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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  Tires are of poor quality - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Lynn - March 22 - 8:33 am

  Our Camrys tires needed replacing at 20,000 miles. So disappointed. Hard to see while backing up.

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  Know Your Priorities - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By jkobb - March 21 - 11:02 pm

  Overall I rate my car a 5. If you read auto magazines they rate the cars on performance mostly. The Corolla is not a sports car , don`t judge it that way. What it is , is a very dependable car. It has very good gas mileage. Since my last odo reset I am at a 38.5 mpg average over 2000 miles . Over the winter I had a 32 mpg average. Cars use more gas running cold. very comfortable ride and seats. If you look at the mpg ratings the Corolla does better than most cars that are smaller than it.Love the look of the dash , all the other cars basically look the same dash . It is very similar to the Avalon dash.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  After months of research & test drives, the RAV4 won out for several reasons. It really is fun to drive, well laid out, has super comfy seats and my tall husband can fit without knocking his head off. The only negative is the front seat headrests. They are extremely uncomfortable for someone with neck problems. However, I popped mine out, turned it around and the problem was solved. Hopefully there will be an aftermarket option.

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  Jewel of a Car! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lI mO - March 21 - 7:49 pm

  Love my Camry Hybrid XLE - thought about trading in for a 2016 Hybrid Avalon, but I just love this car, and decided to keep my 2009 for a few more years - its comfortable, great ride, quiet - still gets 35mpg, everything works great and the leather is in terrific condition. More comfortable than the 2016 Camry - really a jewel of a car!

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  Fun to Own and Drive! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rex - March 21 - 5:56 am

  I didnt want to give up the roominess of a SUV but I did want to get a lot better gas mileage. After much looking and research I chose the Toyota. My wife liked our Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and was reluctant to part with it, however one test drive later she was a fan of it! We both really like it and are glad of the change. We felt fortunate to find one and bought one on the lot. It had the GPS option which I really didnt feel I needed. It is now one of my most favorite options!

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  Have loved every mile! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ohionative74 - March 20 - 4:13 am

  I bought it new in 2006. I have put 120K mostly highway miles on it in the last 6 years. The original Bridgestone tires were good until 75K w/regular rotations. The brakes were replaced at 118K, not b/c they were squeaking, but b/c the fronts needed it soon, hubby did all 4 at one time. Check engine light came on at 78K, ECM in transmission went bad and was covered in a recall. Check engine light came on at 119K, ECM software glitch, no fix yet, but the light is out, car is driving fine, and the fix will be free when it is ready for download at my dealership. I have been very satisfied with this car. Least favorite aspect of Toyota build is the paint...it chips easily.

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Robert - March 20 - 12:43 am

  After searching for 4 months, I just bought a very low mileage 4 Runner with every option included. It is seriously amazing. I had a 2000 4Runner and got rid of it and got a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. This was a big mistake and Im glad to be back inside a Toyota 4Runner. The driving performance is incredible as it drives like a sports car and handles like a truck. The reliability of a Toyota is first cast and the maintenance is much cheaper than a Land Rover, BMW, etc.

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  Love this vehicle!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Pat Thomas - March 19 - 11:20 pm

  We have been waiting for this vehicle for about 2 years and we were not disappointed. We traded in our 2 year old 4Runner with not regrets. Love the 4Runner but Love this one more. Fun to drive. Handles very well. Power is great. Cant wait to take it up in the mountains to go camping.

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  Still top of class - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By derek - March 19 - 6:50 pm

  Smoother quieter, better gas mileage than competition(excluding hybrids).

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  Excellent 4-Runner! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By TawlerDan - March 19 - 6:30 pm

  I have owned this vehicle now for almost 3 years and the only thing Ive done is just your monthly/bimonthly maintance(oil, filters, etc.) It is, in my opinion, the best vehicle Ive owned.