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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  Love my 06 Sport - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By lancems007 - June 24 - 7:00 pm

  I traded my 01 Limited on an 06 Sport with the 4.0 liter. What a difference! Im missing the leather a bit, but the tradeoff in power and comfort is well worth the difference. I pull a 15ft enclosed trailer with two atvs in it with no problem. I was worried I should have gotten the V8, but Im very happy I went with the 6 cylinder. Gas mileage in mixed driving has been around 20-21mpg. Insurance was dirt cheap. My 06 was actually cheaper to insure than my 01! This is an excellent SUV!

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  Problem car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Wysiwyg - June 24 - 6:36 pm

  Its my third Toyota and the only one with the quality in the toilet. When just 200miles, it started to jerk/hesitate. Now with 700miles, the back seat starts to rattle. 1-touch power window behaves inconsistently-- sometimes 1-touch open it fully, sometimes I have to press it all the time. I will trade it for something better soon.

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  Camry for Life - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Ron - June 24 - 10:20 am

  I have 3 Camrys in my driveway. My 1995 was a gift from my parents for graduating college. I was a young 22 year old expecting something sporty, but instead got a "family car." That led me to neglect the car, often not changing the oil 10,000 miles several times. I raced the car, even doing donuts, high revving that would have probably killed the engine. Except for cracked exhaust pipe and usual replacements like battery, starter, etc, it gave me 13 years of trouble-free driving. When I got married, I bought my wife a 2001 Camry. And last year, we purchased a 2007 model. All 3 Camrys still sit in my driveway, the 95 being my most cherished.

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  One Week and Great! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By EdF - June 23 - 6:13 pm

  Ive had my Limited V6 for a week and about 600 miles. Its been smooth and agile on the two trips Ive taken. Plenty of power to get around trucks and slower vehicles.

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  My First Car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By colinmcguire16 - June 23 - 2:57 pm

  I can honestly say, I doubted this car after my father started sharing it with me. Since this summer, I really enjoyed the driving experience. Im only 16, but I pay for my own insurance, and since Im already covered for the rest of the year, I need to get a job. Oh wait, I have an orientation this Saturday! Anyway, the functions of this car is astonishing and it feels wonderful.

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  Poor Leather Quality - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Paul Albitz - June 23 - 7:20 am

  Absolutely love everything about my 1794 Tundra except the quality of the leather interior. The appearance is beautiful but upon close inspection you definitely can tell it is an inferior to product to any other leather interior I have owned. After six months the leather trim began to slowely wear off my passenger side seat. Perma-plate, the very expensive and unnecessary add on protection plan, will not cover this under their warranty. Toyota will not back the inferior craftsmanship either. I will have to replace the seat at my own cost after less than 2 years ownership. Its a shame that this awesome $50k truck is equipped with such a substandard leather package. P.A.

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  Basics Work - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By j4tuna - June 23 - 2:49 am

  Bought my 2007 Hylander new and currently have been putting 20,000 miles a year. Total maintenance has consisted of 2 sets of tires, a battery and an alternator. Alternator went at 100,000 miles. Used synthetic motor oil from first change - change the oil 3 times a year with filter. Driving - front end is very light - does not do well with snow, ice or heavy rain - but just have to slow down and take lack of traction into account. 6 years into the vehicle - 120,000 miles - hoping to get 4 more years!!

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  No Brainer -- - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By MTB - June 23 - 1:50 am

  Best mid sized truck out there. Fit and finish are top-shelf-- best interior quality of any truck out there. Good power and excellent, though firm, ride. At least as comfortable as my 2002 Maxima. I looked at used Tacomas to save a little cash, but they seem to hold their value so well it made sense to just get a new one. Also considered Ridgeline and Xterra. Ridgeline was very nice, but pricier. Xterra was less expensive, but not as comfortable or as well done inside- plus I think Ill get more than the price difference back via resale value with Toyota. Frontier back seat was far less comfortable, thus eliminating it from consideration.

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  I love it! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By BamaEskie - June 22 - 9:23 pm

  Ive had my RAV for two months now and absolutely love it! I have three dogs and am easily able to fit three 36" long and 21" wide crates in the back (two side by side in the cargo area and one placed sideways behind the passenger seat). My husband has a 2006 CRV and is so jealous of my RAV!!

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  Love It Soooooo MUCH !! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By brianandholly - June 22 - 6:50 pm

  Best tank full avg = 37 mpg. Worst tank full avg = 32 mpg. I never thought I would buy a hybrid but I am so glad I did! The car is an engineering marvel! My only complaint is an annoying cold weather squeak in the console by the dash. I have had more people compliment me on this car and / or ask about it than you could possibly imagine! It really deserves to be Motor Trends Car of the Year! You deserve it, go by one! I did! It is priced about the same as an XLE V6 but has sooooo much more going for it, especially when gas prices return to our new reality of $3 to $5 per gallon, and we all KNOW they will soon.