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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  2008 Yaris - great gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyaris - November 9 - 3:50 pm

  I have only had the auto 10,000 miles since February. Great gas mileage, I have gotten over 40 MPG. Great initial quality, No problems. Have only had 1 oil change to date, that and gas and it is good to go. GREAT CAR, best bang for the buck.

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By TeresaP - November 9 - 8:03 am

  I drove a Tahoe before purchasing my prius. At the recommendations of my father I looked at the prius & ended up ordering one. My Tahoe sold to the first person that looked at it which put me in a bind for transportation when I still had 2 months to go before it was to come in - it ended up coming in sooner and it has amazed me how much I like my prius - even more now that gas locally has risen to $2.69/gallon. I admit I miss my Tahoe but I dont miss close to $80/week in gas to get to work. The prius is a definate learning experience in changing the way you drive. The more miles I drive the better gas mileage I seem to get. I love my prius + savings on gas and state/fed taxes!!!

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  First Ever Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - November 9 - 6:40 am

  This is my first ever pick-up truck and what a great truck. It is quieter than my last vehicle (Lexus IS 300) on the hwy. and gets about the same mileage. The ride and handling are superior. Mines the 2.7 litre with the five speed. The clutch and shifter are as smooth as my Honda Accord was. Im sure I will get many years of trouble free and inexpensive use.

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  Bad suspension! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - November 9 - 6:03 am

  This was my first brand new car ever. I was very excited until after 1000 miles the rear suspension started making this annoying popping noise coming out of the rear struts. The dealer has been giving me the run around now for over a month now. They say this is a common problem and to just wait to see if the engineers at Toyota come out for a fix for it. For $20,000 dollars this car should be perfect. The annoying thud in the rear suspension makes the car too annoying to even drive. I also noticed the noise gets considerably louder when the weather gets colder. This car sounds like junk and it is only 2 months old. Even Toyota makes lemons I guess?

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  New 4Runner let down; disappointed - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By novice editor - November 9 - 4:00 am

  Much to my disappointment the new 4Runner falls short in many areas. One of the most glaring issues are the brakes. There is a 2-3 inch depression of the brake pedal before you feel they kick in and only with tremendous effort on the pedal. (It makes me wonder amid the recalls.) The rear end brakes make a pop sound at times and dealer says its normal:( The vehicle height is a problem, no running boards and instability when facing cross winds. Steering is vague when opposed by the same cross winds. No USB port but a mere MP3 plug for a vehicle of this expense. No running boards either and anyone under 511 with have a tough challenge getting in and out of the vehicle.

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  Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Natalie - November 9 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Yaris for about a year and a half and I have had no problems with the car. I used to own a small car so I am used to the small engine so this may have an effect on my review.

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  Whats Not To Love - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Lorin Jacobs - November 9 - 1:05 am

  Ive had three Highlanders. And there is absolutely nothing NOT to love. Style, comfort, reliability...all good qualities of a nice SUV. No complaints at all !!!!

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  Loving the fuel mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian Young - November 8 - 11:13 pm

  My wife and I really enjoy our Yaris S 5-speed. The lowest mileage weve gotten is 44 and the highest almost 49. Have driven it nearly 7000 troublefree miles and are impressed with the ride and quietness for such a small relatively inexpensive car. There is plenty of passenger room and the trunk is amazingly large.

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  Buy one - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By denny - November 8 - 8:03 pm

  I have 1200 miles so far. Fuel economy is 39 to 41 mpg, mixed driving. Storage space is great, handling & comfort is great - I have found no downside to this car. 5 speed is smooth as silk. All the controls are easy to reach & you have full control of your choices. No computer changing things for you. Feels roomy inside, seats are firm & comfortable - air conditioner vents have full range control. Everything is easy to use & easy to reach. Buy this car for fun, buy it for economy or both. I am 61 - this car makes me smile. Change nothing on it.

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  2013 Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By atw1 - November 8 - 12:48 pm

  Bought in September 2013. Definitely has trouble staring in winter??? Makes an excessively loud humming noise in cold weather coming from the transmission. Noise disappears after vehicle has warmed up. Ride is adequate - steering too loose. Not what I was expecting in a vehicle at the price.