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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  54 MPG ON HIGHWAY - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By earwood - June 28 - 3:59 am

  Have had more than 40 vehicle and I can say this vehicle is worth the price espicially with the gas prices. Good power for the average driving. Seats are comfortable and plenty of leg and head room. I can say it is worth the money and your time to drive one.

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  Typically reliable quality Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - June 28 - 2:30 am

  Nice truck. Reliable, quiet. 4 cyl has enough power 95% of the time. I dont tow loads. Manual transmission helps with both power and gas mileage. Access doors are just right. Dont need the silly looking full rear doors.

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  Love My Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By paulb67 - June 27 - 7:50 pm

  With all its faults, I love my truck. Great lease price, not a single mech. problem in 50K miles. Seats feel a little loose and have been to dealer several times to no avail. Gas mileage stinks on this as a daily driver no towing anything, but love the comfort and power. Also mirror on doors slightly loose.

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  The Practical One - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob in Ohio - June 27 - 3:30 pm

  One of the more practical vehicles on the road the 2009 Rav4 offers efficient packaging, two competent engines and enough safety and convenience to satisfy just about everyone. If you had to choose only one vehicle to transport a family, haul furniture and find its way through inclement weather this compact to mid-size SUV is tough to beat. There is some comfort loss in exchange for space, especially in the rear seat. The cushions are rather flat and dont provide much support so make sure those that will inhabit the space take a test ride. Road and wind noise isnt in the luxury class but it is livable especially when you consider the relatively light weight of the vehicle vs. the size.

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  AWESOME DEPENDABLE CAR!!! - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By mal1028 - June 27 - 1:43 pm

  I personally have had my 1998 Corolla for over a year and I love it. Nothing has gone wrong on it other than a minor exhaust leak. I recommend this car for sure. It has always started during the freezing Canadian weather, and never let me down. Never broken down! it currently has 251 kms on it and is still going strong. 5 stars I would rate this car.

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  Still too new to tell, but so far, so good. - 2012 Toyota Sequoia
  By 2body1head - June 27 - 12:02 pm

  Just purchased this beast yesterday coming from a 2006 Tacoma DBL cab. No difference from the 2011s and prices were basically the same. So, went for the 2012. Love Toyotas in general. In my opinion and history, very reliable. Absolutely humongous inside and comfortable. Ride is not as "plush" as the Suburbans and Denalis, but still good. 100x better than my stiff and bouncy ride Tacoma. Still have to fiddle with the NAV and controls but seems user friendly enough. Drove about 50 miles mixed highway/city and computer avg showed 15-17 mpg. Will post later after a few months for follow-up review.

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  cute suv - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Rich Satter - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it I have a loaded L pearl white and it is not the only toyota I have I also have a 2003 Corolla le and a 2000 corolla le love them all

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  Best car Ive owned - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Vince - June 26 - 8:54 pm

  Ive owned 6 other cars and this is by far the best I have owned! Over 350-400,000 Camrys a year hit the streets, making it the top-selling car in America, suggesting that Toyotas doing something right! It may not be the most sporty car in the world, be its reliability is by far one of the best!

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  Like a Rock - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By uknowwhoibe - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine in 2000. Has 30,000 miles on it. Souped it up with euro-tails, new grill, custom paint job, rims etc. No problems thus far.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By 08LasVenturas - June 25 - 9:56 pm

  Im not a Toyota person at all but family members of mine own it & i drive it all the time. It gets excellent gas mileage and is very reliable. The ride is smooth and fun, it would make a good car to learn to drive in. The design is bland (as are all toyotas) but the interior quality is top-notch and after 6 years its in amazing shape inside and out. The inside is also roomy and comfortable but there arent many cup holders. But overall, I think it;s a great car for the money and would recommend it for someone who just needs a cheap, reliable car to get from point A to B.