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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  Some flaws - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By LandRover - September 30 - 9:20 pm

  I have been very disappointed with the FJ! Current Land Rover owner... dont think for a second that youre getting one of those for $30K. First impression driving, very WEAK on power. The wifes Accord has way more get up and go. Rear visibility is tolerable for GREAT drivers, for average ones look out. Cannot believe those tiny windows in the back dont even open, the back seat is like a crypt. Cant see anything outside, so much for an "off-road" vehicle. Storage space is also very limited. If ALL you will use this for is off- roading, fine, but its no commuter.

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  2012 LE Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By jetzooom - September 30 - 8:16 pm

  Bought it about 1 month ago...fun to drive, the handling is great...the gas milage is great (29.8) in town and hyway...the lumber automatic seats for the driver is fantastic and not usually found on this priced car..the car is very fast (4 cyl) and responsive and I love the bluetooth and steering wheel controled radio...Things that need improvement 1) door unlock button is small and in an ackward place. 2) the truck lid will come down and hit you in the head if your not careful. 3. the ac and heat controls need improvement.. I love to drive this car and traded in my caddy...it does not have the ride of the caddy but the gas milage more than makes up for it..

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  bucket seats - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By melinda wilson - September 30 - 6:19 pm

  The 2 row of seats are bucket seats did not care for that design.

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  very Good - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bo - September 30 - 4:00 pm

  Very good handling, nice ride on rough road and in cornering.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Gina - September 30 - 8:23 am

  We did a lot of researching before buying this car. I used to own a 1994 Corolla and was scared this would be a difficult transition. I have been very impressed with the car so far. The fuel economy is not that bad. I average about 22 miles per gallon. The ride is very smooth and the the car handling is impressive.

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  Love it so far! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By LAK77 - September 30 - 3:40 am

  I have owned the truck for about three weeks now and 1,500 miles in to ownership I am very pleased. I love the power, handling, and space. I have just ordered an intake and muffler for it hoping it will help increase the airflow and improve my fuel mileage a bit (even though I am already getting between 16-18.5). I feel bad for making fun of Toyotas for so long! I am not sure I would make another purchase outside of their lineup.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By rdibella - September 29 - 9:10 pm

  1) Significant, frequent and dangerous hesitation problem (reminiscent of an out-of-adjustment carburetor in the old days). 2) Rough shifting transmission; shifts at odd rpm levels. 3) Annoying rear hatch door rattle. 4) Rough starting at unpredictable times. 5) Difficult to moderate AC/heat with the standard controls. 6) Other trivial items that, in the past, would have never been associated with a Toyota product.

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  Almost Perfect - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By buzzkiller - September 29 - 4:52 pm

  I have had a 4X4, 17" wheel for six-months now. One must understand Toyotas list of options doesnt mean that theyre really available. Toyota installs options based on info they received from previous years customers. They also put the premium options only on the most expensive model. (Moonroof, full-size opening rear window are on Quad only.) There was only one Tundra with the options I wanted on the West Coast and it came with options I didnt want. Gas mileage is 14.6 to 14.7. Doesnt matter if Im on the flat interstate, a Sierra dirt road, or city streets. I am 55 and keep vehicles for twenty years. With that in mind, my biggest regret is the crappy interior materials - I get to watch what is now crappy get even worse as time goes on. Other than that, and the freeway beatings, I love the truck and look forward to using it to its fullest towing a rolling mansion when I retire.

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  Reliable and comfortable - 2016 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mustafa Bukhari - September 29 - 4:50 pm

  I had my 4Runner for one year and we absolutely love the ride. This SUV is exceptionally manufactured by Japanese engineers that understand quality and durability. It rides very quietly and powerfully. The navigation and is great. Very reliable and tough.

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  Pretty much pleased with my Fleet Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Biodot - September 29 - 10:03 am

  This was my first Toyota and its a plain Jane Fleet car. It looks nice and is comfy and full of good features for a base model. The four cylinder is surprisingly good and good on the gas. The tranny makes the experience more bearable and it is quiet and seamless. Ive had absolutely no issues with the car and have over 42,000 miles.