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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  Avalon Right On - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Willam Boyd - July 12 - 2:20 pm

  The Avalon has proven to be a well engineered sedan. Fit and finish are excellent. I get 29 to 31 mpg on the highway and 21 to 23 mpg in city/ suburban driving. The ride is firm yet bumps are not transmitted to the passengers. All controls are well thought-out. I am especially pleased with the navagation system. Toyota is right on with this excellent car. The transmission and engine provide a smooth flow of power under all conditions.

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  Be loved for almost 3 years - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By BMCDEXPRES - July 12 - 10:53 am

  I purchased this truck brand new on July 28, 2005 and I have put only 17600 miles on it, because I only drive 5 miles to work and I have been loving it since day one. Since I own a home this truck is so useful. Driving is fun and so comportable for a short or long drive. Its been almost 3 years now I have not been in the shop for any kind of repair other than oil change. I am happy with the quality and the reliability of this truck. I think I have made a good choice.

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  Smooth Ride, and Build Like a Tank - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By S. Robert Hitchcock - July 12 - 9:56 am

  We bought our LC in the winter of 2005 and had Toyota not made the new ones look like overgrown Highlanders we would have bought a new one. This is the single best vehicle I have ever owned. I have driven it as a commuter, on long road trips, and even camped in it and it has exceeded expectations in every scenario. I also love the interior appointments, and the stateliness of the exterior styling, and think of it as everything the Range Rover should be without the constant trips to the shop. With more than 5 years of ownership the only times it has been in the shop have been to repair body damaged caused by my wifes impatience, and routine maintenance.

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  Nice Refresh to the Toyota Line-up - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Chris - July 12 - 2:43 am

  I bought the Venza yesterday; 3.5L V6, FWD, and I absolutely love it. I bought it to replace 2 cars, an 03 Solara and an 07 Camry... Loved how the Solara handled, & liked the look of the Camry. With the Venza, now I get both in one package. The handling is very responsive, smooth, and the turn radius is a lot sharper than I expected for its size. The JBL 13-speaker system upgrade is definitely worth it if you are an audiophile and love music, & there is no doubt that the interior was designed to be the visual definition comfortable and convenient. The smart key is great, so you can keep the keys in your pocket while you lock, unlock, start & stop the car.. all via touch.

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  Best car I have ever had - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Michelle Earnest - July 11 - 8:30 pm

  I have put 60,000 miles on my Highlander in 2 years. It is reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and roomy. The DVD player is great for the kids and the JVC stereo system is awesome. The heated seats are a nice upgrade. Mileage is a solid 22mpg. Air conditioning is a big improvement over my previous Dodge minivan - cools down quickly and maintains temp well. I would buy another one without question!

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  Even happier with our second Prius! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By suz - July 11 - 7:18 pm

  We found the restyled Prius to be quite comfortable and are delighted that the gas mileage is even better than what we got with our 2010. We opted for the advanced technology package in order to add the safety features-lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, etc.-and we are happy to have done so. (Our insurance rates are actually lower than what they are for the earlier Prius based on those safety features.) The car rides smoothly and easily and is a pleasure to drive. Neither of us was crazy about the white plastic console which looks cheap. Note too that the wireless car charging port wont work with an iphone 6 plus. Finally, we purchased the Level 3 trim because that is the highest level that is available with a spare tire. I, personally, would not buy a car that offered only a repair kit that might or might not be sufficient in an emergency.

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  2010 Yaris - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Heather D - July 11 - 5:50 pm

  This is the second Yaris Ive owned. I had a 2008 that I bought in 2007. I wouldnt have bought another one if I didnt think they were good cars. My only complaint would be the cheapness of the interior and the paint job. Both of which failed me on my 2008. The gas mileage is a dream. I took my 08 Yaris from SC to MA last year and only spent $160 RT. Amazing!

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  2014 Toyota Camry SE Rocket Ship - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By starchild110 - July 11 - 10:48 am

  1st off, I am a Toyota Salesman. I own a 1956 Ford Victoria, a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 396, 2002 Chevy Silverado and 20 days ago, a 2014 Toyota Camry SE 4 cylinder w/17" rims. Now, I am used to vehicles with big muscle and horsepower...crappy MPG just goes with the program...when I first saw the 14 Camry SE in Cosmic Gray I fell in love. What a sexy car. Now, what would make me think about purchasing a 4 cylinder car? All I have to say is drive one. This is a fast car that, in my car, is giving me 29 MPG. Sexy style, comfort, power, quiet, excellent handling, value and its gonna last 500,000 miles. Try that in any other car besides a Honda. The ride is affected with the 18" rims.

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  Has met my expectations and more - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By SJackman - July 11 - 10:30 am

  I do a lot of driving around town and mixed use driving and have gotten great mileage for the type of vehicle. I typically average between 20.5 and 21 mpg and when Im just doing highway driving Ive gotten up to 25 mpg averaging 65-70. It handles nicely and maneuvers well. Its fun to drive and I love mine.

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  The Best - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By anish3232 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  great car and fun to drive