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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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Oh8Limited - July 1 - 7:30 am

  Our family bought this truck this month. We took a 4 hour trip to another city, very comfortable ride, responsive steering, also a quiet ride for the size. For as big as is it, it drives like a smaller SUV.

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  Excited Solara Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By StylistQueen - July 1 - 4:33 am

  I have been wanting this car for the past two years and I finally purchased it a week ago today and I LOVE IT. The leather seats, sunroof, the smooth ride and handling are all great. I am so looking forward to the spring/summer when I can open up my sunroof.

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  matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jay w - July 1 - 4:03 am

  good on gas roomy as a 4-runner.

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  A Great Little Car. - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By myrick - June 30 - 5:06 pm

  Bought the car in Feb. 2006 and my wife and I have enjoyed it. We bought it with 33,000 miles on it and it just went over 100,000 miles today. The oil gets changed every 3,000 miles and we had new hoses and belts put on last summer and a new A/C relay Fuse last spring but thats about it that we have had to do to it. It was in a wreck about 3 years ago, the left back corner smashed in causing about 4,000 dollars of damage but because of its high resale value it was not written out as totaled so we were able to get it fixed up. It has a few hail dents and some scratches but still runs great. Drove it from Oklahoma to Wisconsin last summer averaging 38 miles to a gallon. Great little car.

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  good car - 2018 Toyota Avalon
  By Todd - June 30 - 4:16 pm

  Low M/G..

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  A grandfathers honest opinion - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By Doug Flyger - June 30 - 3:46 pm

  I previously owned a new 2011 Toyota Sienna LE, put 30K plus on it and traded for a new 2013 Sienna LE almost 3 years ago. I now have 54K miles on this new 2013 as of 1-29-2016. Overall, this is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. The best features are: effortless electronic steering, fabulous turning radius, smooth ride, spacious cargo room ( I can haul full 4 x 8 sheets of plywood flat in the rear), dual front and rear climate control, blue-tooth tech for my Ipod and phone, and just plain high quality and reliability of the van. Negatives are: driver side middle seat is cumbersome to remove because of the built in cup holder and seat rail slider,and the poor quality new LIMITED MILEAGE TIRES that the only last for 30K miles is disgraceful ( both of my 2011 and current 2013 Siennas had these Michelin limited mile tires.

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  I LOVE MY FJ CRUISER - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Vickie Wilson - June 30 - 2:16 pm

  I first saw the FJ Cruiser on the computer last year, I loved the look of it and when it came out in April of 2006 I found a dealer and took it for a test drive. Thats all it took, Im hooked. I have the Voodoo Blue loaded with all the extra. I love the drive it gives you, not truck like but smoother and turning, you feel nice and safe. Hey its a Toyota how can you go wrong... you cant. I just know this is going to be a long lasting vehicle. Im driving in style. I love my FJ Cruiser. Vickie

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  Gas Mileage - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By miataman - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is as close to a hybrid as you get. On my first trip from Ohio to New York I filled up when I left Ohio and fueled again when I got home and got 49 miles to the gallon!! I could not believe it myself! This car is a bare bones Echo with a 5 speed, no A/C not even power steering. Needless to say I was very impressed with the mileage. The car handles well but an small car, except for strong cross winds on the highway sometimes. But I guess that is the price you pay for low weight and GREAT fuel mileage! The car is very well put together and I would recommend to anyone looking for an inexpensive but reliable car. Love my Echo!!

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  Summer fun starts with highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Greenviller - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car two weeks ago. Highly recommend it to everyone. It drives smoothly, just like a great car.

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  Luv It - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rosie Gamgee - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car in 10 years. Didnt know I could love a car this much! Looked around for a long time to find the right car. This was it. Absolutely no problems and drives like a dream. Seems like the vehicle was designed just for me. Everything is exactly where it should be (at my fingertips). Ride is so smooth. Wonderful in the snow and slush of Upstate NY. Plan on keeping this vehicle a very long time! Thanks Toyota for designing and building a car for all of the Moms who have outgrown the mini van.