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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  Happy Camper! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Danielle Smith - May 18 - 3:36 am

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  Toyota trucks cant be beat - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Uncle Dan - May 17 - 8:33 am

  I sold my beloved 88 Toyota extended cab truck to buy this one. That was the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned and I hope the Tacoma holds up as well. After 11,000 miles, no problems at all. This is a well designed and laid out small truck. I purchased it through Edmunds internet referral service and it was simple. I entered the options I wanted and the next day I got a call from North Hollywood Toyota. They had the exact vehicle I wanted in stock and quoted a price that was 10% under sticker. I may have saved more with a lot of calls, but it wasnt worth it. I told em Id be out to pick it up and I was in and out of the dealer in less than an hour. Simple.

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  I love my car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravfan4life - May 17 - 2:53 am

  I have not had any problems with my lovely RAV since I drove it off the floor. I can use it to haul anything and it is comfortable and super fun to drive. It is a little light on the ice, but it handles Minnesota winters like a trooper.

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  you owe it to yourself - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jim - May 16 - 10:56 pm

  We are happy with our 2009 Venza. to this point the quality is outstanding. Rides and drives like a vehicle costing 50k. How is it said? You can pay more. But, you wont get more. The only items Toyota should consider is illuminating the homelink buttons along with the window lock button. The leather seats are very nice. However, clothing dye is a problem. It will not come off the leather. The leather seems to be overly susceptible to deterioration through normal wear.Not easy to keep clean or clean. They need to look at the leather stock they are using.

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  Be Realistic, Unbelievable Value - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By bryant1981 - May 16 - 10:22 pm

  We traded our loaded 2007 Lexus RX350 for the 2012 Prius, I knew it was smart for us but worried wed be too sensitive to the luxury adjustment-we werent, the Prius is a much nicer car than most people think. Barcelona Red Metallic over Tan is a great color combo! Smooth & quiet, I drive for Uber & Lyft and passengers are always pleasantly surprised at the space and road manners. Swap the OEM Goodyear tires for Michelins and all is complete. We are getting between 48 and 59 MPG varying on speed/road conditions/passenger Weight. No regrets, wont drive anything but a Hybrid, we save so much money and sacrifice nothing on comfort. Its sad that the Prius is often spoken of so negatively

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  Almost a Lexus - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave - May 16 - 9:53 pm

  Car drives easily, responds well and has enough power to get around in hilly terrain without effort. A V6 thats less than 2 mpg off the 4 cyl at 30.8 all around total mpg over 7600 miles of city, highway and idling at the mall. Not bad.

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  Fuel efficient and sporty - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By celicaperson79 - May 16 - 5:50 pm

  I have had a few minor hiccups owning this car but overall its been an enjoyable experience. I havent had any major mechanical malfunctions since I purchased it. The car isnt the fastest on the market obviously but its quick and gets good gas mileage. It has a unique look as well which gets attention even though it doesnt have the power to back it up.

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  The thrill is back! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill - May 16 - 1:20 pm

  I havent been this excited about a car in years. My driving is different: smoother starts, more consistent speed (I use the excellent cruise control whenever possible). Great attention to detail in design and construction. I love the smart key and the quiet, comfortable ride. Were getting only 35 mpg on this tank, but we go up a mile-long hill to get home (wonderful going down, though). Miracles happen: we took delivery of the exact car we wanted (sunroof, leather) on the same day we first talked to the dealer!

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  "Lovin My Car" - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Courtney - May 16 - 10:13 am

  My car is really great! It was givin to me as a graduation gift from my dad! Its perfect for this time period since gas is extremely pricey. I get 54 miles per gallon. The design of the car is great. Although its a small car they made this new body style high from the ground, spacious, sporty, and unique when compared to other cars in the same price range. My Corolla is great. The trunk space will amaze you. This car also comes with fold down seats in the back which gives you more space or over spill when caring items like pictures and plants. On top of all the things that I have mentioned the Corolla has always been a great car, long lasting, and low maintenance. It will only get better!

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  like it - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By John682429 - May 15 - 3:23 pm

  I have put 36,000 miles on my Avalon and the only problem i have is the low profile tires will not last over 25,000 miles even when rotated every other oil change. I average 34 mpg on road trips and average 26 around town and highway combined. Car is very fun to drive and very comfortable. I dont like the drink holding area at night as proper light is not provided to access drinks and find items in the stash box. Trunk space is very large and my passengers love the rear comfort of the rear as plenty of room for comfort. Around 34,000 service engine light came on and Vehicle Traction Control came on. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a car of comfort and plenty of interior space