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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  Eh. - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By peawiddle - April 18 - 1:20 am

  This is my third Corolla. I traded in a 1995 for a 2003. Loved the 2003 S, I only traded it in because the miles were high (I drove a lot back then.) I feel that Toyota really let the interior quality go down hill. There are rattles and shakes in the doors, glove box and sunroof. My gearshift wobbles and the felt lining in the ceiling is coming out... not what I expected. Ill still keep the car until it gives out on me, but Im very disappointed in the interior quality.

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  Two years later Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Candy Ammons - April 18 - 1:00 am

  I still love my camry, mileage runs 40 to 42 mpg in Idaho, when in Calif for the winter 38 to 40 (more traffic). It runs smooth, quiet, still on original tires. 38,000 miles on it, I get routine maintenance at the Toyota dealer. No mechanical problems at all.

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  This is the one - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mj23cantona - April 17 - 10:23 pm

  Across the board, the best half-ton truck out there. Fun to drive, sexy design, amazing capabilities. Its interior does have a bit too much of a plastic feel, but is adequate and functional. Made in the USA.

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  2009 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 3.5L - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By DB - April 17 - 9:00 pm

  I was torn between this and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota won out even though it was $3,000 more. The comfort and the ride were just better. It is a very fun vehicle to drive. The fit and finish were what I would expect from Toyota. I do wish the Bluetooth was a little easier to use. I am also unsure about the electronic key. Its nice but I Kayak and worry about getting it wet. I would buy this vehicle again though.

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  2014 camry LE - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By richard - April 17 - 6:00 pm

  Not near the same car as my old Camry. Had a 2002 LE that was the best car I have ever owned. My wife and I joke that the Corolla became the Camry and the Tercel became the Corolla. The quality isnt that great, noisier, less visibility. And the topper is that the gas mileage works out to little better than my 2002 V6 was getting after 14 years and 240,000 miles!

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  Skeptics are wrong - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By longhornwine - April 17 - 3:57 pm

  I did a lot of research before deciding on a Prius, and found that, though there are plenty of raving fans, there are also a lot of detractors. I read reviews about unbearable seats, terrible road noise, lack of power, and poor driving experience. After test drives, I decided to take a chance, and bought a new Persona model, which is basically an appearance package with a few upgrades, like the 17" wheels, navigation, and leather. Ive driven it enough now to comment: the driver seat is as comfortable as any Ive ever seen. The ride and road noise are typical for any vehicle of similar class. The power is great in Power Mode, the sound system is great, and the overall sense is great!

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  Perfect car for me! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By safari4 - April 17 - 3:09 pm

  I laugh when people call camrys boring. I drove a 02 camry and a 04 avalon for years, those were boring! Besides its a mid size 4 door sedan priced in the mid twenties, how exciting can it get? Bought the SE 4 cyc a few weeks ago. Love it! Power seats, auto dim mirrors, floor mats, plus all the standard features was plenty of bells and whistles for me. Tried the xle first which is a great value for features. The SE is a completely different feel in steering, handling, seats, and even the ride. Test drove them back to back a few times and knew the SE was the one. Glad mine didnt have entune. Ive got a iphone for that stuff and didnt want to pay an extra 1k. TEN airbags people!

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  the best - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By matt - April 17 - 1:03 pm

  This car is great. I bought it used with 75,000 on it and it now has 175,000. The light in the ashtray no longer works... that is it. Had the cap & rotor replaced recently and the mechanic said "your car is like a way back machine. Everything is original!" If it aint broke...

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  Love the Prius! still going............. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Tone - April 17 - 10:00 am

  To my surprise,the Prius is a great hybrid car. The Prius has very arrowdynamic exterior styling,especially in the front. If you want a hybrid car,this is a great choice.I have about 500 miles on my new 2003 prius. 507 to be exact and Im stil on my first tank of gas!!!!!!! LOVE the gas mileage! This car is huge on the inside:).It seems almost like you are sitting in a Camry. Not the best looking car Ive ever seen, but it is definitely great value for the dollar. All Toyotas are.:)

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  1999 Toyota RAV4 - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By oble95 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Being a Toyota, it has definitely been reliable. The handling is excellent; you really dont feel youre driving a truck. Gas mileage is also excellent.The only complaint I have is the lack of power. Changing lanes or passing other vehicles will require some planning.