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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  Bretts review - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul Schweitzer - August 24 - 4:28 am

  Great car

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Clell - August 23 - 10:36 pm

  Bought the Black pearl TRD sport version with tow package and graphite leather installed by dealer. Found a new 6 disc tacoma stereo on ebay and had installed (under $130 total), replaced my single disc. Installed a K&N cold air induction system and would highly recomend one. Bought the window vent visors that install inside of the window track and have had no problems (looks better than glued on the cab). Westen step bars and UWS tool box perform and look fine. Has been a great truck so far. My last truck was a 1996 Toyota T-100 for ten years and it was a fine truck as well.

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  Love the power it there when I need it. - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By accesscab SDR5 - August 23 - 8:53 pm

  It rides and drives like a car . Smooth and quiet I really like that .It will carry about anything you load in the bed. Its just a very good truck thats all.

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  My first truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brandon - August 23 - 4:16 pm

  Well I purchased this truck after my first car (1996 Mustang) finally was a endless money pit. I had the mustang for 7 years. After alot of research I wanted either a F-150, which I couldnt afford new, or a Tacoma. I was impressed by the Tacomas looks and its mid-sized flavor. The regular cab is decent size and the auto transmission is ok. I wish the truck was more aggressive. The tires look tiny and dont fill the wheel well. Im taking it in for its first oil change this weekend. The silver color looks cool. I dont like the plastic bed or wimpy leaf springs out back but with a budget truck I guess I couldnt ask for more.

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  Great car, highly recommend this vehicle. - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By adawg91 - August 23 - 2:15 pm

  I have 72k miles on my car and it has not given me any problems so far. Absolutely love this car and will be keeping it for awhile. Lacks on power on highway when passing but I usually put the car in 3rd gear and haul tail. I travel alot and have noticed my car gets around 40-45 mpg highway, thats when i add fuel cleaner and gas treatment. I also put a k&n air filter in it as well and it has improved on performance and gas mileage. I had a 1999 camry and totaled it, had around 145k miles on it and it was also a good vehicle as well. Will definately buy a new corolla when i want a new car.

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  One awsome vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill Gatto - August 23 - 1:40 pm

  Toyota hits another homerun with the FJ Cruiser. It is the perfect combo of ruggedness and superior handleing in an SUV. I have no complaints of any kind. The more I drive it, the better it gets.

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  Toyota is getting stingy - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Piyux - August 23 - 1:30 pm

  I recently got a 4Runner Limited but I had the opportunity to review the SR5 in detail as well. The 4Runner is a great SUV, reliable, efficient, safe, and powerful but on the 2010 I was disappointed to know that Toyota no longer puts the cross-bars in the roof, the mudguards are gone and there is no running boards anymore, not even for the Limited Edition. That is unacceptable. The dealer says that during the 2010 summer these accessories will be available but of course you will have to pay $$ for them. Isnt that ridiculous?

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  Pro-Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Debbie - August 23 - 5:30 am

  I just got into a head-on collision in my 2009 Camry 3 days ago. My car did FANTASTIC! The airbag in the steering wheel and the leg airbag did exactly what it was supposed to do. Not a broken bone in my body and I was able to walk away. The seat belt locked up instantly and not a bit of whiplash. I am sore from all of the bruising but grateful I was in this safe car. With all of the media attention on Toyota, I was worried I made a wrong choice but I was proven wrong 4 days ago. Thanks Toyota!!

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  Awesome Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ronn - August 22 - 8:50 pm

  For anyone looking for a luxury car in the 30,000.00 range, you need to try this awesome car. It is the most quiet machine I have ever driven!!! It is smooth, and rides just as good as the Lexus 330 if not better. I have tried many cars out lately, and this one was on top. I drove 5 series BMW, Acura RL, and this 2005 Avalon has them beat!!! The new sleek body style is an eye-catcher and I have gotten lots of looks with this car. With its four models to choose from, there is one that will fit your needs! I chose the Limited model which is fully loaded and has the Navigation System and Laser Cruise Control. Heated and cooled seats are awesome as well.

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  Kathys Review - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By 2005 Corolla - August 22 - 5:03 pm

  Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase of the 2005 Corolla LE. The body style is very attractive and the handeling is very responsive and enjoyable to drive. I had a problem with the front fog light fillers. They both fell out and had to be replaced. I also found the front bumper, near the undercarriage cracked. I did not hit anything and was not pleased with the quality of the design. The dealership replaced the front fillers. I was pleased with the dealership, they handled the problem well. I feel that the design should have been better. The bumper should be more sturdy than it is. Other that that, I love my new car. It is peppy, smooth, handles good, and good looking.