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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  Gen III Loaded - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By SueBSails - October 3 - 5:36 am

  Had a 2006 - this 2010 is a totally different car in many ways. I have every possible extra (not LKA version) and not only is it comfortable, has 4 way seat adjustment, sun/moon roof and solar, but it also has lots more room than the 2006 had. The blizzard pearl paint never looks dirty, even after a spring thaw on country roads. It was worth the few extra $$ to get this level of comfort in a high mileage hybrid - and the 2006 trade-in held its value enough to make the upgrade costs minimal. What an upgrade!

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  Toyota has hooked me good - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mudslinger - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned (2) Toyota 4 wheel drice pick up trucks. The 1st was a 1987. I put 257000 miles on it and finally had to sell it because the body was falling apart. I couldnt kill the drive train with dynamite. Obviously I bought another one, a 1993...I put 119000 on it, and traded it in on my 4-runner.It had 73,000 when I bought it in 1999, and it has 135000 now.I will always own a Toyota.All I have done is the preventive maintenence, and put gas in it. I go camping all the time, and do lots of outdoor related entertainment.I love what you do for me...yea..TOYOTA

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  1995 Toyota 4Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By timsspam - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. This is the 2nd 4Runner I have owned and would consider buying another one. My only complaint is the mileage or the lack there of, 12 to 17 depending on various unknowns. But I like the reliability and comfort.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By bergcorp - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Have never had a problem with any Toyota Truck I have owned. Great power (190hp) while still getting 20-22 MPG. Dealer added all options to bring this SR5 up to Limited Trim. Interesting that Edmunds gives a lower resale value for the SR5 with all the same options that are standard on the Limited. Is the "Limited" applique worth $2000 more than the "SR5" applique?

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  upgrade to TUNDRA - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By T100_to_Tundra - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I live in NE and drive 100 mi/day for work. I recently upgraded from a T100 to a Tundra. My T100 has 260,000 miles, no leaks, still quite, some rust on bed weld spots. So why upgrade? Im sold on Toyota quality and reliability. I get more for my $$$. 1. I have 3 children, so the rear access doors are a bonus. 2. More HP,Tq without sacrificing fuel economy (I get around 20 mph, same as my V6 T100). 3. Finally a limited-slip rear differential (LD) with the TRD option. 4. Did I mention, this truck is so quiet!

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  Best Full Size SUV on the Road - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Austin - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my Sequoia 2 months ago and love it. Traded in my 99 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (Terrible Vehicle) and havent thought about it since. Ive seen a few minor complaints I cant understand. You know what your getting before you buy the vehicle. If it doesnt have what you want, dont buy it! Seems simple enough. With anything though you always have a few nay sayers.

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  I love my Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By SusieF - October 2 - 10:00 am

  First trip 1500 miles thru the West Va mountains. It handled like a dream. Smooth, quiet and comfortable. Excellant pickup, Seats are great, Bose sound is wonderful. Auto climate control works well. What more can I say.

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  toyota - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By dlasky - October 2 - 10:00 am

  excellent car reliable, no sludge problems and definitely better then my previous car galiant

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  COROLLA TO CAMRY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By TLYNN - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I passed my wonderful corolla down to my mother-in-law in December. I was attracted to the new design and spaciousness.I love my car...hope its as reliable as my 93 corolla! I also noted the rotten egg smell. I only have 4500 miles and recently had my first oil change. The windshield chips very easily. The brakes do take a getting use to. It rides great on the road. I live 2 hours from my sister and it does 70-80 without a problem and gets 34 mpg on the highway. Most of my driving is city traffic and it gets 23 mpg. So far so good...reliabilty and future problems are my number 1 concern when buying a car.

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  Just one Quirk - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tiffin1 - October 2 - 2:59 am

  Great SUV, fantastic to drive, insulates you from the road and traffic noise. Just one concerning trait, heard this strange buzzing noise coming from underneath the rear end about 5 hours after it was turned off and parked in the garage. No idea what it was so Googled it; "This is the sound of a fuel evaporation leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction" was the answer in several searches. Sure enough it is in the Owners manual as well. Would have been nice if the dealership would have pointed this out when they were explaining the other features at time of purchase.