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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  ugly great car - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Paul Spoiidoro - January 19 - 2:52 pm

  Visibility is poor, gas mileage is phenominal, Handling better than my 2012

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  Love my RAV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RICarol - January 19 - 5:30 am

  I love it. As I do heavy traffic driving it has all the power I need to get me out of any situation. Plenty of cargo room, great fuel economy.

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  Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Sam - January 18 - 11:13 pm

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  Awesome Car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ondraya - January 18 - 5:40 pm

  I have had Toyotas for over 13 yrs, one had 183,000 miles on it. Had to drive over 300 miles to get the model Yaris I wanted. Picked up my new Yaris; its quiet, peppy, fun to drive, stable, cute, well-placed intrument panel, roomy, easy to drive and park. I drive a LOT and this car has been getting 42-44 mpg. average. The turning radius is sooo much fun, I drove in circles just to play. "Turns on a dime, runs on loose change!!" I did tons of research, trust me this is the best deal for the money!

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Navy Family - January 18 - 12:06 pm

  Just purchased the Toyota 4Runner in place of a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe and love it. Smooth ride like a sedan but has the room of a SUV. Gas mileage is good and love the style. Love the height of the vehicle, easy to get in and out with children.

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  Retired ASE Auto & Truck Master Tech - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By K. R. Coleman - January 18 - 1:13 am

  One hard working truck. All ways carries 1/4 ton Plus of emerg equip + supplies Fitted with RAIDER fiber glass canopy. Regularlly hauls a 6,000 lb hydraulic dump trailer. I contract out to the Forest service for supply hauls into the Idaho back country. During hunting season I made daily trips from 1800ft el to 5,000- 7000ft el. on back country narrow rough dirt roads. So far I have had no repairs needed. The 4X4 system with full time rear limited slip has not failed me yet. The V6 with the 5spd Auto is excellent at handling loads on steep down hill tracks just use it like a stick, its better then a stick! I am actually getting 17-21 mpg. Does every thing Toyota claimed.

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  My Second Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By CJDavis - January 17 - 4:20 pm

  My 2005 Prius was lost in Hurricane Katrina. I had to have a 2006. Current mileage, est. 800. For my 9 or 8 ratings, I will explain. Comfort - I feel the drivers seat could be a little bigger. Fuel economy, I am on my 3rd tank of gas and average for first 2 tanks was 48.2 mpg. My 2005 got 50 or better. Fun to drive? yes, but I am not an expressway lover so I stick to the back roads. However, it keeps up with no problem on the Interstate. Interior design, only one problem, often when I shut the car off by putting in park, my hand hits the pwr button for the radio then when I start the car for next trip, the radio blares unexpectedly. Favorite new feature? The camera display when in reverse. luvit

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  4-RUNNER FOR LIFE - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4-RUNNER FOR LIFE - January 17 - 4:16 pm

  Bought our 04 4-runner and absolutely will never buy any other vehicle as long as they make it as good as this one. The reliability is awesome. I drive cross-country 2-3 times a year and I am very confident in this vehicle getting me where Im going. I am 49 yr. old female and have it serviced regularly every 3000 miles. Same tires as the day we bought it with 20,000 more left. Done nothing to it but oil changes and check-ups at the Toyota dealerships. Still drives like the day we bought it and now has 74,000 miles. Will keep it til it falls apart, but plan on buying me a new one with the newer body style around 2012 or 2013. Way to go Toyota. You have a very satisfied customer here.

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  My favorite car ever - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Julie Harris - January 17 - 10:00 am

  My Echo is perfect for me - superb gas mileage, classy look, extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Great head and leg room, even for the tall men in my life! All my friends rave about my "little big" car.

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  Topless in Louisiana - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toplsss in La. - January 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Fun to drive, classy and beautiful. Theyre selling as fast as they get them. Run and get yours. Quiet inside, smooth ride. Wow! Everything a Lexus without the price.