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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  MY toyota - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Jijy James - January 16 - 12:59 am

  i had 5 Toyota Camrys in the past two i drove over 300k miles and the others 260 k, 250k etc. just change oil change tires and drive no problems

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  GAS GUZZLER - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By carlove3 - January 15 - 4:04 pm

  Someone told a big lie about the gas mileage on this car - it is terrible. I had a 91 volvo and was paying the exact amount for gas without the car payment. If gas mileage is a concern... go with a hybrid... this is absolutely not your car

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  Love my 4Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Darin38122 - January 15 - 11:23 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I love it! There is plenty of room to throw my bike gear and head for the trails, or pack up my daughters luggage and head out on the road. I wish I had gotten the four-wheel drive though. When it snows or is icy (doesnt happen much in Memphis, but it does happen) it tends to get stuck. Very embarrassing. Had to take my fiances front-wheel drive Buick Regal everywhere at Christmas. My only real complaint with the 4Runner is the gas mileage. I hope Toyota comes out with a Hybrid for the 4Runner.

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  Neat truck - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jake65 - January 15 - 6:56 am

  The truck was purchased brand new in 2003. So far it has 97,000 miles and runs like its brand new. Some of the problems I can think of is the paint scratches very easily. And the tires wear out a little sooner than expected. Other than that it is very comfortable and pretty quiet inside. Its also quite powerful for its size and gas mileage. Its a great truck and I plan to drive it for a long time.

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  Zippin Thru! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By jujibee - January 15 - 3:23 am

  This is one of the best cars Ive ever had. (And Ive had many.) It is very fun to drive when zipping thru traffic! Very sporty. Ive added some things to the car and it looks very nice with added features. The gas is great, about 30-38 mpg! You could easily have the gas light on and still make it a good 10-20 miles! The sound is great, and the air is pretty good. Very reliable, havent had any problems with the mechanics yet! Automatic locks and windows are great. Love how it locks soon as you put it in drive and unlocks when in park. Pretty roomy to say the car is about 10 ft! Love Love Love this car!

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  The Venza is Great - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Erica M. - January 15 - 1:23 am

  Just returned from a 14 hour drive. My Venza handled really well on the highway, was so comfortable and easy to drive. Its fast, quiet, and dependable. Still getting to learn the Navi system. The sun/moon roofs let in a lot of light. Have not driven in snow yet but would recommend this car. Toyotas are dependable and well designed.

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  Totally Awesome - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Martin - January 14 - 8:30 pm

  227,000 miles. Never dreamed I would be driving a car with this many miles, but now I am. I have had a Corolla, Vibe (Matrix), and now this Camry and love them all. I bought it last November and planned to drive it as a beater until I could afford to get something else, but i love it too much to get rid of it. Highly recommend this car to anyone who needs room, quality, and good gas mileage. Keep up the good work, Toyota!! I am one of your greatest fans.

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  I love my Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By F Cullina - January 14 - 3:10 am

  I have enjoyed owning my Camry LE. I did obtain an additional safety option of side front & rear air bags since we have 7 yr old child. And also opted for the steel alloy wheels. Its been a great family car & fun to drive. Cant beat the gas mileage & have had no mechanical problems since ownership. Would suggest lighted window & locks for the interior. But other than that; its a best buy! I will definitely get another Toyota when the time comes.

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  Excellent Subcompact - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Sean - January 13 - 8:56 pm

  At first, I was taken back by how small this car is. But, when I climbed inside I was amazed at how much interior room there is. The center console is different, but once you get used to it, its actually more convenient than peering through the steering wheel like most cars. The car corners very well and is surprisingly resistant to being blown around on the highway (for a subcompact anyway). Toyota managed to get the price down by making features optional that come standard on other cars, so expect to pay more than the base MSRP (but its worth it). Availability is limited in 2006, so you may have to be patient if youre picky about options. Great car; would buy again!

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  2001 Tacoma Xtra Cab 3.4L 4x4 5-Speed: Best Truck Ever - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By lucas2718 - January 13 - 7:33 pm

  My Tacoma, which I bought on September 11, 2001, and named Liberty, interestingly enough, has been the toughest and most reliable vehicle of which I have ever known. It has nearly 170,000 miles, and aside from the usual replacement of tires, filters, and brake pads, the only maintenence Ive ever had done was preventative (timing belt, water pump, drive belts, and spark plugs at 100,000 miles). Aside from that, EVERYTHING is original, including the clutch, which Im hard on, and even the freon for the A/C! Unbelievable! In short, the truck still drives like the day I bought it, it hardly burns a drop of oil, and if this old girl doesnt make it to 250,000 miles, Ill eat my hat!