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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  A Great Car for the Individualist - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Herb - January 29 - 7:13 pm

  The convertible is generally wonderful; great ergonomics, unique style quiet interior, and great ride.

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  Best 1/2 ton on the market - bar none - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Greg1234 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I find it comical these clowns that give it realy low ratings have nothing better to do than put down trucks they wish they could afford. After owning a 81,91 F150, 96 full sized bronco and multipul Honda cars and minivans I came to the conclustion the Hondas were superior vehicles to Fords. Honda does not make a truck so I bought the tundra. As far as people saying they are not work capable, that is just pure garbage. Its funny that my Tundra will pull my trailer loaded with my Kubota tractor (together weigh in at just over 5000lbs) over Parleys summit easily at 70mph. My Bronco w/ 5.8L barley did that alone.

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  Great Family Sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Oliver25 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Our second Camry. 1st one went over 160K before we sold it. This one is a fine example of the top engineering and materials that Toyota puts into their cars. Dont be tempted by those low priced GM cars. You get what you pay for.

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  Lots of room! - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By Jane - January 28 - 12:49 pm

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  07 Camry - A Big Disappointment! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ken - January 27 - 3:23 pm

  My new 2007 Camry is my fourth Camry in 26 years. Ive always had great experiences with Camrys. Ive driven my new one for 2600 miles and recently took it on the first long trip. The car hesitated during acceleration, repeatedly shifted gears during minimal acceleration, and ALWAYS down-shifted when using cruise control on slight inclines. In fact it down-shifted two gears to climb small hills in Florida and hit 4800 RPM in third gear. The dealer had already installed software changes related to hesitation but the car still reacts the same way. I loved my 2002 Camry since it rarely down shifted in cruise control. The 2007 cruise control reminded me of my 1981 Corolla!

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  My mechanic sold me - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By John - January 27 - 6:36 am

  Ease of parking, good on the interstate and comfortable seating for four adults are some of the reasons we purchased this high end Highlander. But the biggest reason was my trusted mechanic recommended the Highlander to my wife. We havent been disappointed. Smooth ride and able to negotiate in tight parking spots are two more benefits we were expecting from an SUV.

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  Toyota Wisdom?? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jan Mayes - January 26 - 3:41 am

  Please tell me why... ~one cannot get a Prius Four Touring with a sunroof? (Trying to buy a four and build up is not a good option...so far the lights are not available. Also the 17 in wheels are not available for the Prius Four.). ~there are a white console (urinal?) and white steering wheel accents? (The designer who thought this was a great idea needs a new job, as do the execs that approved it.) ~There are only options for two or three displays on the navigation screen. (The split screen on the navigation system is a pain. An option for having just one display should be added to the two and three display options.) This is my fourth Prius (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gens over 14 years). The 3rd gen is still my favorite, basically because I could get everything I wanted on the car (sun roof, plus package, ground effects, etc.)

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  Prius V lives up to expectations - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By bc158 - January 25 - 2:49 pm

  After 2500 miles, MPG is averaging 43+. Car is roomy, surprisingly comfortable and even has enough power to not be a problem. When the power button is pressed between 35 and 65 the performance is surprisingly good. So far no issues at all just pleasant motoring - even from a person who prefers the European/German type ride and handling.

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  Its a No Brainer - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Faz - January 25 - 8:20 am

  Well I cant be too detailed as I have only driven my Prius for about a week now. It is fun and economical and not a bad ride for the cost. The only problem that I am having is that the windshield has an annoying rattle when I go over almost any bump. I am hoping to bring the car in and have it fixed. The car is very responsive and I cant believe the gas mileage that I am getting (average about 50mpg). If they fix this rattle in the windshield then I will highly recommend this car to everyone - as it is, everyone asks me about it. They all seem amazed and amused by its unique look, and it renders much more room then one might think and to top it off its very affordable.

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  Consumer - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By steve - January 25 - 3:46 am

  Comfortable car, good to drive powerful 3.5L with V6 engine. compare to Nissan Maxima and Altima v6 engine and Honda Accord. Id rather buy Toyota Camry a little cheaper price and the model look good too