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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  Nice car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Dave Kafaro - October 29 - 6:03 pm

  The front seats of this car are comfortable but they lack the space to move back. The rear seats are very uncomfortable unless you add 5,000 for leather seats and other unwanted options. Mileage was a consistent 44 mpg and on the freeway the engine was straining. The LCD was unneeded and only my kid could figure it out, but overall it is an OK car.

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  05 Tacoma TRD - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By alex - October 29 - 4:33 am

  This is an awesome truck. The power is great. The TRD package comes with a rather stiff suspension which is great for off road but makes it a bit bumpy on the road. Overall this has been an awesome truck.

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  great car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Woody - October 29 - 12:10 am

  I just bought this car and it is a great car, with a lot of standard options for its price.

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  Amazing Car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Kevin - October 28 - 9:16 pm

  This car is absolutely amazing. Its also a road-trip machine. First road trip was from KC to Dallas and absolutely felt refreshed after arriving. Gas mileage is A+ and I love the thickness of the seats. Its also got decent pickup. Cons: Sunroof is having sort of a rattling sound. Im also experiencing the brake pop issue another reviewer posted on. I also agree it only happens when you move from reverse to drive and vice-versa. I have yet to go to the dealer for an explanation.

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  Pacesetter - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By JRR - October 28 - 3:53 pm

  I became a believer after I drove my nieces Prius! This one is a keeper - it sets the gold standard in technology, economy and technology, and challenges other carmakers to compete! It offered more than what I expected. I am averaging 51 MPG in suburban driving. The car engages you constantly, and actually encourages prudent driving. I have scored one convert so far - my houseguest last night! Get the Touring Model - the heftier wheels, suspension, stability control and back-up camera are well worth the extra grand.

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  only my opinion but its right - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By kld - October 28 - 3:43 pm

  Unlike some reviews that I have read, we are not experiencing any type of hesitation at acceleration. Power is good and shifting is smooth. The ride is very quiet and glides over the road no matter what the surface. The interior is very functionable and the exterior is pleasing to the eye.

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  Value and mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By dp - October 28 - 12:03 pm

  Bought this car as a commuter and delivery car for my business. Got to say going from a big crew cab diesel 4x4 to this was a big change. But once I drove it the car feels much bigger than it is inside and out. Brought a smile to my face when I filled up and was getting almost 40 mpg on the first tank. This was driving in the city for deliveries all day and my freeway commute of 70 miles. I like this little car more and more never getting below 36 mpg even got high as 42 mpg! Yes its is basically a throw away car after 5 years but what it saves me in gas for work and my drive, who cares!

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  Love it - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By LukeSKY007 - October 28 - 7:26 am

  I love this SUV, had 2 4runner limteds before....the only draw back with this SUV is no lockable glove-box, and no light under the hood...What gives toyota? Also would be nice with a nav system. otherwise, great ride, lots of room and great stearing....

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  Nice vehicle, not so nice mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By 7539 - October 28 - 1:50 am

  I have had my Toyota for a month, after trading in a Tahoe. The ride is nice and comfortable, almost as good. The mileage is, of course, way lower than EPA estimates. i have not gotten less than 22 MPG or more than 24 MPG so far, in about seven tanks. BUT - I love the power - the gas and electric both kicking in when you romp on the accelerator is like a turbo - Itll really part your hair for a 6 cylinder. But it does lead to a large decrease in mileage when you drive it that way often. I try to run on electric only around town to compensate - but all in all a fun car to drive, so far. It was worth it to cut my fuel mileage from 14 GPM to 22 GPM. At least I can say Im doing something!

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  Beautiful car! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By John of Columbus,NC - October 28 - 12:10 am

  Gave my wife the Honda Accord V6 and purchased the Camry. What a beautiful car. Not as powerful as the Accord but much more space for someone my height (73") Leather is first class, MPG on 900 mile trip was overall 27.8. Am very happy with JBL system. Trunk space is terrific. You will love this car!!!