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 family car. - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By annette Johnson - February 5 - 5:47 pm

  Will need more time before giving a review.

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  Not all I hoped for - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Olivia - February 5 - 11:26 am

  The car is okay. Nothing spectacular, I guess. The biggest disappointment Ive had so far is that Im getting about 21, 22 miles to the gallon despite the EPA estimate. I expected to do a little worse than the estimate, but not quite that bad. I dont know why my numbers are so much worse than everyone elses, but this is a big let down.

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  Great Ride! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By TimBuk2 - February 3 - 11:16 pm

  After buying my wife a minivan, I needed something bigger than my BMW 335xi for me and the kids. While its not as fun to drive as a BMW, this is a great vehicle. Surprised at how BIG the interior is of the Highlander. Seats are super comfortable and perfect for fitting car seats in the 2nd row. Does not drive like a truck (like the Honda pilot does). Love the looks and styling and I expect to keep this vehicle for a very long time. I opted for the sport and leather package...the cloth seemed cheap feeling. Grey is a great color - hides the dirt very well.

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  Lots of power - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By carol - February 3 - 8:36 am

  I purchased my 1998 Toyota XLE 6 in November 1997. I have driven several other vehicles and this one has the pick up, and the motor is very quiet. Its been a excellent car.

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  Another Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Randy - February 3 - 8:18 am

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  Have had problems - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By modesfox - February 3 - 5:10 am

  This is my first Toyota - and probably last. For the price premium Ive not received the reliability I looked forward to having. Case in point: At 71,400 miles the a/c quit working, the first ever a/c problem Ive had on any car Ive owned before 100,000 miles! My service tech said I "had to take it to the dealer". (Thanks again, Toyota!) The dealer said the a/c compressor AND clutch needed replacing, for $1300+ for a rebuilt unit no less, not a new part. That, and $35 to lubricate a "squawking" steering column rubber piece. The ride and comfort is great, but Im afraid of too many repairs in the future. I feel so stupid - buy a 100,000 mile warranty like with any other car!

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  Minor Issues only at 210,000 KM - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Joey - February 2 - 7:23 pm

  Bought one new in 2000. Currently at 210,000 KM (130,000 miles) Have replaced brake pads once at 120,000 km. Other than that only regular maintenance. Driver side power window motor sounds like a bearing is worn. Kids are older, probably will sell it and get a smaller more fuel efficient vehicle. Paid 29,000 CAD in 2000, can sell easily now for about 8,000. No complaints here, obviously.

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  Roof rack troubles - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Anton Sisak - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I choose Crew max, because of great cabin, but I really could use longer bed, for the business I do.I use this truck as a family truck too, so I needed a big cabin. Another thing that really frustrates me about this truck I cannot find roof rack that would work for my ladders. I need something heavy duty permanent, that also has sporty look to it. I can only find the roof rack that attaches to the side of the top of the door. Over all it a very good truck, but nit as practical as I hoped.

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  Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By taydanry - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2010 crewmax with the Platinum package. I like the truck except I wish Toyota made the bed 6 1/2 feet for the crewmax. I also wish the fuel tank was bigger. It seems i fill this truck up more often than I did my Chevys in the past.

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  Interior problem - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Sandy Rohtstein - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 2010 LE corolla, car performance and style looks great. We have a major issue that nobody wants to address. Toyota says you bought it now live with it. Please analyze this problem the interior material on all seats have tons of lint every time somebody sits in it. The material is very poor quality. Does anyone else have this problem? Please do a review on this subject. Defect or not?