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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  Best full-size truck on the market. - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By btinaz - December 27 - 6:43 am

  The 5.7 v8 s a great motor. On paper it gets an mpg or two less that Ford & Chevy (forget Ram...its a Fiat now) but with the cost of a similar setup (crewcab, 4x4 and most powerful motor) the cost of the Tundra was several thousand less than the others so you still end up paying less when calculating all of this in. The truck has great power at any speed-destroys Ford/Chevy in passing. I have about 15k miles on it now and have had zero problems unlike what is reported from Ford, GM & Fiat owners. Test drive this truck before making a decision to purchase the others - you wont be disappointed. And to put a final shine on it the truck is build in TX without the UAW shtank wafting from it.

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  2008 Toyota Camry SE V6 - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Black08SEV6 - December 27 - 2:33 am

  I bought my Camry to replace my 04 Miata (loved my car, but to have a car pmt and buy premium gas once a week - small tank; 190-220 miles before empty). For economic purposes I bought my Camry but insisted on the more adolecent SE V6 trim. I love the look of the car, the aggressive front end, everything about it. I do not regret my purchase one bit. My sunroof squeaked over bumps, but a quick dealer visit fixed it (theres a TSB).

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  No Buyer Remorse - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - December 27 - 12:36 am

  I traded in 2007 Toyota Prius with 24,000 miles and purchased new 2008 Base Highlander with max out options. We got great gas mileage on Prius avg on 24,000 miles was 45 MPG. Great car just not the car I wanted to drive in the winter in CO. We have driven the Highlander only 3,279 miles 80% city 20% highway. Average 19.9 MPG. High of 25.6 in the mountains and highway and low of 17.7 in city. This a average 16 tanks of gas. That is 165 gal of gas on 3,279 miles driven or 19.9 MPG. Im happy having much more extensive comfort and control on snow covered roads in the winter. (No Buyers Remorse.)

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  My little zip zip - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Patti - December 26 - 9:46 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. The maneuverability is awesome. The gas mileage is UNREAL. Get it... you wont regret it.

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  Wonderful sedan - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By joel - December 26 - 4:00 pm

  Wonderful car, fun to drive. Just traded my chevrolet equinox for this gas friendly vehicle. Went with Toyota for the company reputation. Really not disappointed so far. Comfortable ride, great MPG, nice engine. I use it to commute daily.

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  A DRIVING PLEASURE - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By LANNAHOE - December 26 - 10:00 am

  INCREDIBLY QUIET DRIVE, GREAT POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT. COMFORTABLE, RELIABLE, A SHEER PLEASURE TO DRIVE

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  Fun to drive & to look at!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By krazeekiddie - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my celica GT-S with a 6 speed, manual transmission & the action package just over a month ago. I have to say that this is the most fun I have ever had with a car. The handling is excellent, pick up is good, and it is a beauty!! I turn heads wherever I go!! I dont like that i have to use premium gas only, and the car is not a car for more than 2 people!! (Although you could really fit a couple people in the hatchback!) Overall, a little pricey, but well worth it!!

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  Fuel efficency - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By npecz - December 26 - 10:00 am

  So far i have noticed that the Prius does not preform to its milage. Im getting about 46 mpg, which is still very good. I think that the New England hills might have something to do with the fuel usage. It is very roomy, bigger than our SUV!! Other than the fuel economy, i would highly recoment it.

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  very nice! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By 10sne1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Very roomy and easy to drive. Lots of extra features. I am only getting about 46-47 MPG which was a little disappointng with the advertised 50-60.It has great pick up and is very quiet. I love it!

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  Hot car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By B Green - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car 10 days but am averaging 48 mpg already, unlike some of the other reviewers. Really really pleased with its handling, high tech. features, and interior room for such a fuel efficient car. I purchased package 9 for the navigation system and extra safety features (which should be standard by the way) and am so pleased with this car. FYI: I have driven a Mercedes station wagon and Volvo wagon in the recent past and this car is just as much fun to drive, is far less costly, easier to park, and, of course, much greener!