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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  Prius saved me $8,000 in gas - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - November 26 - 10:53 am

  My Prius was in a national survey during the first 40,000 miles averaging 50.9 mpg. Ive had over 12 new vehicles from different brands and this one the best besides saving over $8,000 so far. Toyota got it right. Only repair has been oil changes and running great. My next vehicle will be the next generation Prius at 80-100 mpg. My wife and I though that gas was high ($1.69/gallon) when we bought this car. We really look smart now with gas over $3.25. They are working on the next generation Prius and I can not wait to purchase the next one. Out of my last 12 new vehicles this ranks A +++.

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  Great MPG - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - November 26 - 7:46 am

  Bought this car used because some one was stupid and got rid of it. I average 38-39 miles per gallon. Excellent cars. I bought the S model and i dont regret the extra money.

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  Build Quality, Reliability & Buttery Ride - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By halls1030 - November 26 - 7:05 am

  I purchased a 2011 Highlander Limited 4WD at the beginning of December 2010, in one month I have managed to put just over 3000 miles on the car (yes, I drive a ton). Its hard to find anything this SUV doesnt do well. Granted, its not BMW-quick and doesnt sip gas like a Prius, but overall the SUV is easy on the eyes, drives like a dream and bottom line I am 99.9% satisfied...I really wish I could get Prius-like gas mileage out of my Highlander (wouldnt we all!) but otherwise the SUV is fantastic! I traded my 2008 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited (black & loaded just like in the commercials) for my Highlander and while I miss my truck. Again, the Highlander just keeps growing on me!

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  Most comfortable car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By joseph - November 25 - 2:46 pm

  This is the most comfortable car I have driven in 48 years of driving. Very roomy interior; feels like a luxury car. I road tested the BMW, Infinity, Lexus, and Acura. Avalon beats them hands down in every respect. Unless you want to pretend youre an Indy driver, this car has the best road feel. I recommend you test drive this car before making a purchase on another similar vehicle.

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  Rave Review for the Rav! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By david ryan - November 25 - 11:32 am

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  Early Review, Some Surprises - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Heymull - November 25 - 11:23 am

  The new Prius can be driven precisely, owing to its tight steering and excellent suspension; it feels like a new Audi. My friends are amazed how quiet the car is, especially at low speeds. I look forward to driving now, instead of hating my daily commute. The black exterior paint is beautiful and the light gray interior is cool in the sun, but they keep me busy cleaning. I wish Id gotten a gray (silver) color exterior with darker gray interior.

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  New Toyota Owner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Medina - November 24 - 9:43 am

  I researched for six months and test drove the Titan and the Silverado before I purchased my Tundra. My Tundra is a blast to drive, great color, everybody I meet likes my truck, my wife approves, the daughter took off in it for about an hour. A great vehicle which should last a long, long time. This truck looks like it can eat a Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, most domestic pickups and sedans.

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  Best all around family Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Carlos D - November 23 - 11:00 pm

  I bought a 2008 Camry XLE in 07 and have 90000 miles on it. My wife bought an LE Camry 2010 which she wanted badly and it is amazing. The "usable" power, space, reliability and safety features are amazing, to say the least. Gas mileage rivals our Honda Civic and the peaceful smooth ride is amazing. Plenty of room for us Im 64 235 son is 63 daughter 58 and wife 56. We have always owned American cars prior to our Honda and Toyota but now that we have given the "other" companies a try we will stick with what gives us the best ALL around bang for the buck. As for recalls, no problems at all fixed immediately. The only question is... when will Toyota make a motorcycle?

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  great model - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ! - November 23 - 1:16 pm

  quick handling great mileage great fit and finish side air curtains a winner abs works great a winner for young teens and early 20s women. bought it for grand daughter super trunk space rear seats fold down

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  Hottest Sports Car - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By nyCeli29 - November 23 - 9:13 am

  This is probably one of the best cars I have driven. I owned a nissan maxima 98 before this and drove 07 mdx and civics. This is the best. Speed wise, its all you need. No point of driving in extreme speed with a 55 speed limit. Ive done some interior work, in-dash nav which made it look better inside.