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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  love my 2000 Tacoma 4cyl, 4WD, manual trans. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By p8ryot - November 9 - 2:41 am

  I bought my 2000 Tacoma in 03 with 32K miles on it. It brought instant satisfaction from bumper to bumper. Ive never had a vehicle that I found so fun to drive in city and highway alike. I now have about 175K miles. I had the water pump replaced 2 years back and a few bearings too, but otherwise its been maintenance free. Now its time to pass it onto my driving age son and I will buy a newer Tacoma very soon. Its been a problem free, well built, fun to drive and fairly good mpg. I get around 320miles per tank in 2WD and about 290 in 4 WD. Im gonna miss her but its comforting knowing my son will be off to college in a reliable and fun truck.

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  Possibly the best? - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Theneup - November 8 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned a loaded 2007 Camry and Prius hybrid. I traded both in and bought the new generation 3. This car is every bit as refined as the Camry and far superior to the generation 2 Prius. This could possibly be the best car ever built by any auto manufacturer. It addresses fuel economy, looks, styling beauty, comfort and driving excitement--yes--I said excitement. Press the power button mode and this car takes off like a rocket. Handles and drives like a more expensive car. I cant say enough about what Toyota has done to create possibly the best ever automobile ever to grace the highways--I know doubters are out there, but---give it a try and any honest person will agree with what I stated.

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  My rav 6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By steve - November 8 - 8:36 pm

  Traded in a 4 runner for the rav4 to increase gas mileage. Ive gotten 30 mpg on the highway with the 6 cylinder, admittedly with conservative driving. The power with the v6 is outstanding! This is probably the fastest vehicle I have ever owned. I dont feel like I gave up all that much space as the rav is well packaged. Handling is very good. When winter comes I will find out about the 4wd system. The only drawback I have found is road noise. Its not bad but noticeable. More insulation would have been better.

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  Love my new "Toy"ota - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Carolyn - November 8 - 5:23 pm

  I am a first time buyer of a Toyota. It is the most comfortable, smoothest riding and quietest van Ive had.

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  Great family sedan - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - November 8 - 9:06 am

  Bought this car used with 25K miles on it, but Ive had no problems. This isnt very flashy, just your typical Toyota Camry. It lacks the superior interior of the Accord, in fact the Camrys interior is quite pedestrian with a mediocre dash and cheap plastic coverings. However it is a very smooth ride, quiet engine. Not very sporty, but a reliable people mover.

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  The SUV Killer - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lauren - November 8 - 8:13 am

  This car is just another example of Toyotas great products. The Yaris has an awesome turning radius - I can turn around in a two lane street with just barely edging on a driveway. For a 4cyl it can get you to whatever speed you need just fine. I consistently get 38/44 mpg city/highway. Seats are very comfortable w/ plenty of leg room - in front and in back. The folddown seats have already come in handy for college trips. I love the mp3/cd player & AUX jack. I didnt buy the power pkg to save money & I am just fine with my decision thus far. Everyone is impressed with they way my Yaris looks inside and out. I feel like Im driving an expensive BMW the way some people look at me.

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  2000 MILE ROAD TEST - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By KEVIN H - November 7 - 11:20 am

  My wife and I picked this vehicle up on a Friday the 17th of June for the start of our trip on Saturday the 18th of June 2005. From Saturday through Sunday the 26th of June I logged 2016 miles. This is not your fathers oldsmobile!!! We have owned 5 camrys and this would be our first SUV. This car ran flawless. It is suprising that after all the research I do on new vehichles, I keep coming back to Toyota. The craftsmanship is outstanding from layout to finish. I find this to be my safe haven. Quality.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Runner - November 7 - 2:10 am

  Fun little SUV. Handles well in all weather conditions. Perfect size car for kid to learn to drive and be safe. Small but roomy. I get 32 MPG around town.

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  best in class - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By derek - November 6 - 11:50 pm

  though one could complain about things such as lack of power, wind/road noise etc. you have to keep things in perspective. this is an economy car, and as such i feel it offers more than any other car in this class. it has a smooth, quiet ride for this class, i am getting 38 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving(about a 40/60 mix), and the manual transmission shifts smoothly.

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  L-O-V-E this car! - 2012 Toyota Avalon
  By smokeyjoe - November 6 - 8:03 pm

  I grew up with the "boats" of the 1970s, driving used Caddys, Pontiacs & Buicks that wouldnt fit in a modern garage. I loved the "float" and the overall comfort those cars provided. I seriously considered a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis and Caddy DTS before noticing the Avalon. The Caddy was too pricey and the interior didnt really suit me...the CV/GM just were so outdated that I wouldnt be happy. The Avalon is a perfect mix of comfort and amenities. The rear seat is so spacious that my 4-yos feet cant reach back of my seat! The steering wheel tilts far down like the cars of yesteryear (and current Buicks) and telescopes right to me. I love how the car rides. I would recommend it..HIGHLY!!