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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  A Surprise Package!!!! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By adityas - June 1 - 5:13 pm

  I was very keen on getting the Audi Q5, as i was completely floored by the interiors it had. However, Due to delivery issues with the Q5, I settled for the Toyota RAV4 as it was one of the few SUVs available readily and in a powerful engine. I was definitely surprised by the number of options and packages offered in the Limited version which can easily compare this car to any luxury model out there. It also is very quick off the blocks and handles very well on curves. The sound system is excellent and the controls are very neatly placed. There is loads of interior space and room for passengers. My disappointment with the car has however been the quality of the leather used,fuel economy

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  Fun to Drive...Youre Joking?? - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Peter - June 1 - 10:16 am

  Great mileage,good fit and finish. Ends there. Clutch and drivability the worst of any small car, wish I took a longer test drive. Those who say fun to drive, best test other small vehicles. Will be trading soon. First and last Toyota experience. This is my 6th small car experience and most disappointing in many ways.

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  Loved Our 2012 Camry SE Until... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Mrs. Juli Turner - May 31 - 5:51 pm

  We loved our Toyota Camry SE 2012 until this year (2015) when I happened to loose my keyless entry fob. The cost is approximately $500.00 to replace the keyless entry fob including the laser cut blade that inserts into the fob. We checked with other dealerships in our state (Connecticut) and found the cost was about the same. I feel this is OUTRAGEOUS! We were never told about this exorbitant cost of the keyless entry fob replacement when we bought the car. Buyer beware! People often loose their car keys. If they have a keyless entry system, it will be about $500 every time they do. I hope to see some consumer backlash about this issue. We will NEVER buy a car with a keyless entry system again.

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  This is the truck Ive always wanted - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Greg Phillips - May 30 - 3:56 pm

  I waited a long time for toyota to build this truck. Ive owned several late model domestics and they just dont stack up to the toyota product. I dont frequently tow and when I do the loads are well within the limits of this truck. It is quiet, refined and the engine doesnt strain to pull it around. Build quality is much better than on my last two domestic full size trucks.

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  My Baby - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Amanda - May 29 - 12:33 am

  A little rattle has turned into a squeaking annoyance. Other than that she rides well. A little bumpy here and there but overall a good truck. And for not being 4x4 she can sure tearup the trails!

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  Why I like my truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned many Toyotas in my life and this truck by far is the bomb. With all of the extra room in this vehicle I am not worried about the new baby that is on its way. And I currently have three boys, so you can imagine what I am talking about. With the powerful engine I am assured that we are not going to be slow on the take-off, or not have enough power to pass someone on the highway. Am looking forward to really taking it off-road. Thank you for making such a fine vehicle.

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  Platiinum Mixed Bag - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By unclejay - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  Taken as a whole, this is a great vehicle, and great looking too. However, missing a few features (see below) and also the dash panels are the cheapest plastic imaginable, looks like a Kia Rio..

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By slaurence - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun car to tool around in, not real good for long trips but if you can handle the lack of storage and just enjoy the ride with the top down and wind blowin in your hair music pumpin...its worth every penny i spend on it.

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  Satisfactory - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Eunice - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Spyder for 2 summers now and it has been a fun vehicle.

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  above average - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By lewis bennett - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This has ben a trouble free car with good maintenance. a good portion of the mileage has been highway mileage.