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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  This truck Rocks!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve-O - September 16 - 8:33 am

  Have only had it for 2 weeks but we are very happy! Having owned a Toyota truck from 91-98 and then a Ford Ranger from 98-2005, there is no comparison on quality and design. Toyota has it all hands down. This truck crushes all competition hands down in every category that we looked at and we pretty much drove them all. Bravo Toyota for building the truck that all others will be chasing for many years to come!

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  A Better Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom F. - September 16 - 7:10 am

  I had a 1999 Tacoma and the 2005 is a much nicer truck in every respect. I am very happy with it so far. It has more power, more room, and a much nicer interior than the 99. The ride is very car like and the handling is very good. I got 24 mpg on the first tank of gas. The transmission shifts very smoothly and the brakes are strong. The composite box and movable tie down anchors are a very well done.

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  Amazing value in one little car - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By kevinmscott - September 16 - 6:44 am

  Bought an 02 S model about 3 years ago. Abused by original owners and left for dead. Our friend at the junkyard for it working in a jiffy. My first car, college car, put some 40k long and hard freeway miles on it (its at 180k now), replaced transmission, struts, manifold and a wheel baring, but it has never broken down on me or failed to start. Ive driven it through hot Vermont summers and freezing Maine winters. This is the car I walk out to every morning and thank the Lord for. It is a car I am truly satisfied with.

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  200,000 miles & still going!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Dinah Fuller - September 16 - 5:33 am

  I still have my first car, a 1969 VW Beetle. Our son in Dallas drives it now. This is my second car. Im a realtor in Tulsa and have put 200,000 miles on my Camry since May 1998. The ONLY problem Ive had is the transmission, which I replaced at 180,000 miles. I change oil every 3,000 miles and have her regular check- ups. Im giving her away and buying a new one.... the gas tank "flap" wont open!! As good a reason as any, I guess.

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  Camry XLE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By CBHP - September 15 - 10:00 pm

  I have had the car since November 2001. I upgraded from a 2001 Camry LE to the 2002 XLE V6. This was a great upgrade, the car is much more powerful and comfortable to drive. After about 15,000 miles, I am still loving it.

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  We love it - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kate - September 15 - 12:36 pm

  I only have this car for a month now, and I love it. The only problem I have is the rear mirror - wish there was a better way to see out of it. I also get about 45 mpg - do not know how to get it to go higher. That is around town. I got about 51 on a trip last week. Great car-traded in our Hondy Odyssey since the family is now grown, and my husband and I just love the Prius. We keep our cars forever and I believe we will be keeping this Prius. We love it so far.

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  I love my car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By frenchdude_13 - September 15 - 9:11 am

  my parents got the car brand new and they owned it until 2011 than gave it to me i have never had problems with this car. the only major thing i had to do on it is replace the suspension in 14 years other than that its a great car. I drive it 50+ miles a day and it runs beautifully it also does 4000 miles in June when i visit my hole family it now has 130,000 and i plan on running it to the ground.

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  Best 2seat roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By silverspyder - September 15 - 4:33 am

  Fun, great handling, quick, surprisingly roomy interior (I am 62" and 230lbs and it is comfortable), gets lots of attention. Great commuter and weekend car.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jeff - September 15 - 1:56 am

  I want to start out by saying that my family and I have owned several Toyota vehicles. All have been super reliable, great gas economy (much better than sticker) and Toyota has stood behind their product, until now. The dealership I dealt with is being very nice, but my fuel economy has been very poor (taken to the dealership 4 times) and constant supension and alignment issues (dealer visits 3 times for this). The Toyota Master Technician and my sales rep have called my problems abnormal, unusual and uncommon, and I have followed all of Toyotas recommendations (tire pressure, gas choice and grade, driving conditions) and nothing has changed. Important to note: no towing or large loads.

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  An Awesome Daily Driver - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By cabecker01 - September 14 - 4:27 pm

  Note: Im reviewing this car for what it is -- a compact sedan. I hadnt planned on buying a Toyota. I even told myself I wouldnt because of the experience my relative had with an 09 Corolla. However, in my frustrations with my year old Nissan, I went to a Toyota dealership just to look. Boy was I shocked. It seems to be built to last, but I suppose thats to be expected of a manufacturer with a track record of bulletproof reliability. The CVT is awesome, but more on that in a little bit. The sound system is nifty. Its gorgeous. I get a lot of complements on the looks of both the interior and exterior. I got it in Slate Grey Metallic. However, it has its cons.