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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  Excellent car - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Miami305 - March 1 - 12:56 pm

  I am the second owner of this particular car and it was maintained well. A/C freezing cold and burns gas well. In my opinion, if you maintain this car it will not give any issues. I change the oil every 3000 miles and do a tranny flush every 5,000, radiator flush every 3,000 miles. It runs great and if you want it a little faster change the stock air filter and exhaust, mines reaches 50 really quickly. Just maintain it it will last you until your ready for a new car.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Eric - March 1 - 12:10 pm

  When I first bought the car I wasnt too pleased with the styling. I wanted something sportier and faster but this was in my price range. Once I started driving it I fell in love with the car, it has quick get up with the vvti engine while also getting 30+ gas millage, everyone else who started driving my car really started liking it to. It was very reliable except near the end before I got in a car wreck my transmission was starting to skip a lot around 120k thousand miles, people look at me crazy when I say that about the Camry but looks like theres been more than just me with this problem so be careful with that I guess with this year. Other than that great car.

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  Never thought Id like a Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By DBRN - March 1 - 8:16 am

  I swore I wouldnt be caught dead in the drivers seat of a minivan. Well, a couple of kids changed all that, plus the quality of ride and comfort features. Id consider the this more of a luxory car with massive cargo space. Yet, it gets fantastic gas mileage. More utility than an SUV, though it could never replace a pick up. It sure beats the pants off the 4-door car we used to squeeze into. We looked at every make of minivan. It was by far the most family oriented. Only the Caravan seemed to handle better, but I kept hearing about transmission problems etc. The new carvans middle row that folds into the floor was very uncomfortable exhaust touchable by lil hands.

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  Nice car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Catman - March 1 - 2:53 am

  Traded in a 95 van that got 13 MPG on a good day and wanted a green vehicle. So far I really like my car. In the summer I average 36-38 MPG. In the winners its more like 33-34. I travel about 60/40 (highway/city) in a hilly area. On a flat highway I get 42+ mpg. The Yaris is not a luxury car but it has a decent ride and plenty of pep. In fact its more comfortable to drive than my LeSabre because the seats are high, and you dont feel like youre sitting on the ground like you do in a Corvette or Firebird. The center console takes some getting use to but at night you dont have any distractions and its easier to see. Good air and heat. Its a very fine economical car

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  Glad I bought a Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sharon - February 28 - 11:16 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to actually going to a dealership. It came down to a Camry or an Accord. With the new design of the Camry and the awesome power of the v-6 it wasnt even close! I have now driven 1140 miles and am averaging about 30mpg. A trip to Nashville over some very hilly terrain avg. 34mpg. This car has great power, ride and handling for a family sedan. I did opt for the upgrade stereo with bluetooth tech. and sunroof. I love being able to pass slower traffic with such ease. I havent driven a car with this much power since the muscle cars of yesteryear and could probably take most of them! Mileage and power! Check it out and be surprised when you remember this is a Camry!

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  new rav4 owner - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By jeff336 - February 28 - 8:20 pm

  We just bought a 2008 limited model (25,000 miles) with the v6 and two wheel drive and cant be happier. The car is fast and smooth. The leather seats are very comfortable. We get about 23 mpg, which is better that the 4 cylinder Accord that we had before even though that car was rated at 12/31 and this Rav4 is rated at 19/27. We have the optional third-row seat, which is small, but great in a pinch when we have a couple more kids to take somewhere. People cant hear us well with the bluetooth cell-phone link, but it may just be the phone causing that issue, not sure yet.

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  This truck saved my life - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By jamie75 - February 28 - 5:16 pm

  First off I loved this truck for the 6 weeks I had it. Gas mileage was about 20 mixed city/hwy. The seats made my low back feel better than my couch at home. Last week a guy ran a light and I t-boned him at full speed. The truck is a total loss but other than neck and back pain I walked away. I highly recommend this truck and as soon as the insurance works it out Ill buy another one.

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  Changed my view - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By hay2you - February 27 - 1:43 pm

  Was not expecting to like this car. My husband loves getting great gas mileage and has always been interested in this car. He just hated the older styles inside, thought it was cheap and ugly. The the 2010 came out and he liked it. It drives great, quiet, you can see out of it well. The best turning radius I have ever had. We drive a mixed highway city and have had no less than 52mpg. I had to trade in my 300 Chrysler but I dont miss it. Now I like getting the best gas mileage. We have a focus and suzuki sx4. Hate to say it but this car is a much better car.

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  Absolute Best Midsized SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bill - February 27 - 12:20 pm

  Toyota did what it consistently strives at... raising the bar for quality, reliability, performance, and style. The 4Runner, hands down, is the best SUV in the class. The ride and build quality show with inside and out. Compared to the so-called Big Three and its overseas rivals, Toyota engineers and builders continue to drive over their competion with the best built components and workmanship. Trust me, I have driven just about every SUV out there and this 2005 4Runner will get you in and out of places the others tremble to think about. The VSC and braking system add to your confidence when driving. The gas mileage stands out with my average at 24 MPG highway. The ride is quiet and smooth.

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  Why go anywhere else? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By pathfinder - February 27 - 12:03 pm

  Very much satisfied with this truck. Fit and finish are exceptional, as is the design. Oil changes will be easy (filter on top). The TRD sport package is exactly what I need; nothing more, nothing less. Already said, but the orange dash lighting is a little dated (70s? 80s?). Six-speed transmission is smooth and loves revs. Looked at models with tube steps and running boards -- went with the latter; they are better looking and more functional (help to protect the lower area paint). Dealer made a great offer, and, truth be told, it was the best car-buying experience in my life (and Ive bought a lot of cars). The access cab is roomy and the sound system (with CD changer) is quality.