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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  Highlander Limited AWD - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By KR - March 9 - 1:20 pm

  Just traded my 2004 base V6 Highlander for a new 2005 Limited V6 AWD. I am in Medical Sales (lots of miles last year) and the Highlander offers just the right size and capability for my needs. I am in the city a lot and parking can be difficult; I like that the Highlander can easily fit in standard parking spaces. While the exterior is sensibly sized, the interior room and comfort are excellent. I am 62" and am comfortable behind the wheel all day. The Highlander build quality, ride comfort/handling, and overall value are, in my opinion, the best in its segment.

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FunSaut - March 9 - 1:40 am

  Does it all - loves the mountain twisties - loves to play in the snow - loves to get dirty - loves the dirty dog. Sure, 40 mpg would be nice - so would a neck massage! Its quirky, its fun, its practical and, boy, is it yellow!

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  Great Car Really Comfortable - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jo - March 8 - 6:07 pm

  After the first drive and really settling into the car, it is very smooth easy drive. The navigation system is not that great and I am considering switching it out, but overall I am extremely satisfied with our car. It doesnt seem to be as heavy as the Honda Pilot that I was test driving and it was the little touches that really won me over on purchasing this car.

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  Luv my Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By playmkr jones - March 8 - 1:40 pm

  I love my Venza. I am an avid cyclist and had been seeking a vehicle to transport my bike with a couple of friends bikes to charity bike ride events that could handle a couple of guys that are pretty good size and still very athletic (me- 64" tall 280lbs and friends 66" 250 lbs -. I took six months to thoroughly research my choices and whittled it down to the T- Venza, A- ZDX and H-Accord Crosstour. I eliminated the Cross Tour after the test ride- seemed woefully low on power and handled like a truck. I really liked the ZDX but getting in and out was very awkward and it wasn’t at all worth the price difference of $20k or more for similar equipment. Very sleek and I get constant looks.

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  Land Cruiser...The BEST! - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Thunderball57 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough about the Land Cruiser! All you can ask for in an SUV + the relibility of a Toyota = a Win- Win combanation in my book. I just LOVE this rig!!! Much more vechile than anything coming out of Detroit, including the Hummer. (Remenber, the Hummer IS a GM product. Two demirets already.

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  love it - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By amisner - March 8 - 2:00 am

  now we have nearly 300000 miles on this car, it still runs perfectly. We love this car and want another just like it.

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  HANDLING MONSTER - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By JonM - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE BEST HANDLING CARS THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. YOU CAN BANG AROUND TURNS LIKE ITS NOTHING AND NOT SKID OUT!!!! IF TOURQUE WAS A LITTLE BIT MORE THEN IT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!

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  Toyota 4 Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By CRHanner - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great Auto!! My favorite so far!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By lgdrake - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Prius and I love it. When I see my friends fill up their tanks with gas I know Ill never switch back to a non-hybrid car. Its comfortable to ride in and the new one is more spacious. There are only a few things that I would change. I would make the interior available in leather and add a sunroof.

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  WOW - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By katethegreat - March 8 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for an SUV thats not a gas guzzler, a monster truck, and is just awesome to drive, this is it! I got one for my 15th b-day (yes, i know im lucky), and i have never been happier in my life! Its been one year, and i cant drive her enough! I highly reccomend this for anyone and everyone! 10!