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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  BUY IT!!! - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By lukebecker - February 1 - 8:42 am

  This is the second one I owned and I must say I love them. 100% reliable. Always starts. Almost 200K on it and still purrrs like a kitten. Nice speed out of them too. I would tell anyone that if the price is right go for it. I had the one before and it lasted 250K until I let someone use it. Clutch was gone when they came back. Didnt think it was worth the fix.

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  Double cab and double utility - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By echodon - February 1 - 3:03 am

  After 4 months of driving in rain, snow, mud and winter mountain weather I am thrilled with this truck. Every time I drive it I can feel the quality in everything from the butter smooth, powerful V8 to the fantastic 5 speed automatic which has to be the smartest transmission I have ever used. When descending hills, a tap on the brake automatically downshifts the trans. What a great feature. The gas mileage is much better than expected, 16-18 MPG during real world road driving and a solid 15 MPG in town. The extra horsepower in the 2005 V8 is noticable and with the dual exhaust I installed, it gains another 10%. I have not found one thing yet to complain about on this truck.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By dwill - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  This is my first SUV and Im very happy with it. The V6 has more power than you will need, but I thought the 4 cylinder was underpowered. Very smooth transmission. There is plenty of room in the back and I like the levers that allow you to drop the rear seats from the cargo area. Doesnt feel "big" while driving and is very easy to park. Gas mileage with a V6 of this power is exceptional! Well worth the money.

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  Smart Buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rochester Dan - January 31 - 2:10 pm

  As gas keeps going through the roof, I keep smiling. With an average mpg of 40+ in mixed driving, I cant understand why people dont park their SUVs and get this to drive to work. What I am saving in gas is making the payment, not to mention the lower maintenance costs. The only negative is the cup holders, which is really a minor thing. The stereo is decent, the interior is roomy, and the seats are comfortable. Im not a small guy, but this really doesnt feel like a small car.

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  what an awesome car - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By joebob66 - January 31 - 6:21 am

  I purchased the prius persona in july and love this car, I previously had a Honda accord. I recommend the black cherry color, as this is a limited edition color, so there arent a lot of them out there. this car is loaded with features, and at only 26000 with o percent financing, this was just right for me. I am getting 56 mpg going to work everyday, 24 miles, 17 of them on the highway. I am currently getting about 52 on the highway and about 56 or 57 in the city, I live in Chicago, so the city driving is stop and go, which gets you better mileage, and I have learned how to drive to get maximum fuel economy without being "that guy driving like a grandma". would recommend

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  Convenience - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By F.D. Williams - January 30 - 9:40 am

  Excellent dash and options layout, easy to drive, many safety oriented items with thoughtful availability. fuel efficient for size and weight. DLC and backup camera are well received. Navigation system is great for travelers. Power third row seats are excellent choice for older drivers or for physically smaller individuals.

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  Great Decision - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JB - January 30 - 6:40 am

  I have had the car for 6 weeks/1300mi now and am very pleased. The interior is very comfortable and it drives great. The gas mileage is a little lower than I had hoped. So far I have averaged 25-26mpg, 80percent hwy/20percent city. Its been a hot summer so I am hoping it will get better when I can turn the a/c off. Speaking of a/c, it has had trouble keeping up a couple of times when its 103 degrees out. I live in Texas. Works great most of the time though. I would say the RAV4 definitely looks and feels more expensive than it is. Ive seen several people checking it out on the road.

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  Perfect Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By GB - January 30 - 3:06 am

  This car has been great. I was initially turned off by not being able to use the navigation while driving (cant input a new address) but the voice activated process allows you to input a new address. The car is extremely roomy and ergonomic and I love the heated seats and sound system. It is not a sports car so if youre looking for premier acceleration, cornering, etc. youve come to the wrong place. It is a good looking family car with more-than-ample acceleration while saving big money on gas.

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  4 RUNNER - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By JULYFUN - January 30 - 1:50 am

  LOVE IT. IT IS VERY EASY TO MANEUVER. YOU DONT FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN A TRUCK.

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  Not a car but a minivan!! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By up2roost - January 29 - 2:00 am

  When driving this vehicle, you might forget you are driving a minivan. The drive is very smooth and if you listen hard enough, you might hear the murmur of the engine. As far as handling goes, this one gets the highest rankings in my book. Being a mother with a child, it is good to know that even I can handle a vehicle of this size. I feel absolutely safe while driving vehicle. The steering turns with ease and the brakes begin to work promptly at the slightest amount of pressure applied. I like the exterior design, however, the interior needs a little face lift.