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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  Nothing Bad to Say - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dale Howard - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I can not find anything to complain about regarding my new 2004 Prius. I average 50-55 mpg and this is great with gasoline prices so high now. The car actually has better pick-up than my former car, which was a 1985 VW Scirocco. I have lots of people to ask about it and how I like it. My friend, who owns a VW Jetta, says that my car has more interior room than his. Wonderfuf CAR!

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  2004 SEQ REVIEW - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By JMG0308 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  GREAT FAMILY CAR PLENTY OF ROOM HAS DRIVEN WELL IN SNOW.

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  Can you say... DEPENDABILITY?! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By DaveinNorthCarolina - January 10 - 10:00 am

  One word sums up WHY I bought the Tundra, DEPENDABILITY! This makes my 3rd Toyota truck! I still have #2 (a 95 Tacoma extended cab V6 4x4) which I use as a daily commuter. 122,428 miles and counting! Simply stated, I BELIEVE in the Toyota product! Don’t take my word for it. While you’re here at Edmunds, check out JD Powers assessment of the Tundra. Compared with Nissan’s Titan, the Tundra got higher marks for MECHANICAL QUALITY, FEATURE & ACCESSORY QUALITY, and BODY & INTERIOR QUALITY. Key word is QUALITY! That says volumes for me and MY money! Another MAJOR factor in buying the Tundra; the GOTTA HAVE IT factor! The Tundra MORE than satisfies here!

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  Craigs truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Craig - January 10 - 4:06 am

  This truck has all the power you will need. The brakes are spongy and the clutch takes getting used to. Otherwise, this truck is typical Toyota quality.

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  Best car for around 20k - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By charlie - January 10 - 1:30 am

  The best car I ever had its true what people say about toyotas they run forever well in my situation 300k and still running strong and smooth like the day I bought it recommend it to everyone

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  Toyota once again comes through - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By austin35 - January 10 - 12:30 am

  My wife and I recently bought a Certified used Toyota Venza 2009 with the 20" tires and rims, privacy glass, roof rack, and special bumper. So far this is a fantastic vehicle and fun to drive also gets great gas mileage. We can easily put our 3 month old in the spacious back seat! Furthermore Im 6 foot 2 inches tall and have plenty of room. The ride is sound. The stability control and all wheel drive feels secure on the road. The 4 cylinder is just a bit loud when you step on the gas, however with the six disc CD player, SAT radio, and MP3 player who cares! Overall I think this is great vehicle for a family that dose not want to buy a dreaded Mini Van.

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  Wow!!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By salmon58 - January 9 - 11:43 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Funnest car Ive ever driven. I feel very safe driving it, and Ive never had that comfort with a vehicle. Have a son and a dog, no worries over spills, simply wipe out the floor boards with a wet cloth and poof, looks good as new. Love the looks of vehicle also. Like the simpleness of the inside. Big knobs for everything, easy to handle, four wheel drive is easy to use, recommend this vehicle for anyone who likes a smooth driving vehicle with the toughness of any four wheel drive. Drives really good in snow and ice as well as the freeway. Gas mileage is no worse than my xl-7, but I got so much more for my money. For such a tough car, its a very smooth drive.

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  Great little/big truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Terry - January 9 - 9:30 pm

  This truck had 42,000 miles on it when I bought it. I am an on the road salesman and the truck has never let me down. I now have over 205,000 miles on it and get about 21 miles per gal. Its never been tuned up, nor has the timing belt been changed. I have no doubt the truck will keep on going.

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  Great way to get out of the SUV world! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tammy Thomas - January 9 - 11:06 am

  I changed from an Expedition, this is the only way to make the switch from an SUV worth it. This car is completely fun to drive, great on gas and roomy enough for my two children and their booster seats.

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  Perfect for young driver - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By JJ - January 9 - 8:46 am

  I just turned 20 and Ive had the car for about 2 years. I have torn the hell out of the car and drove it like a bat out of hell. It always started up no matter what. Ive had two minor wrecks in the car. And had to drive it with several problems. But it just wont die. There is always plenty of room. My stepdad who is 6ft 3inches use to drive it all the time.