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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  ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS!! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By DAQMAN - August 13 - 10:43 pm

  I looked at the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, used Acura MDXs, and a few sedans. Then I waited to see what changes were to be made to the 2006 4Runner. Although relatively subtle changes were made, it was enough to sell me. I am very pleased with my 4Runner!

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  Bread and Butter Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Grandpa - August 13 - 8:36 pm

  After many test drives, I narrowed the field to the Kia Forte and the Toyota Corolla. I judged the Corollas seats to be more comfortable, and thats very important and very personal. Overall, the Corolla is quite competent and well mannered. Its quiet on the highway. It is sufficiently peppy, and handles well. Between the seat controls and the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, I can get quite comfy in the drivers seat. I also know for a fact that the anti-lock brakes work very well.

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  Very Dependable Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla LE - August 13 - 6:53 pm

  This is my fourth Corolla, and sixth Toyota vehicle. My wife loves to drive it, and she feels very secure, and safe. Gas mileage is about 29-31 MPG in the city, and it improves on the open highway. I ordered my Corolla with anti-lock brakes, side airbags, and every other safety feature that was available at the time. I find it is a quiet, and easy to drive car, and I would never hesitate to buy another. The seats are comfortable, and the driving position for my wife is good, since she is short; albeit, for myself, I find the steering wheel close to the dash, and far to reach when I push the seat back for my driving position.

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  Very Nice Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill Peters - August 13 - 5:53 pm

  This truck has been the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. I puchased the Speedway Blue Tundra 4.7L V8 2WD with the TRD Offroad package. The mileage seems to be very close to what Toyota claims. It does well for being such a large truck. I have enough ground clearance to feel comfortable driving in any conditions and a nice enough interior for those long road trips. Everything inside the vehicle is where it should be and there is more than enough room to fit 5 people like an SUV.

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  Still the best value on the market....Great safety - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Irwin Friedman - August 13 - 7:32 am

  My only disappointment is that Sirius/XM is not part of the standard radio. I had to purchase a Xm radio. I understand that in order to have XM, you must purchase a V-6 or order a 4 cyl with the XM radio as an option....very expensive.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By omerward - August 13 - 4:00 am

  Gas mileage is in the mid to high 40s. Easy and fun to drive. Good acceleration. Interior styling is awesome. I just love the way it looks and drives. Makes me feel good.

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  Downsized - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom Godwin - August 12 - 8:03 pm

  Got out of Chevy 4 door crew cab. Good truck but 5.3l 8cyl was only averaging 13.2 miles for driving habits. Got 18 on first tank with Taco. 10 gallons less a week. Old truck was very comfortable because of size but I didnt really loose much here. It is actually very comfortable for its size. Prerunner has nice high-ride feel too. Plenty of power.

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  The smartest truck out there - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By esteyskal - August 12 - 7:26 pm

  It doesnt have as much hp as the frontier or ridgeline. However it tows more, has a higher payload rating and accelerates better than both of them. All the while it gets better gas mileage. Off road it is tough yet comfortable. The tacoma is the best compact truck out there period. It is expensive. You certainly get the value for what you are paying however a frontier becomes much more lucrative when it is $7k less.

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  Camry fever - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Bryan Lumley - August 12 - 2:27 pm

  Very reliable car. This is my fourth Camry. No major repaires and I have never been stranded on the side of the road. If you want a reliable car this is it.

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  Former Lifetime GM Owner - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Former GM Owner - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased 5 new GM vehicles since 1994. The new Toyota Avalon XLS is superb so far, great handling, quiet ride, super gas mileage on 87 octane regular. The Avalon 3.5 engine has so much more power than my Buick with 3800 engine, its sometimes almost too quick. I ordered the sound deadening package which maybe just an undercoat, but it sure rides quiet. I like the well lighted large letter display.The special oil filter valve that keeps all the oil from draining back into the pan, and the 6.4 quart oil pan should add engine life.