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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  Best Car Ive had in 73 years - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jim & Danae Michael - August 20 - 3:50 am

  We bought this car to be green, save on gas and replace the gas guzzling Buicks we had. We had a friend who had a 2001 and let us drive it. We were sold. Our 2004 Prius is the best car we have ever owned. The only thing that went wrong was the fairly expensive starter battery which was replaced by the dealer for $212. Not bad for a four-year automotive parts and repair bill!

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  Technology that works-and its fun - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By rmstrauber - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Prius because I believe that it is the best technology available at this time to promote environmental resposnsibility and reduce our dependence on oil. The first 3000 miles included a 1000 mile trip to Fla. on interstates at 70 mph and 2000 miles of local driving in an urban setting. The car lives up to all expectations, it is comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Impressed in Ohio - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By TheGR8BGeezy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this car long, but I already love it. I bought it expecting some problems, and there are some, but they are nothing that is too expensive. The steering rack needed to be replaced along with the radio, nothing too major. Overall, Im very happy and impressed with the car and the way it has held up.

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  Better than an SUV - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sanjay - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought an SUV but after a careful research on the interior dimensions, Camry is very close to most mid sized SUVs in terms of interior space. Also, it sits taller than its competitors, and is shorter than at least a few SUVs by a mere 4 inches. Add to it the quality, comfort, and reliability of Toyota. Sure, Accords and Maximas have tons to offer too, but this a great product at a great price. One word of advice - You CAN get it for less than the TMV. I played 3 car dealers against one another, and actually got it $1200 below invoice, and almost $1000 blow TMV. THANK YOU EDMUNDS for providing SO much good information!!!

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  Excellent all-round car - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sam - August 19 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased this car after comparing this long and hard with the Fusion Hybrid, Acura TSX, and a pre-owned Lexus ES 350 in the same price range. It is on par with the Fusion with regards to the ride quality, handling (fusion is a wee bit better) and fuel economy. However, when comparing the top of the line versions, the fully optioned Camry beats a similarly equipped Fusion hybrid in interior build quality, hands down. The Camry is also a bit softer and quieter (On par with the ES 350). The only issue with the Camry is the image factor - If this is something thats important to you. Just dont expect your buddies to ask you for a test drive anytime soon!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Car Lover - August 19 - 10:23 am

  I currently have about 2,000 miles on my Venza and I love it. The interior is very comfortable and the leather is top notch. The Synthesis sound system is one of the best in a car under 50K. The car is very quick particularly on the highway, even when towing my 3,000 lb. boat. The 4WD is a great plus at the boat launch ramp and in the winter. So far I have averaged about 21 MPG. If you are easy on the gas you can do slightly better and highway fuel economy is great.

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  Highlander SPORT - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - August 19 - 9:13 am

  This is my fathers car and it is great. The sport suspension does make a difference, it handles better than my 2013 Highlanader. Theres more steering feel. It does well in the snow, havent had any problems with it. Just doing maintenance on it. The JBL sound system is amazing! Some of my leather Jackets tend to stick to the leather on the seats and make a weird noise when I get out of the seat. It does everything you want it to. I like the huge backup camera as well.

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  Awesome Car! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By AK - August 19 - 6:20 am

  I love everything about my Celica, probably the best car I have ever had by far! Would definitely recommend this car to any person close to me! It is so fun and little.

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  Breath of fresh air (literally!) - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mjw612 - August 19 - 6:13 am

  Bought the car in May after totalling my 04 Jeep Liberty in Feb. With all the amenities, I feel like Im in a much more expensive car! Temp controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth works perfectly with my motorola, JBL sound system is crystal clear, AUX input is great for the iPod, and the car has a much more refined appearance than its predececssor. I like the "fraichir" fabric and actually prefer it somewhat over leather (especially on extremely hot or cold days!).

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  Old Reliable - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Old Reliable - August 18 - 11:40 pm

  Thank goodness for reliable transportation. Bought in 2000 with 36000 miles. Only mechanical issues were some exhaust/catalytic converter problems. (NOT CHEAP TO FIX-1000 miles over Toyota extended warranty-which Toyota has admitted as manufacturing problem, but will not pay for). Ive owned 4 cars in the past 30 years, 3 of them a toyota. Theyre definitely boring, but reliable. The interior is cheap, and having 77000 miles on a ten year old car, it should look better than it does. Trim has been fading and falling off since 2000. Power window issues, release for gas cap has been broken for 9 years.