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 Little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Granma - June 15 - 2:06 am

  This little car may have saved my job, home health aide. Though I get a gas allowance, it no way covers the cost of gas for a Buick LaSabre at about 25 mpg. This Yaris so far gets about 39 mpg on the highway and county roads. I travel about 200-250 weekly. Love my blue Yaris!!!

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  No vehicle has come close - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By JCM - June 14 - 3:03 pm

  This is my second 4Runner. After driving an SR5 for 3 years I decided to lease the Limited. After 3 years of reliability I decide to purchase it. 185,000+ miles later I am still enjoying the reliability of the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It has never had any major mechanical problems. Ive had to replace the battery twice, brake pads once (always parked outdoors), and only now do I have to replace the muffler. The only electrical problem is the CD player skipping. It has been so reliable I am going to drive it until the wheels fall off.

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  Twins Made Me Do It!? - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Northeaster - June 14 - 10:30 am

  My wife and I had to get a van because of the unexpected Blessing of Twins and having a 2y/o, 3 car seats in a cross over would not do. We tested the Honda and Toyota and we did not like the Honda because of the road noise, uncomfortable seats, tight fit to 3rd row, all around Dark interior space. The Sienna Was like a blotted version of my wifes Audi Avant, so much more light and airy with Duel Moon roofs, more room between seats, better parking assist and backup camera and it was comfortable smooth and quite. It looks fast just sitting there and it was the only van with AWD. My son now does not want to leave the van and treats it like a second living room with a changing view.

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  02 shines in mountains - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DJ DeLano - June 14 - 2:40 am

  Heated seats, leather, pwr sunroof,newer Cooper tires.

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  As expected and more--- - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By marco770 - June 14 - 12:43 am

  Have driven over 60,000 miles in less than 2 years. Vehicle is fun, lean on fuel, untimely style, quick, efficient, and safe. Am completely pleased. Large trunk, good sound system, excellent air flow, and comfortable for the driver. Had to replace windshield due to road hazard (expected with hi mileage). As long as you keep serviced, this vehicle wont let you down.

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - June 13 - 10:56 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. This car makes you stop and think about how fast you are driving because it can be fast but wait, if I go too crazy fast I may not get the neat mileage that it is all about. It probably has saved my life and make me do the speed limit because now I want to and I want this cool car to last me forever. Never will I purchase any other car. Why do people ask me if I have to plug this car in at nite. No it charges itself and never runs out. Imagine coming to a stop light and your car stops, I mean no sound at all and everyone else is burning up the gas or diesel. I have never had so much fun in my life as I have with my Prius.

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  fantastic! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By m4hand - June 13 - 8:56 am

  Best all around SUV I have ever driven. The exterior is very stylish and sporty, the interior is well laid out (once you get used to the strange HVAC controls), and the seats are very comfortable. Plenty of space in the cargo area as well as with the seats folded down. Fuel economy is decent for an SUV of its size. V6 is more than enough for a punchy, fun drive.

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  Powerful, Reliable, Fuel-Efficient, Fun - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Lucas Niiler - June 13 - 2:30 am

  Ive been a Honda driver for 20+ years, but this time around, the RAV4 V6 won out, hands down, over the CRV. This vehicle is in an entirely different league. Like the CRV, its reliable and fuel- efficient--but unlike the Honda, it offers more interior room and a much more powerful engine. Tow capacity is 3500 pounds; rear seats fold flat to create a box-like pickup truck-style space. Acceleration is crisp and smooth; braking is grippy, confident. Seats are comfortable; cabin is spacious; sight lines are clear and unobstructed; stereo kicks. 24 mpg in town; no highway numbers to report yet. Of course, if all you want to do is haul groceries, go with the CRV.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By chuck37 - June 12 - 11:40 pm

  I was concerned about the small size and comfort when I bought my Prius. I was surprised to find it is neither small or uncomfortable. It is listed as mid-sized. My 66" 270lb son is comfortable in the back seat. The drivers seat will not move back far enough for his comfort, but he can drive it. We did not change our driving habits to accommodate mileage, but average 49.3 mpg. This has been for the last 8000 mi. I have only one complaint, at freeway speeds there is much air and road noise. I am very pleased with the comfort and performance. I eagerly await the plug-in model. I will get one at my first opportunity.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ang - June 12 - 9:10 pm

  Hello Yaris! I needed a small commuter after 95K miles of long distance traveling on my old job. I have put 1000 miles on my new 07 Yaris and I have no regrets. Getting 35 mpg combined city/hwy, love the velvety smooth 5-speed, electronic steering (so easy for city parking), peppy pick up, great handling. Thought I would hate the center speedo but I love it at night, no glaring speedo in front of you. Yaris gets me lots of looks - never thought a car could be cute, but this is!