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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  Sweet Mercy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Eddie - June 22 - 2:20 pm

  I look forward to driving this truck to work everyday. I actually get excited when its time to leave each morning. I have had no problems with this truck, period. My experience so far has been fantastic and the truck has exceeded all my expectations.

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  2005 Toytota Camry Xle - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By crewdawg - June 22 - 12:33 pm

  I am very satisfied with this car. The fit and finish is excellent and the ride is very smooth. The 4 cyl performs well and has adequate power for every task. The fuel economy is outstanding. The seats are somewhat stiff and and the stereo is a bit lacking for this upgraded model, but overall this is car is outstanding and has had no reason to return to the dealer for service.

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  Best car Ive ever owned!!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By James - June 21 - 7:13 pm

  This is my 1st new car!!!!! I was reluctant to purchase a toyota because I have always owned american. My wife convinced me to buy our new corolla. We have only owned the car for about a month but so far is has been excellent. We went from a SUV which was getting about 16 MPG to almost 40 MPG. There is plenty of room inside the car and the price was lower than I thought we could get a new car for. The dealer was very helpful and did not get overbearing to sell the car. So far I am very pleased with our purchase.

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  The shag wag - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Chris Fanning - June 21 - 7:04 pm

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  4-Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alison - June 20 - 10:50 pm

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is extremely dependable. I have never had a mechanical problem in the 5+ years Ive owned it. A little more room in the backseat would be nice. Its a little small for travel.

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  Wonderful - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Picky Picky - June 20 - 10:13 pm

  My wife and I researched for over 2 months for the right vehicle for us. With a large breed dog that travels will us frequently, we needed the cargo space, and the low loading dock. We got everything we asked for in the cargo space, and the handles to put the rear seats down was one of the features we love the most. The V6 has tons of power. We test drove the 4Cyl also, which has plenty of power as well, but was just a bit too noisy. I wouldnt say the seats are "uncomfortable", but without a power seat Im still trying to find the right position. There seems to be SO much space all around. And the rear seats that fold flat make it all that much better. Love my Rav.

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  2005 Prius is everything you could want - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Parker - June 20 - 7:00 pm

  We waited 8 months for this car but it was worth it. We got it fully loaded which only brought the price to 26K. This includes a navigation system that is state-of-the-art. When you put the rear seats down you have as much room as an SUV. You cant beat the performance and the fuel economy. Buy it, you will not be disappointed. Be aware that you will get lots of envious looks from your neighbors

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  Satisfied Customer - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By michael - June 20 - 3:36 pm

  A very good car. Im 63 and fit comfortably but snugly into the car. The principle options I wanted were the convenience package, antilock brakes, and side impact airbags. I found they are not building any Yaris sedans with side impact airbags because it would raise the cost and make it uncompetative with rivals. I would have paid the $1000 extra.

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  Camry XLE with 6 cyclinders .. at the 4000 miles - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bob A - June 20 - 4:11 am

  We have [previously owned 3 Toyota Camrys. This well equipped XLEs sedans performance is fine with us. Very good engine response and a comfortable interior for the long ten hour drives. Radio wise, strongly suggest that you turn off the surround sound option since this greatly improved the listening quality to hearing music. The GPS system is pretty good but Google Maps is more precise. For a house number, Google Maps get you to the front door. Camrys will get you close by one to houses away. Providing verbal commands, the system does not always accurately catch it. Perhaps my Bostonian accent? The headlights are excellent. The side mirror detection alerts that another vehicle is my blind spot is a terrific safety feature. For carrying stuff, it offers a very good trunk size and the rear seats fold down. too. Gas mileage, for this six cylinder engine, it is about five MPG less than my 2008 Camry with six cylinder engine. WHY? I dont know but I expected it to be same. The car is pretty is quiet. We like and enjoy the car.

• 

  Camry XLE with 6 cyclinders .. at the 4000 miles - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bob A - June 20 - 4:11 am

  We have [previously owned 3 Toyota Camrys. This well equipped XLEs sedans performance is fine with us. Very good engine response and a comfortable interior for the long ten hour drives. Radio wise, strongly suggest that you turn off the surround sound option since this greatly improved the listening quality to hearing music. The GPS system is pretty good but Google Maps is more precise. For a house number, Google Maps get you to the front door. Camrys will get you close by one to houses away. Providing verbal commands, the system does not always accurately catch it. Perhaps my Bostonian accent? The headlights are excellent. The side mirror detection alerts that another vehicle is my blind spot is a terrific safety feature. For carrying stuff, it offers a very good trunk size and the rear seats fold down. too. Gas mileage, for this six cylinder engine, it is about five MPG less than my 2008 Camry with six cylinder engine. WHY? I dont know but I expected it to be same. The car is pretty is quiet. We like and enjoy the car.