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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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - April 28 - 6:43 am

  Just bought it. Very strong truck. Rides nice, good power, looks good, good features.

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  Durable and reliable - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By GF Jones - April 27 - 11:16 pm

  Never had repair work other than routine maintence in 140,000 miles. Ours was destroyed when a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light and slammed into the front end as we were crossing traffic. The Jeep lost the battle as it bounced off and rolled over 1.5 times. The Rave stood its ground and the frame is still straight. However, damages are in excess of its value. We are looking for another one.

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  2014 Toyota Rav4 XLE AWD - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By bvarga1749 - April 27 - 10:53 pm

  I was having several problems with my 2013 Ford Escape, needed something reliable. I had always owned Chevrolet and Ford. Decided to give Toyota a shot for reliability. I am very pleased with my purchase. The transmission is smoother than the Escape. Voice commands are much better than the Microsoft Sync System. Interior room is wider and back seat leg room is bigger. For the value, the XLE comes with sunroof and several other features standard. The APPS button on radio is great, Weather provided by Weather Channel, along with traffic. Works in areas with HD FM signals, I did not opt for the Navigation. MPG much better than Escape. I would highly recommend the Rav4.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JQ - April 27 - 4:00 am

  I already loved the camry but when they came out with the 07 model I just fell in love the styling, gas milage and everything else I just love

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  Fun Toy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By PCM - April 26 - 10:30 pm

  Bought this Crew Cab Pre-runner for weekend Home Depot trips. So far, I am extremely impressed and am still wondering how Toyota could sell a truck with so much for such a reasonable price. Toyotas reputation caused me not to consider any competition models. The truck is well built, high quality and comfortable. It is actually fun to drive with plenty of power. I love its look.

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  Surprised - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By John Biernat - April 26 - 10:16 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever purchased. I bought it when fuel prices began to climb and I needed economical transport. I am surprised by the many innovative ideas and features I find every day when I drive it. The only suggestion I have so far is to improve the lumbar support of the seats as I have problems getting comfortable for long hauls. The features in my Limited belong on vehicles costing much more and Im sure it will have the vaunted reliability Toyota is famous for. Looking forward to putting a lot of miles on it.

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  Blue Bell - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By embell - April 26 - 8:20 pm

  My husband first had his Prius arrive in 11/05, I signed on the list and received my Prius in 4/06. I got rid of a Mercury Grand Marquis to get this car, and was pleased to find how comfortable and useful it is. The space in the car is amazing. We camp, and find we can fit all of our equipment easily into a Prius. The ride is pretty hard, but you get used to it. Handling is very tight, there is no play in the steering wheel. There is plenty of power for passing, with both the gas and electric engines engaged. We get about 47 miles to the gallon overall; we live in an area where there are hills and ski slopes. When stuck in a traffic jam, it is calming to hear your gas engine go off.

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  This Yaris Wont Quit - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jesse Kennedy - April 26 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this car with around 50,000 miles. It now has 235,000. The only maintenance Ive done is oil changes and one serpentine belt. Clutch doesnt slip. No issues at all. Not fast, not quiet, not all that cool... but you couldnt find a better A to B car.

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  Oh What A Feeling..... Toyota! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Diane - April 26 - 5:36 am

  By slightly changing my driving habits I constantly achieve 40+ MPG. The ride is excellent and the car is responsive and fun to drive. Quality of workmanship, trim and paint finish is outstanding. The car is quiet and absent of any road noise. Seating is comfortable and both the front and rear passenger areas have plenty of leg room. Driving this hi-tech Hybrid is one of the best driving experiences I have ever had. The car is well refined, classy and sleek. Toyota has delivered everything I expected in a Camry Hybrid, and more.

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  I love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Prius - April 26 - 5:13 am

  This is a great car and good for the environment. Lots of cargo space with the back seats folded down. Quiet and comfortable. I love it. Getting around 50 mpg around town and 47 on the highway.