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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  Maldonado Review - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Olga Maldonado - June 2 - 11:50 am

  This vehicle is by far the best Ive owned!!! It drives very well and handles well during inclement weather. Fuel usage is better than anticipated. The 4Runner is a sporty, comfortable, and safe vehicle that everyone in your family will enjoy. The 4Runner has come a long way and I am committed to continue driving a Toyota for years to come.

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  Jerry,s 2011 Sienna LE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By bigdaddy64 - June 2 - 11:15 am

  We had a 2006 Honda EXL prior to this. Before that we had 3 Chrysler vans. This is by far the best minivan we have owned! Honda steering and brakes do not measure up to this Toyota.

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  Oil consumption - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By angie5768 - June 2 - 5:06 am

  Ive enjoyed my Toyota Solara, except that at EVERY oil change its been 1 quart low of oil. We took it to the dealer for an oil consumption test and were told that its normal for it to consume that amount of oil every 5,000 miles. Ive never driven a new car that I had to put oil into at that rate. It doesnt seem to be leaking, but still concerns me. Other than that, its a comfortable car that handles well. View over the shoulder is a bit obstructed, but you can use your mirrors if adjusted properly. 6CD changer has already been replaced once by factory and appears to be going out again.

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  Great Truck, Poor MPG - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Chuck F - June 1 - 6:00 pm

  Bought this truck just over a yr ago, changed the plugs and air filter, but still can not get over 13.9 on a trip straight through driving. Got as low as 10 mpg 4 wheel drive winter city driving, I average 12.5 mpg :(

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  Best Car Ever. - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Megan - June 1 - 5:50 pm

  Im on my second. Has NEVER left me high and dry. Had a power window problem with the first, (before I totalled it). It has timeless styling, so it still looks brand new. You never see them for sale b/c people have no need to sell them. It fits a full-size mattress in the back, (rear seats fold down). I get 30 mpg. Ive had 2 strangers come up to me and try to buy it. All this, and I have enough power/pick-up to burn idiots at stop lights. PLUS its invisible to cops. I love this car and have no doubt I will be able to get another 5 years out of it.

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  I love my Rav4 not ever getting rid of i - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Pamela - June 1 - 2:10 pm

  I have 2 cars, but this is the one I use to go on long trips, out of state etc. You cant beat it for bringing kids and a dog, ice chest and suit cases, not to mention I can get from Nashville,TN. to New Orleans, LA. on 1 tank of gas!! Of course I take good care of my Rav, I get all the oil changes and 60 point inspections etc. You can not beat this car for comfort and economy.

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  The Prius exceeded my expectations. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Crewctlvr - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  Average gas mileage for 5700 miles is over 51 MPG. I keep a running total of use in my business. When you learn how to feel this car and use the onboard display you can increase your mileage and reduce green house emissions. This vehicle performs well and handles better than anticipated. My other vehicle is a Nissan 350Z so I understand performance. I would encourage everyone to consider this automobile because it is a socially responsible alternative to increased dependence on imported oil that comes from unstable sources.

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  Nice Car!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Daniel - June 1 - 5:20 am

  Ive had this car for about a month and I am impressed. This is a lot better than my past chevy cavalier. I started out looking at the CE with automatic trans however after I found out that the LE with manual trans had a comparable price and had a lot more features I went with it. I liked having all of the options: keyless entry, 6 disc CD, auto windows/Locks, speed control, and neat looking interior. The ride is smooth and engine noise is minimal. It is a lot quieter than the civic. The civic is very comparable though. I liked the ride and interior looks better in the corolla and that why I went with it. I like the high safety and reliability scores this vehicle recieved. My Chevy was poor.

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  Hot 05 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John Price - June 1 - 3:06 am

  We liked our 03 Prius so much we bought an 05 also. Its peppy, has an amazing turning radius, a gadgeteers dream, but DO NOT run out of gas in it. Bummer. We get 45 +/_ mpg around town, 54 on the road.

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  First Impressions - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Nitz16 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  These are my first impressions: This car is very fun to drive, and surprisingly roomy and comfortable inside for an avg size person. I bought it used with 8K on it. Obviously its a Porche wannabe, but some of us are not going to spend twice as much for essentially the same ride, or for a summer fun car, so I think it is a good value.