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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  Good, Some Improvements Required - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rico_ - August 1 - 10:56 am

  Overall a good car with good Toyota quality. The biggest complaint is the battery in the gas engine dies if a door is left slightly ajar or a light is left on - once that battery is dead the car will not start, despite being full of batteries! (ppl laugh when I say the battery died on my hybrid!) We bought a portable jump start kit and it works great. Otherwise a good vehicle. Price is a bit high. Mileage is good but not great - when gasoline prices spiked I felt smart but the added cost is hard to justify, although it is an improvement for the environment (over a regular SUV). Would recommend this car.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Dana - July 30 - 2:23 am

  The car has a nice ride and nice interior features. It is quiet and I generally like the layout of the interiors. We generally like the care. The trunk space is really small and it would be helpful to have a split third-row seat. The biggest problem so far is the GPS system does not allow for a passenger to input a destination while the car is moving. This is a real downer for road trips. It makes for a very, very clunky GPS system.

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  Toyota 2 Dr Access Cab 4x4 - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ben P - July 30 - 12:03 am

  This is my 1st truck and I bought it because of the reputation. I shouldve gotten more features in the truck like remote mirrors, cruise etc. because once you spend that kind of money you feel like you should have more comfort and luxuries. Im a little disappointed on the gas mileage so far and how toyota "cheaped out" on some thing like the 4 wheel drive switch doesnt illuminate in the dark so you have to put the light on to locate it or the 1 CD player, seems like everyone else gives a better stereo system these days and at least cruise control?? Seems like they just give the "basics" and make you pay through the nose for any additional features.

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  Good value - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By William Watts - July 29 - 11:47 pm

  Owned my 2017 Camry LE for a month now, so far no problems or complaints. Ive 220 miles on the odometer. Seems to be well built, well designed. Virtually a computer on wheels with all the electronics and data readouts at your fingertips. Interior is plenty roomy for my needs. This is the third Toyota I have owned and this is probably the best. Overall, a good value.

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  Best In Class - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nat Hooker - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The only real drawbacks with this SUV are gas milage & the driver seat does not go back quite enough. I have had 4 Suburbans including one currently. The Sequoia blows it away. It may be a tad smaller (length & cargo) however it is three times the SUV.

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  good up to 85k - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By spizznoogity - July 29 - 2:00 am

  in the last 3 yrs i bought 2 trannys and a radiator. other things started goin out more than my wife and I and my back combined. My wife rear ended ano car and AAA labeled it totalled and cut us a chk for 5900.00 so that was cool I guess.

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  Decent Car, - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By VWGUY - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Decent Car, but not worth the original purchase price. For a 4 year car, some of the plastic parts inside of the car are starting to break, without too much use. It seems like cheap plastic. It gets cold in the back seat during winter and windows fog when turn the heat. I didnt like the depretiation either. I bought a Jetta the same year for $5000 less than I paid for the Camry and it is worth more than the Camry now.

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  Decent Car, - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By VWGuy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Decent Car, but not worth the original purchase price. For a 4 year car, some of the plastic parts inside of the car are starting to break, without too much use. It seems like cheap plastic. It gets cold in the back seat during winter and windows fog when turn the heat. I didnt like the depretiation either. I bought a Jetta the same year for $5000 less than I paid for the Camry and it is worth more than the Camry now.

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  128,000+ miles and counting - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BrilliantName - July 28 - 3:13 pm

  Bought my Yaris 4 years ago for combination of $$$, MPG, and proven Toyota reliability. Today, the car owes me nothing. Ive driven over 128,000 miles including two-month long cross-country car-camping trip last year that included 2 weeks in Alaska. Car still has original brakes, shocks - everything. Great car and simply cannot beat the value.

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  Excellent Reliability, Great for Families - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By onthe4frnt - July 28 - 12:53 pm

  I drove the 2012 Toyota Camry LE for approximately 3 months/3500 miles as a daily driver with 60% highway/40% city driving. First impressions were very positive. Its a Toyota, its rock solid reliability and build quality are unmatched. The cabin was incredibly quiet, the 6-speed automatic transmission very smooth. The gas mileage was very impressive, yet didnt feel like it compromised power (for its class). This car would be great for relaxed drivers and families looking for excellent value.