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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  This is a great car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By scb - October 8 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car just over two weeks ago and wanted to write an initial review. I replaced a Honda Accord because I wanted something smaller for the city and because I wanted better gas mileage. I am really impressed with how safe I feel in this car. It is also very fun to drive - it wont win any drag races, but its perfect for me.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Lamont - October 8 - 11:40 am

  This is an excellent SUV for the pricing, I chose Toyota because of the reliability that I have with my Avalon for last 4 years. This SUV exterior is designed very well and with full tank of gas and five family members the 6 cyl never misses a beat in its performance. However, the third row seating could have been designed better with a split 3rd row seat. After a 1000 miles there are no problems to report.

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  Not bad - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By MelSpags - October 8 - 10:00 am

  As a college student the echo is ideal for my needs. The great gas mileage and dependability are outstanding.

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  Engine will out live the body - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By mathis30240 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Although Im a truck guy, I cant kill this car. I needed a reliable car to get back and forth from work, and this is it. I got the car for $800 from a friend. It needed the LF Hub replaced (additional $100). Cars been great. Taught my son to drive stick in this car. It took a beating, but the car survived!

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  Proud to Own - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By powner - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought head turning red SLE on 8/27/2004. Extremely happy with ownership. Feels like slow moving beauty even at 55 mph

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By GOSIENNA - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle no issues just drive and go. The kids dont asks are we there yet! The issue now is do we have to get out!

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  2005 Corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By sh801 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Good acceleration, tight steering, good cornering, excellent gas mileage, and Toyota quality , all for less than $15K. Whats not to like? Did I mention HUGE trunk space? I also dont understand the gripes about lack of power- this thing accelerates well even at highway speeds and 5th gear. Is it a sports car- no. Is it a very fun to drive econo car- very much yes!

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  SINCE 1990 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Anthony pa - October 7 - 4:12 pm

  Ive owned eleven Camrys since 1990. My Family and Friends ask me all the time, why another Camry? Dont you want something different? My answer is always the same. The car fits my lifestyle in looks reliability and in value. Its simply the best. I also must say my new 2016 Camry SE is one of my all time favorites. So while some people might think I am a bit boring and predictable, i think i am very very wise.

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  missing options - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By carmann - October 7 - 2:13 pm

  Bad stuff......No power seats??? A/C controls look like a 1960s design. Seat fabric looks it came out of an old airplane. Radio has mediocre sound quality. Way too much gap around tires - it looks empty. 7 empty console & dash buttons with plastic filler plugs - real cheesy design. Automatic headlights should be standard in this era. All windows should be express down & up. Front seatbacks need to be deeper.Great stuff.....bullet proof reliability, quiet ride, strong 6 cyl motor, excellent 5 speed tranny, terrific handling and turning radius, top notch quality, cold A/C, nice wide travel tilt wheel, power rear hatch pulldown, power hatch window is great.

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  Convinced - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By DLD/IA - October 7 - 8:50 am

  A test drive convinced me. This vehicle does everything, very powerfully and very comfortably. FWD gets me through the Iowa snowstorms without the expense of 4WD. It is economical and not overly huge-easy to manuever and park. It has the best of the midsize car and the suv combined.