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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  First Time - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Very Content - August 31 - 2:00 am

  First time Toyota buyer - not sure why I waited so long. This is the quietest car I have ever owned. Runs great - everything inside and out is solid. Stereo/CD has good sound. Car is also very large inside - great back seat!. Got a great price - good buying experience with the exception of the so- called Finance Manager - what a jerk!

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  GREAT CAR - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By David Gervais - August 30 - 5:41 pm

  This is the 3rd Toyota Highlander we have owned - started with the 2002 Limited. This car has served us very well. Great design, load a lot of stuff inside, great on long trips. I think the highlander is one of the best SUVs on the market today. Very reliable.

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  1st Timer - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bfarrar - August 30 - 8:06 am

  This is the first brand new Toyota I have purchased, and I am really impressed with it. The car is much sportier than I expected. The 3.5L V6 has plenty of get up and go. The auto-stick is fun to use too. We added the moonroof and alloy wheel packages which are good compliments to the LE. The interior is refreshing. We have put about 1000 miles on the car and I really dont have any complaints so far. We were also considering an 06 Accord V6, but apples to apples the Camry is newer, has more horsepower, better styling and should cost around 3-4K less.

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  90% As Good as my Lexus! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Wabash2001 - August 30 - 4:30 am

  After driving a Scion xD (and not liking it at ALL), I test drove a Corolla "S." Night and day difference! My other car is a 2008 Lexus IS 250 with lots of options, and this Corolla is 90% as good. Its quiet. It gets great gas mileage. The list of features is impressive. Theres plenty of room and while a bit on the bland side, its peppy and predictable. Other, similar econo-cars either skimp on the features or cost several thousand more. The Corolla does what it should, and I dont regret the purchase at all! Sure, there are room for improvements--but at this price its hard to consider the car a compromise.

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  Glad to be back in a Toyota - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ed - August 30 - 12:30 am

  I traded in my Olds Bravada last month for a TCH. It is a little odd to drive at first. VERY quiet. I took it from Seattle to Montana last week (about 1300 miles round trip). We averaged 35.6 mpg freeway driving on 4 mountain passes. The speedometer turns blue when you are being fuel efficient. I thought it was pretty gimmicky, however I found myself changing my driving habits to increase my mileage - so I guess it worked.

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  Love V8! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Simon - August 29 - 10:23 pm

  I strongly recommend you get V8. Its the same engine used in Lexus GX470 and if you test drive both V6 and V8, youll definitely notice the difference big time. V8 is so smooth and quick. It feels faster and more responsive than my Audi A6 2.7T.

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  07 RAV4 Ltd V6 4wd is sweet - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Philly Rav4 - August 29 - 1:30 pm

  The V6 RAV4 is outrageous. Power is addictive. Size is perfect. Safety features of a Lexus. Good mileage for an SUV 24+.

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  could not be better - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By john kitchens - August 29 - 8:33 am

  I read just about all the reviews about the 4runner edmunds has. the vehicle lives up to it all. I can not be more pleased with this SUV. I drive mostly city and highway and this SUV is a breeze and the comfort is a 10! dont be fooled by the 6cy engine its more than enough. During the fall and winter I hunt and pull my trailer and ATV, NO PROBLEM!! Interior controls seemed to be customer fit for me. Do your self a favor buy this SUV.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Great car! - August 28 - 8:10 pm

  This is a great family car and very comfortable. Rides great and the v-6 has plenty of power.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By haney - August 28 - 9:00 am

  All I can say it this is a fantastic car. I would highly recommend to any person. Of course, the biggest benefit is gas conservation (truly averages around 48 mpg). It also has great pick up and go (something you wouldnt expect from a small 4 cylinder car), and is very comfortable to drive - and even the back seat is very roomy.