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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  Navigation - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ahmad Ghaderi - March 26 - 3:55 pm

  Besides navigation, it almost perfect.

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  almost perfect - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By carmann - March 26 - 2:16 pm

  New model is refined and roomy. 4 litre engine puts out V-8 power with V- 6 econony. Excellent towing - ignore the new rating - this SUV will tow 7,000 pounds with ease. Very useful sliding cargo floor, and backup warning device is a welcome feature. Only gripe is the silver painted plastic interior trim parts that easily scratch and cannot be easily fixed. Flawless build quality - typical Toyota. This SUV is in a class by itself. It doesnt pretend to be a crossover - it is a REAL full framed rear-wheel drive heavy duty SUV. It is like having a 7/8 scale Tahoe with a big V6 motor.

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  Most favorite vehicle I have had-14 years and counting. - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runney98 - March 26 - 8:22 am

  I bought this 4runner new and just hated the 33K plus change sticker but have never regretted the purchase. It has around 114K miles and is just as tight as it was the day I bought it. It is easy to drive and I think the perfect size and does everything well. I can tow, take a trip, or buzz around town comfortably. It just feels like it will run for ever. I considered a new 4runner 2010 or newer but after reading the reviews on Edmunds have decided to keep what Ive got. Newer models do not have the quality of other generations. If you can find one of these in good condition-buy it.

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  Ill take reliable any day of the week... - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Anthony St.Peter - March 26 - 7:00 am

  Remember the old days when your ride didnt cost a fortune, had windows you could see out of and didnt look like a plastic Darth Vader helmet on wheels? Remember when you could DEPEND on your car for RELIABLY doing its job, day in and day out? Isnt that what you STILL expect from your vehicle, to get you to work on time, safely tote your kids and carry you to far-away unfamiliar places, and back again...without worry? Didnt that make you feel smuggly satisfied in a Im-a-grownup-not-a-heavy metal-groupie sort of way? Well congratulations, youve come to the right vehicle...again. All a Camry does is reliably, affordably and comfortably get you there. No gimmicks, breakdowns or stupid macho dude pretenses, at a fair price, for about a quarter million miles or so. Now THATS cool.

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  General - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob - March 26 - 2:10 am

  Ive owned over 15 different trucks and this is by far the best 1/2 ton truck Ive ever owned.

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  reliable with style! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By davestr1 - March 25 - 11:48 pm

  Ive had my 14 corolla s plus for 7 months. I havent had one issue with it. It gets great gas mileage. Probably my favorite feature is the led headlights. They are amazing! Your night vision cant be beat by any of the competition right now. Its really impressive how well they work. theres plenty of room in the back seat for passengers, the front seats are comfortable as well. Nice dash display. the cvt is fine. Its different than what youd be used to at first but it tries to act like a regular automatic with shift points. Not a race car, but a gas sipping sedan with style. I might end up buying it after the lease is up. Leds are a huge plus!

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  Amazing - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - March 25 - 11:46 pm

  I love my Tacoma it has handled everything that I could throw at it, including carrying a 7200 fully loading trailer, as well as 1800 pounds in the bed. (Not at the same time). All in all I am very impressed with my truck, and wouldnt get anything else.

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  MULTI USE VEHICLE - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By zebra - March 25 - 5:53 pm

  Van used for hauling furniture and then converted to a grandkid bus. Extremely quiet, even at speed. Gas mileage almost equal to my other compact car. Mileage well up into the 20s (mostly highway). Fold down seats great feature. Power doors actually are easier on the vehicle, and us. No service problems, same as our last 4 Toyota vehicles.

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  A Good Choice - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Anthony - March 25 - 5:50 am

  I spent 30 years driving domestic cars and recently found myself disappointed with Chrysler. I was in the market for a car-based SUV and chose the Highlander since I know many happy Toyota owners. Can honestly say I have never owned a new vehicle that has been this good from day one. No warranty items in first six months of ownership. The fit and finish is world class and the interior materials are of high quality. I am satisfied thus far with both the engine performance and fuel economy. I do not drive the V6 aggressively and average just over 20 mpg. The Highlander has met my expectations. Am glad I paid a bit more for the Toyota and did not buy a lesser quality product based on incentives

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  My Sport - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Jennifer Walthall - March 25 - 5:43 am

  Love it! Drives like a Camry and just as quiet, luxurious and comfortable too. Handles well in all situations. Just all-around great performance! Stereo, air conditioning and heating are incredible in sound and performance. Everything its cracked up to be.