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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  Good buy - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By 2Toyotas - June 26 - 12:50 pm

  Since purchasing this vehicle about 2 months ago I have had nothing but a great experience. This is the Limited Edition with leather interior. Even though the vehicle had 112,000 miles at purchase it looked new outside and minor wear on the drivers seat. Although the gas mileage is nothing to brag about its about what I expected and could care less. On the highway its like driving a semi-luxury vehicle. In parking lots its a beast to park but that also doesnt bother me. In short for $8500 I feel like I got a great deal. Ill drive it until it hits 220,000 miles and at that point it will still have value.

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  Best bang for your buck!! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By engineerc - June 26 - 11:12 am

  I bought this car after looking at many options from: KIA, Hyundai, and Honda. I decided to go with the Corolla Eco Plus, because it seemed like the most bang for my buck. And I was right, first of all the new Corolla design is very sleek and roomy inside. Furthermore, I got this car of the MPG which is an estimated 42 MPG highway. Which I was a little skeptical about to be honest. Since that seems to be the problem many other cars and the estimated MPG. However, this is not the case with the Corolla Eco. I recently went on a 60 Mile pure highway trip, and I was extremely impressed with the MPG which was 50 MPG! I couldnt believe it. I hope this stays true for the life of the car.

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  My Trusted Car - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Hax - June 26 - 11:02 am

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  PRIUS - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By BSDROWN - June 26 - 10:00 am

  WONDERFUL CAR AVERAGING 49.9 MPG LAST MONTH

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  We Love Our Solara XLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jack & Kathy - June 26 - 10:00 am

  We have had the normal oil changes, have replaced the tires and brakes, maintenance is very low on this vehicle and the performance is that of the 944 Porche without all the problems. The car has 58,000 trouble free miles.

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  "Leak City" at 85,000 - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By myalex08 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  It developed a major transmisssion leak and rear main engine seal leak,head gasket leak at approx 90000 miles. These were very expensive repairs as the entire front subframe had to be removed,transmission dropped.Almost all seals and gaskets in engine have been replaced. Great riding car though and till this year, engine reliable.Extended warranty proved to be ambiguous.

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  Toyota--a whole lotta shaking goin on! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By MrMark - June 26 - 10:00 am

  There is a constant vibration in the steering wheel that Toyota can not fix. It feels like an alignment problem but the alignment, wheel balancing, toe-in have all been checked. Toyota is saying we just have to get used to the feel of the car. Odd that the steering wheel of our 92 Sable doesnt vibrate as much as the Toyota. Were already out looking for a new car and this on only has 2300 miles on it and weve owned it less than 8 weeks! Were very disappointed in the Toyota Camry.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Minivan Rookies - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is our first minivan. We fell in love with the Sienna the first time we drove it. I originally thought the shifter on the dash was wierd and didnt like it, but have found that I do like it and Ive changed my description of it from "wierd" to "quirky." I think it adds to the character of the vehicle. Character which I dont think the Odyssey has. Ive seen the word spartan used to describe the Honda van, and couldnt agree more. The Siennas creature comforts far outdo the Odysseys and outclassed every other van we drove. After 2 weeks and around a thousand miles, we are very pleased that we purchased the Sienna.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Dawnette - June 26 - 9:23 am

  I enjoy driving this car, I get in and out of traffic very well in this car.

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  Good, efficient transporation - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By benson11 - June 25 - 11:14 pm

  This car is good for what it is intended, getting from point A to point B. It is definitely not a sports car or the ultimate driving experience. It is great on gas and gets better mileage during the summer (when it is hotter). I am afraid to bring this up to the snow since it is somewhat under powered (for the higher elevations) and it isnt all wheel drive. Overall, this is great, practical transportation.