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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  Jekyll and Hyde Impression - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By R.Carr - May 4 - 4:03 pm

  My initial impression and test drives with the 09 Venza were great. But 2-1/2 months and 13,000 later... I wish I could take it back! A lack-luster 23.5 mpg average and 90% of that is Highway and non-aggressive driving techniques. The drivers seating and placement is extremely uncomfortable after only an hour or two of driving (makes me wish I had my Honda Odyssey back). Road Noise at Highway speeds is excessive! You cannot drive with just one hand or the steering starts shaking (maybe the 19" wheels?). Hit a medium-sized dog at 50mph... the front-end fell apart. $3,200 damage!!! Love the Style and Looks of the car, but all other aspects remind of a Yugo.

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  2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jerry G - May 4 - 1:36 pm

  I had a 2002 Avalon and was thinking of buying a new 2008 when I looked at the Camry Hybrid. The trunk is the only really comedown, after owning one for 3 months now, its the best car I have ever had. Quiet, roomy & comfortable, stylist, 37-40 mpg, and a lot of creature comforts. You wont be disappointed.

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  Prius happy owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron F Sheets - May 4 - 1:03 pm

  I am very happy with my prius purchase my wife loves it even more than me for the great overall view she has. Loves how easy it is to see the outside. Love the fuel economy although it is not as good as advertised but it is great. Love the smart key system so ingenious. Wife no longer has to find her keys just locate her purse. No complaints on any of the car.

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  My favorite car ever - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Kate - May 4 - 9:40 am

  In the last ten years Ive owned a Subaru Outback, a Volvo wagon, a Honda Element, and now this little Rav, and it is by FAR my favorite car ever. I love the lumbar support in the seats, the Euro-style look of the dash and the way the dash lights dim automatically when I turn the headlamps on, the way my body is situated in the seat in relation to the windscreen and moonroof, the fantastic visibility, the way it maneuvers on the road, and that it can fit my whole family and I can still park in compact spaces in the city. Mine is the automatic L series with leather interior, sea foam green and tan leather, prettier than it sounds. I would buy it again in a second.

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  She is 11 years old - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Luvs2run - May 4 - 2:00 am

  and very reliable. Ive done regular oil changes and semi scheduled maintenance. NO problems. Had an oil leak after a Jiffy lube oil change. Found local mechanic who fixed oil leak for $120. Dealer claimed needed to replace $2800 worth of parts. No one seemed to be able to find it except for one local Toyota Repair tech. Had pan for oil drips in garage for a year until I found Mr. wonderful. Car is so reliable, paid for and still a very nice looking car. I wont part with it until it blows up.

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  Yes, this truck is great - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By geordy818 - May 3 - 11:30 pm

  This truck has great power, it is stable anywhere thanks to the limited slip differential and it is pretty fast.

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  Red hot 2016 Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara Martin - May 3 - 3:52 pm

  We traded in our 2008 Prius, it had all bells and whistles, low miles. Nothing wrong. Reason we traded was because of the safety features. We are very pleased with those features. Our old vehicle had more up front storage, but, not as much fun to drive. This is a great little car, that gets great gas mileage to boot!

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  My Wonderful Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By woele - May 3 - 12:50 pm

  I went for the 2 door hatchback, manual, convenience package only. I was looking for a cheap, brand new car, and I got more than I ever thought I would. Being the most basic package, theres not a whole lot of extra safety features, but I almost feel like I dont need them. Handling is excellent; it is as responsive as I figured for a 106 hp engine. The interior doesnt feel cheap and I enjoy all of the extra compartments. Everyone who has gotten in it for the first time is amazed at how much room there really is. Everything I brought down with me for school fit in the Yaris (bed, desks, a bike, shelves, etc). Highly recommended for someone looking for a new, cheap car thats great to drive.

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  I thought toyota was the best - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By ben kaplan - May 2 - 12:29 pm

  Buying this car has been the worst experience of my life. first the dealership grossinger Toyota tried to overcharge me 11,000 but when I caught it they said it was an accident and corrected it to the right price but did not tell me about 6200 in warentys they decided to add so we had to goo back again and they said the warrenties were a accident and then finally took those off. Now during all this I am talking to Toyota national and they tell me to bad so sad they dont sell the cars they just makem so I should take a hike. so after all this I ended up dumping the car for 25000 losing my shirt and mind but I could not get behind the wheel without wanting to throw up the experience has made me sick

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  Love a Hybrid - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By earth - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Prius over the Honda Civic Hybrid after much homework and I am glad I selected the Prius.Currently,I have 5,000 miles on it,just returnilg from a trip to the Ozarks and the Smokies;the car handled very well on the interstate mountains,even at 85 m.p.h.--had to keep up with the semis.I am exceeding the m.p.g.rating,averaging around 51 combination city and highway-- most miles are interstate.The 04 model sounds even better;I do not think that I will ever buy another car unless it is a hybrid,so clean and economical.I love to drive by the service stations!