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 Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Bettyboop/Betty - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. All Ive needed is my regular oil changes and just recently had to put on a new set of tires. The car looks like new (after a good wash which it gets about every other week). Mechanically, the car is in excellent condition. No problems at all.

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  big bang - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By omfsdoc - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Had my Tundra struck from behind while stopped at a red light. Causing complete destruction of the offending 2002 Chevy Envoy. The Tundra had to have a new bumper and and the bed repaired, but no damage to the heavy frame or the rest of the truck. You could not imagine that these two vechicles were in the same accident. As the state trooper said...Im going to by a Tundra next time I need a truck.

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  the best - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By cepi - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, already put 45000 miles and runs excellent,feels very firm.No problems at all, i previously owned a ml320 mercedez 2000 and is nothing better than my toyota,I have a friend who owns a 1998 rav4 with 256000 miles and he is very very happy an ready to put more miles. Not bad for a 4 cylinders car dont you think?

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  SUV feels like Car Driving - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Surendra Patel - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall, Excellent pickup menuvering, cornering, ride and comfort. Fual economy is acceptable accoring to the weight of the vehicle. Out side look need little improvement.

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  great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ddhpa - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall we are very satisfied with our purchase of the 2004 Sienna. My kids love it and like the ride and feel of the van itself. It has easy access for all to get in and out. Very good gas mileage.

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  Cool Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Blueracing - March 12 - 10:00 am

  About a month ago I decided my wife needed a larger and more comfortable vehicle than her 2000 4runner and shopped around. After reading the reviews on the 04 sienna I found myself in the difficult task of convincing my wife that this minivan was not a boring moms vehicle. One test drive was all it took, now she loves her sienna.

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  worth every penny - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By chetmet - March 12 - 8:59 am

  We purchased a Prius C back in 2013 and was VERY surprised. It tells you how many MPG you are getting and how much you spent... when you fill up it will ask you how much you paid per gallon and all you do is punch it in. I tested the accuracy after the end of the day and much to my surprise it was dead on or less. We get 55 to 67 MPG unless it is raining, windy or you drive too fast then it 45-47 MPG but I dont need to drive 70 MPH Because of how happy I was with the Prius C I went out and purchased a Prius III and it is sweet! Much bigger lots of room, leather, fully loaded, 8 speaker sound system, etc. but I only get 50-55 MPG. It is very quiet in the city and highway. No regrets

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  Very happy with new Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By mmontella - March 12 - 5:40 am

  I have had my 4 cyl. Venza for two weeks now and am very happy. I did a lot of research on vehicles in this class and selected the Venza because it had the best mileage in its class and because of historical Toyota reliability. I test drove both the V6 and V4 and did not notice much of a difference in the way they drove. Everything is within reach and the base vehicle most of the extras included. I am very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a small SUV/crossover vehicle.

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  2nd corolla, love this one even better... - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark Miller - March 11 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this car in 2003, and it has been a solid, reliable purchase. No surprise there, as my first corolla (1981) lasted 14 years. The car is simply "a corolla"-built to last. I am surprised by the zip it has, and it handles very well through the corners, and is surprisingly quiet and smooth on the highway. In mixed driving, I get 32-36 mpg consistently. Its good for the daily commute, but I dont think Id take it across country. Nonetheless the front seat is very comfy and it just has an all-around good feel to it. Paint has faded a bit off the back bumper, but otherwise, it still looks and feels great. I cant say enough good things about this car. Thought about selling it - but, naw!

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  Totally In Love! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Rebecca L. - March 11 - 2:35 pm

  Ive had it for 1 year now. I love it even more now than I did when I bought it.