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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  I will buy it, if Toyota is smart enough to build. - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Reginald Pryor - May 9 - 9:02 am

  Match the full cost of ownership to your projected total budget, and buy the Highlander you need and want. Smart successful dealers will research to find the Highlander you want to buy. Match the Highlander to your region. Dont think you are buying a Porche SUV, a BMW X5, or a Landrover. Buy the extended Toyota warranty, too. Every car manufacturer understands the lifespan of major systems, components, and many parts. Always specify genuine Toyota parts for Toyota service for both warranty items and normal wear items, for there can be differences in quality and how Toyota warrants the item(s). Read your service invoice authorizing service before signing it.

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  Excellent Econo Car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By PFS - May 7 - 5:46 am

  Purchased the car in September and already have over 1200 miles on it. Purchased it for the great gas millage and low price but I agree with other reviews that it is a very basic car and some of the features were poorly thought out like the center armrest and the clock. However for the money this is a great car. It takes some getting use to the electronic power steering but for a 1.8 liter engine there is lots of pep in this car. I am averaging 33.5 MPG so far and overall am pleased with the purchase. The best news was that the dealer was extremely anxious to deal on price – way better price then the TMZ price. In addition, the zero percent financing sealed the deal!

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  Why change something that works! - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Crusier Guy - May 6 - 7:50 pm

  Im a SUV lover. Ive owned trucks, cars, and other SUVs and this is by far the best SUV Ive ever owned. Its amazing how solid it is built. It rides nice, has great handling in the snow, my only problem is its so nice I dont want to get it dirty! Ive had it for some months now and I wouldnt change! The safety features are great as well. On some of the down sides, Gas mileage is bad considering the lack of horsepower and torque. The nav system is great and it doesnt require a DVD. One frustrating thing, you can hardly do anything on the nav system while driving the vehicle, the restrictions are too strict and should be loosened up so you can use it w/out stopping the car.

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  after 43k miles - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By RS of VA - May 6 - 5:50 pm

  Body integrity is one complaint. Doors require a little extra push to latch....often require a second slam. Trip computer resets every time you stop so what good is the "trip" computation....also mileage resets after every tank full so there is no accumulating mileage for all types of driving.

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John - May 6 - 10:38 am

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  Solid - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob - May 5 - 10:53 am

  Is it fun to drive? No, but it will get you where you want to go without any problems. I drive a long way and this car is comfortable, fairly quiet, economical, and solid as a rock. The interior features quality materials and great ergonomics.

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  Comfy Commuter - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mikescar - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 99 Camry for two years now. I bought the car with 56,000 miles on it and I purchased a 100,000 mile warranty, which I only used once on a $300 repair(I paid $1200 for the warranty). I would say that I am fairly rough on my car but it has withstood the test. My Camry now has 106,000 miles on it and there is not one thing, repair wise, that I can complain about. Some people say that it is a luxury car but I wouldnt go that far. It definately is more luxurious than other cars in its class though and has a much quieter ride than Accord or Altima.

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  2005-2006 XRS is good to have one - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Andy - May 3 - 3:03 pm

  I had my 1986 Corolla GTS before and now I have chance to own a XRS. Though Corolla is an entry level of Toyota but still surprises me after many years! After 9 months driving, I am really satisfied with it. As a used car, the price go down a lot to a reasonable amount. However, the cornering still need to be improved by upgrading aftermarket parts. The original tuned suspension is unable to handle this car anymore which I feel too soft. 0-60 mph only 7.2 sec with top speed 130 mph (Lock by limiter) and 28 mpg with mixing freeway and local (I live in SF Bay area) If you plan to buy Scion tC, I would recommend you to have this one instead if you dont mind have a used car.

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  2005 Tundra 4.7 Limited Stepside 2WD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By resconroe - May 3 - 7:36 am

  Bought this truck used September 2008 with 28000 miles as lease return. Replaced Enkei 20" wheels and Goodyears with 17" factory alloys and new Dunlops to get a better balance. Powerful engine gets good gas mileage. Quiet, smooth ride. Excellent 10" ground clearance.

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  Not Getting Acclaimed Mileage IV - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By bev - May 3 - 2:30 am

  Interior is roomy. Quality of leather installation is poor though tolerable. Friends are surprised how much power it has. However, have to buy extra component for true ipod integration $320. Cannot control Ipod/phone via radio/bluetooth without it. Mileage is not good: 38 city so far. I drive pretty cautiously, and yes I pulse,not impressed with this mileage. Any ideas would be appreciated. Will drive for about 3 yr and then upgrade to hopefully some better fuel economy hybrid model from somewhere else.