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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  2013 Camry XLE V6 - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By retired2013 - January 28 - 7:24 pm

  We bought our newest Camry seven months ago, and have driven it 13,000 miles now. This is our third Camry so we must like them. The 2013 V6 is very fast. The 2013 XLE seems lighter and more nimble than our 2002 XLE. The gas mileage is good and the car is definitely comfortable. The steering is quicker than prior models, and this model feels better balanced than prior year models too. Overall a fantastic car to get from Point A to Point B in comfort and safety with attractive styling.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By John - January 28 - 7:16 pm

  I Love this Truck. Fit & Finish as well as performance are excellent. Everyone complains about gas mileage. It is a pickup truck people. I am getting great mileage, avg 18.7 hwy at 75 mph. Hwy I am getting better than my diesel I traded in, city not quite as good, but still avg 14.6. These are excellent numbers for a 4WD Truck. I am 64" all the controls are within perfect reach for me, I can see where they would be a chore to reach for folks with shorter arms, steering wheel controls cover that nicely! I have 3 Great Danes that weigh over 400 lbs combined, I slide the front passenger seat forward throw some spare cushions down & all 3 dogs fit in back! They are the reason I bought a crewmax.

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  Little Tank - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Jonathan - January 28 - 1:53 pm

  I have owned my Echo for 7 yrs and it is the best car I have owned. I have had this car where trucks have been stuck and it still keeps going in the snow. Seven years and 195000 kms later with proper maintenance all I have had to do is doughnut gasket struts and brakes once.

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  Im in love with my car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - January 28 - 6:50 am

  This car is comfortable to travel in, as well as "no effort driving". And the get up and go is there when you need it. Fantastic gas mileage on the highway. What can I say? Im in love with my car.

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  Pure Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Gary D Schott - January 27 - 1:30 pm

  This has been one of the finest vehicles my wife and I have ever owned. We have had Mercedes, Volvo and this is by far the best. In 2 feet of snow in CO, no problem, ice no problem. Gas mil. is wonderful. I left the Post Office one day and went to a car wash and had a man follow me for 3 miles just to ask what I thought about it as he and his wife were looking. Not bad huh!

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  Excelllence - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chuck - January 27 - 9:36 am

  Wonderful car. We might end up with two in the garage. Big and spacious for my four kids. My wife said the other day she is afraid to step on full throttle because it seems it might go on its rear wheels; its fast. Its quiet, visibility is great, and very comfortable to drive, even long distances. Ive never driven all the way from Phoenix to L.A. without my wife helping part of the way, but last June, I did, both to and from. Havent had any problems so far, however, I have a small rattle on the moon-roof which disappears when I go to the dealership. Dont keep your eyes on the gas-gauge though, you might be disappointed, but I expected it when I bought the car. All in all, I love it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By cwsch - January 27 - 7:13 am

  A very good car. Excellent build quality from Toyota. Has lots of pep and handles very well. There is a little more body roll in cornering than most sedans but it is not uncomfortable. Gas mileage is very good but it will flucuate depending on the steepness of the hills that you have to drive over, but still I drive in West Virginia and average between 46 and 55 mpg on the highway at 65 to 75 mph. It also has great aerodynamics and has no handling problems around large semis. City driving is high 50s to 60 mpg. Interior is very roomy with Lexus type build quality with few complaints. The back window takes getting used to but the car comes with a rear camera display for backing.

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  Toyota Yaris with Power Package - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Astronskas - January 27 - 2:06 am

  I just bought this car and cannot say enough how much I enjoy this vehicle. The gas mileage is truly awesome and the handling is great. The only negative I have found so far is that the gas and brake pedal are a little to close together for a person with larger feet, but I have adjusted to it. Overall I am very impressed with the value for my money.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Philip Wylie - January 27 - 12:00 am

  Installed a trailer towing package and likewise installed an air lift air bag system for the rear coils and that made a tremendous difference and ride and handling, loaded or unloaded. Pulled a 2700 lb load 10 ft. cargo trailer to Dallas Texas and back like a breeze. At 105000 miles we did the first brake pad change and purchased premium high dollar replacement pads installed for $395.00 at our friendly Chev dealer. Toyota wants to rob you. Replaced the original factory crappy tires at 74000 miles with the superlative Goodyear Triple Tread Assurance tires (Nitrogen filled). This van handles like it were a Cadillac STS. Beautiful ride. Fuel mileage is consistent average is 28 down to 23.

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  Typically Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Larry Mc - January 26 - 11:16 pm

  Of the many vehicles I have owned in my life this FJ Crusier is the most delightful yet. Im 52 years old and enjoy this truck every time I drive it. After 13500 miles it still has given me no problems. Once again, way to go Toyota!