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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  Dependable car - as it should be - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By JSW - June 10 - 6:33 pm

  Bought this after owning a 1996 Dodge Stratus. Have not regretted the decision. Fantastic commute car with EXCELLENT gas mileage. Now at almost 88K miles, its showing the wear and tear, but its a keeper. Reliable and very dependable vehicle. It has never let me down on my commute to Denver - even in winter snow storms. As for other reviewers that have reported mechanical problems...stuff like this happens, live with it.

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  Corolla S - drive it forever - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - June 10 - 4:23 pm

  Purchased the car in may 2005 as a hedge on rising fuel prices - just in time! Maintenance free, fun to drive! 40+ MPG highway, mid 30s or better on average. Comfortable, roomy, reasonably quiet.

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  toyota sequoia 2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By armando bonilla - June 10 - 3:42 pm

  I have my Toyota sequoia 2003 with 200k miles. running like a champion, no big problem, only regular maintenance. oil change, break and rotor, I did change the pinion rack. at 185k, front shock at 170k, o2 sensor at 175.. everything is normal with car with this miles 200k, now I need to replace some wheel bearing.. but I think the engine is running excellent. in the blizzard in 2015 in northen Virginia was jumping on the snow like a deer.. I

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  Beautiful - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yoyocheerio - June 10 - 11:20 am

  I absolutely love this car. I have owned a toyota before, a 1986 MR2, and was very pleased with it so when it came time to buy my first new car, I was definitely going to look at Toyota. Ive got a lot of expenses with my 2 kids and so I needed to keep the cost manageable. I was worried I wouldnt be able to get a decent car for my budget but I am thrilled to have discovered the Yaris. It is perfect for me - great gas mileage, fun to drive, great design inside and out, its a Toyota and on top of all that its affordable. Its too good to be true.

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  satisfied customer - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dick - June 10 - 9:23 am

  This has to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. My only costs have been for regular 5,000 mile maintenance. I replaced the 17 " tires at 31000 mile. It is a great, comfortable vehicle on long trips. Seating is very comfortable.

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  Back in a 4runner - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By rart - June 10 - 6:47 am

  I have had 4Runners in the past, so I knew I would be getting a quality product. I was right. I enjoy everything about the 4Runner. It is equally at home in "high society" or pulling a boat down a gravel road. I will say that Im shocked at how harsh the media has been on this new model. IMO, that is due to the fact that most review agencies are centered in urban areas. They would prefer everyone drive compact cars, so they naturally prefer car based SUVs and have trouble understanding people that actually plan to use an SUV outside of grocery and soccer duty. Do not let subjective reviews get to you. They are comparing it to a car in every respect. It is not a "car".

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  Meeting the road - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Richard Hackney - June 10 - 4:26 am

  I have owned a basic Tacoma pickup since 1998. It is a great vehicle that has just turned 100,000 miles. The only service that has ever been done is oil, tires and battery. I changed the brakes one time. I have been thinking about upgrading to a Tundra for about a year but when I saw the 2005 Tacoma I stopped looking. Earlier this month I bought a SR5, Double Cab, Long Bed. It is a pure pleasure to drive. I commute approximately 40 miles one way to work and the difference between the 1998 and 2005 models is incredible. Of course, I got all of the goodies -- cruise control, bucket seats, variable speed wipers, fog lights, etc. Let the road beware!!!!

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kathryn Brown - June 9 - 8:33 am

  This car is amazing and I will never not own another hybrid again! I am thrilled with the gas mileage, which has been 51-52 mpg average. I couldnt be happier.

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  One hell-of-an off roader - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By TejasYOTA - June 8 - 1:06 pm

  In stock form this truck is very offroad capable. Good balance and grip and plenty of power. Only main gripe is the lack of a 5 speed when it was introduced and the damn placement of the digital clock. The electronic rear diff lock works great too. I only wish they offered a front locker too and offer the driver side grab handle on the a-pillar. It was deleted from the LIMITED versions. What marketing bozo thought of that?!

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  The Best - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Mona - June 8 - 11:46 am

  We took a look at 3 minivans, the Chrysler Town & Country Touring, Honda Odyssey EX-L RES, and Toyota Sienna XLE with extra value package 4. The Sienna has the best ride of all three and handles well. The engine just blows the others away. I wasnt looking for power to win stoplight races but I got it, but I wanted the power for passing or emergency maneuvers requiring power. The quality of the Toyota was the best. I average 21.3 mpg in my Sienna. Toyota Sienna is the best van on the market.