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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  Great all around Mid-Size SUV - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Ben B - August 30 - 1:53 am

  We compared this to the new Honda Pilot before buying. The Pilot really shined from the 2nd row back where it has more room in the 3rd row and storage space behind. The Highlander also had similar acceleration and handling. One of the deciding factors was how horrible the new Pilot looks. Let me put it this way if a Civic and an Odyssey had a child it would be the Honda Pilot. On the other hand, if a Camry and a 4 Runner had a child it would be a Highlander. The active safety features can be a little overwhelming at first, but they all have sensitivity adjustments. It really pays to sit and read the manual on this car as there are a ton of customization features from the loudness of the beep when you lock the door to the color of the buttons on the stereo. Im amazed by the quietness and smooth ride of this SUV. The steering is effortless, but there isnt enough feedback. It feels too much like a computer controller. Ill add more to the review later as I have more time driving the car.

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  Best car I owned - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Rich Gerenza - August 29 - 4:38 pm

  Best car ever owned

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  Happy new owner - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Don - August 29 - 2:40 pm

  Months of research and test drives came down to Flex vs. Highlander. Went with Highlander largely due to more conservative styling. Extremely quiet, comfortable car. Black after-market leather looks sharp with silver exterior. Great visibility, light steering, easy to drive. Factory tires seem questionable, prone to slipping under even light acceleration. Ride can be a bit bouncy, but overall a very refined, quality vehicle.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Huey - August 29 - 1:13 am

  What a good investment this suv was. Gas mileage is unbelievable for an suv. The leather is so soft and comfortable. It handles impeciably, nice and tight on corners, super smooth over bumps, and little to no noise intrusion. The acceleration is what you would expect in a sports car, the Highlander is quick, and agile. Its an suv, but with out all the downsides of an suv ( like: gas gussler, big and hard to manuver, not comfortbale, etc) Has a great resale value,......well duh, its a Toyota! (american car companies need to get on the trolley, forgien cars are just outstanding)

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  Sienna surprise - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Christy Chase - August 28 - 3:05 pm

  I never thought Id say I loved a minivan, but this beast has been very good to our family. Its very comfortable to drive and to ride in. Repair issues were as expected with use or because of other lame drivers who hit us and caused cosmetic damage. It can carry a ton of stuff - large teenage athletes, Ikea furniture, household contents when moving homes, bikes, etc. I actually dont want to sell it, but we are downsizing.

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  Sienna surprise - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Christy Chase - August 28 - 3:05 pm

  I never thought Id say I loved a minivan, but this beast has been very good to our family. Its very comfortable to drive and to ride in. Repair issues were as expected with use or because of other lame drivers who hit us and caused cosmetic damage. It can carry a ton of stuff - large teenage athletes, Ikea furniture, household contents when moving homes, bikes, etc. I actually dont want to sell it, but we are downsizing.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ToyotaForever - August 28 - 1:06 pm

  I decided to give Toyota a try with the purchase of my 2002 Toyota Solara. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The only thing I have had to replace on this car in 4 years is tires and a battery.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ray H - August 28 - 1:00 pm

  After deciding to step "down" to a minivan from a pickup ;) the next big decision was which one? Toyota, Honda, Kia or Dodge? Once we had test driven all 4, the Sienna was the hands down winner! I am as happy now, 3 years later, as I was the day we took delivery. This vehicle has NEVER let me down and has lived up to all its positive reviews.

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  the perfect toyota - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By marrerofmly - August 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a verry nice suv it drives like a car if you would like to drive something like no other vehicle yuo have to try the siquoia limited 4WD

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  my first - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By gasman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  A great car...looked at other convertibles and i thought i got the most bang for the buck with the MR2. Just got it today!