport cars. This is more of a cruising/touring vehicle. Feels like a hot knife through butter on the road, velvety ride, smooth handling. Handles very luxuriously and the sport trim adds a little more pizzaz with the interior carbon trim (as opposed to woodgrain), sport pedals and ground effect. Very quiet on the road, top up or down. Bluetooth is impressive even with the top down on the interstate - conversations are easy.

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  225,000 miles, runs fine - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By troyboy4 - May 5 - 6:16 am

  Bought my 96 LE V6 used with 32,000 miles - today it has 225,000 and still runs good. I have been waiting for some major repair to come-up, but it has never happened. original engine and transmission - repairs have been - power steering hoses, cv boots, water pump, starter- thats about it nothing major. excellent - glad I bought the V6, I think they last longer than the 4 bangers

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  The Corolla Has So Much Going For It! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Kevin - May 5 - 4:16 am

  The Corolla has some giddie upn go and handles well for a little car, because I like to move it through traffic, I like to shift from lane to lane, I like to find my openings, I like to time it , I like to make my move, I like to beat those yellow lights. This car can handle all of that!

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  Manual locking the door is a chore - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By anna riley - May 5 - 3:58 am

  I love Corolla, I owned 2 previously, one lasted 171/2 years that has 274,000 miles, it is still running. Any way, I got the lowest model L expecting similar convenience but I am annoyed with finding the locking button. It is sort of hidden behind the door handle and it is so small, extremely awkward to locate and push it. Also, there is a waste space on the inside door, previously there was a little storage that I could put little items that I could reach quickly while driving, not there any more. I also missed another storage space near the mirror control button. I use that space too for my small items within reach, now I have to look down to put small items away and have to look down to locate it. Other than these inconveniences, the car is great so far. I only own it for 1 month but I expect it is a great car for long term value. Anna

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  Excellent Choice - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Tammy - May 4 - 4:16 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle. We have owned a 2000 Sienna, 2001 Odyssey, 2004 Odyssey and this 2005 Sienna blows them all away. I love driving and riding in my van. It is a perfect fit for a family. We love the roll down windows, dual power doors, and all of the well used space. It is just a great vehicle.

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  Head and Shoulders Above the Rest! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By SpursMike - May 4 - 4:16 pm

  Without a doubt the best full-size pickup on the market! Overall build quality combined with numerous standard features not found on the competition makes the 07 Tundra the class leader. Standard features include side-curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Automatic Traction Control, and 4 wheel ABS.

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  Loved...Loved...Loved my 2008 4Runner! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By horseluver5 - May 4 - 3:18 pm

  I had a 2008 4Runner that I bought in December of 09. I loved that car from the first time I drove it. It was great in the snow, rain or mountains. The 6 cylinder had enough power to get me where ever I wanted to go. Unfortunately on August 3rd I was in an accident where we were basically hit head on, but to the amazement of everyone we "walked" away with minor injuries! It was me, my daughter and my 3 year old granddaughter in her car seat in the back. Us two up front have injury from the seatbelts/whiplash but my granddaughter is completely fine. I cant say the same for my car, she didnt make it through the accident but she did save our lives! Best Car Ever!

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  My first new car and I love it! - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Grace - May 4 - 10:13 am

  My husband and I bought a highlander (V6 without the third row) 3 days ago and we love it. It had everything we were looking for and more. It did come with some extras: moon roof, 8 position adjustable seat, rear spoiler and more. We had just wanted the basics, but the price was so good, we could not resist.

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  perfect truck - 1997 Toyota T100
  By cartaufalous - May 4 - 10:00 am

  70,000 miles and nothing has ever broken. The clock works. The stereo works. Everything works. Perfectly.