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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  Very Reliable, Excellent Quality - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By MistR Pardi - November 13 - 11:16 am

  As far as quality goes this car rates a 20. When I bought my 94 Camry I first thought it was a 97 or 98 from the looks of the interior. I know cars and this car is solid. No parts falling apart or ripping seats like others in its class. Only repairs I have had to do were fix the rear struts and a small oil leak so far. I also replaced the timing belt which made the car brand new. Keep up with oil changes and tune ups and this car will drive forever.

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  A Lexus for a Camry Price !!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Mogab - November 13 - 9:36 am

  Bought the XLE V6 with every option on it except heated seats... who needs heated seats in Florida. Car is fantastic. Exterior reminds me of a 530i and the interior is plush especially with the light woodgrain finish. The Nav is easy to use and figure out compared to other reviews I have read on other makers. I have had zero problems so far at 2000 miles and am averaging around 27mpg with city and highway combined. This is my first Toyota after driving Chrysler products for the last 15 years.

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  Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By suvad13 - November 12 - 9:32 pm

  We purchased our Highlander 5 weeks ago and have 2200 miles logged. The comfort and practically of the interior is superb. It drives very well, quiet cabin, and we love the bluetooth and rear view camera. The V-6 has plently of power and average 24-26 mpg on the hwy. In mixed driving 22 mpg. There is also plenty of storage.

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  Great but with problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By D C - November 12 - 7:23 pm

  First time to drive a Toyota, never owned a truck other than GMC. Drives great and is comfortable. Been back to the dealer twice in two weeks trying to fix the whistling from the windshield, sounds like youre holding a beer bottle out the window. No other problems!

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  Perfect Fit for years to come - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Adam V - November 12 - 3:40 pm

  I sold my V6 99 Accord to help finance the 07 RAV4 and so far so good. Its as near perfect in terms of optioning as I could find, and the utility it offers is second to none. The interior layout is classic toyota and controls are placed in harmony where youd want them to be. Outside styling is always personal, but I love looking at it even after the honeymoon period is over. Rear door is a blessing and a curse, but when picking up a plasma TV last week my mothers 06 Ford Escape could not hold it b/c of the rear liftgage setup. The RAV4s swing door allowed more vertical clearance. Also, love the spare on back to allow for more cargo space even at expense of the "look."

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jat - November 12 - 1:53 pm

  I have had this car for 1 1/2 years now. It has 39000 miles on it now. I have no problems what so ever out of this car. I actually average around 40 mpg. I do coast every chance I get.

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  Great car. - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Janice - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new and it has been a great car, reliable, good drive, roomy and comfortable. I purchased a new car in 1999 and wished I bought another Camry. I purchased an Accord which is reliable but not as attractive or fun to drive. I have 140,000 miles on the car and it still runs great.

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  pretty nice car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Sam S - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for approx. two years and I havent seen one problem with it. I even got in an accident where someone rear-ended me at about 40 MPH. I noticed that the damage was fairly minimal. The acceleration is pretty good except I dont like how the car is approx. 300 pounds heavier than the Maxima. I also dont like how there is no available manual trans. with this car like the Maxima. Overall I giv this car a good rating.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By gaylian - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage, excellent pickup and very sporty looking.

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  Owners Pride - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By LV_Boy - November 12 - 2:00 am

  What can i say, Celica GT-S is simply a dream machine for anyone who would like to own a reliable and economical race car for normal roads. Excellent steering and immense control on curved roads allows me to step on the gas and make turns, on speeds between 50-60 mph, seem easy. Of all the sport coupe competitors i have driven, Celica feels more in control as a race car.