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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  Over-rated - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - November 10 - 2:13 am

  We went with Toyota due to its history as a great car. Went with the SE w/V6 for performance. We had it in the shop the first week we got it. Had to take it back 3 times before they replaced the rear shocks and the noise did go away. However, we have developed a cabin noise in the front. All and all, Im not sure Toyota is what it was. The fit and finish in the cabin is not the level of quality I expected. We have had the car a year, and I think you should shop around before you buy, because Toyota is over-rated.

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  Great...would have been better w/4 Cyl - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ljmiii - November 10 - 1:00 am

  Delightful. Overall, it is the best seven seat vehicle out there. Good comfort, quality, and driveability. I get about 23 MPG hwy, 35 MPG city though you can do better on the HWY by going slower. The car is great to drive on the freeway and ideal in the city but not so good on twisty roads. In fact my chief complaint is that the acceleration and braking so dramatically outperform the suspension... there is no reason for 268 HP in a car this tipsy. They should have gone with the Highlander/Camry 4 cyl, hybridized the performance up to the 6 cyl, and delivered better mileage (like the Prius).

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  Car You Must Have!! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By MOSSO71 - November 10 - 12:23 am

  Ive been driving this car for around 2 years (was used, 84,678 miles). It is excellent, no problems whatsoever and Im up to 95,235 miles. The ride is very smooth, the seats are comfortable, the noise level is also really low. The controls are very easy to use, and the displays are not confusing. The AC gets cool really quickly, and the heat gets warm quickly. Overall this is a great car that I would recommend. Its reliable and I havent had any problems with it so far. Just I can say its the best car ever!!

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  pleased with choice - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By wwh - November 9 - 11:50 am

  Just bought Highlander for my wife and we love it. Highlander has a little better gas mileage and felt that the ride was a little more comfortable than others. Fit and finish are high quality and most interior features are well thought out such as bottle holders in rear doors. V6 engine is very smooth without any significant hitches when changing gears. Highlander also has no real blind spots and sits a little lower than other SUVs so my wife can get in and out easier.

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  No Problem -Toyota- - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Terry C. - November 9 - 10:16 am

  This is the most solid pickup Ive ever been in in my life! Nary a squeak or rattle anywhere. This is my third Toy pickup and Im impressed with their product. The V-6 provides ample power, I didnt want a six cylinder until I tried one. Buy with confidence!

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  Smooth on Highway, a Little Rough Local - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By sy - November 9 - 8:26 am

  Drove from Chicago to Las Vegas (1700+) miles smoothly. Plenty of horses, but accelerating from a stop, the transmission tends to lag a bit. Not sure if its torque steer, the SUV weight or needs better quality or premium gas, or the trans itself. However, once you get moving, this vehicle can fly. It rides very smooth on the highway even going 100+. Its a bit bumpy on local streets, especially for the rear passengers, but keep in mind, after all, it is an SUV. Exterior looks great, but the interior is a little "plasticky", I guess thats how you keep costs down. If you want more refinement, go with the luxury brands. Otherwise, this is what $25K gets you (w/o 4WD). Overall, good value.

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  My first Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By E.D - November 9 - 2:40 am

  I bought my 2005 LE Camry about 3 months ago and so far no problems. This is a roomy and comfortable car. Its also pretty smooth compared to my other car. Ive only noticed some slight hesitation when I try to accelerate quickly. This is a reliable, practical, comfortable and roomy car.

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By shortierocka1 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  My first time in a camery, smooth, clean ride, sturdy. I felt very comfortable with the power it gave and how safe it makes me feel. I have not had any problmes what so ever with the vehicle. Just keep your maintenence up & you could have this car for years to come!

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Marc Yu - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Great overall value. Warren Brown, the car editor for the Washington Post, just helped his daughter get one and he cant believe how great this car is for the money. The seat material and shape need help, though. Lots of help.

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  fun to drive, poor mileage - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By green98taco - November 9 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck, it goes anywhere, including offroad. its gas mileage sucks, but if i want to go into the mountains or some big mudholes, who cares? looks great, and fairly easy to modify. ill say it again, i love it!!!