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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  Not up to my expectation - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By me - July 28 - 12:20 pm

  This was my first brand new car and it didnt meet my expectations. Three days after I took it home the dash became loose and the side panel where you pull the seat belts out popped out. After three months, the front passenger window had really bad wind noises. I took it in to the dealer and I was told that it was normal. After five months, my brakes already needed replacement. Six months down the road, my front tire needs to be replaced. It was not worth my money to pay for. I see a lot of good reviews about the car, I surely got one that was the worst. I will never buy a Toyota again.

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  06 Toyota Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlos - July 28 - 6:46 am

  I have driven the truck 500 miles so far, mostly city driving. Excellent truck, very poor gas mileage, 12.5 mpg so far, hope it improves.

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  Company Car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Businessman - July 28 - 5:53 am

  I recently picked up a 2011 Avalon as my new company car. Before getting company cars I have owned both the Lexus ES and GS models. While the Avalon is not a Lexus, its total package could be classified between the ES and GS. Ride and handling soft, but everything is a trade off.

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  Good for tall eco-conscious types - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dan - July 28 - 3:33 am

  We wanted a Prius, but it was too small for my 62 frame on longer road trips. On our first tank of gas we averaged 43.2 mpg combined city/highway by accelerating slowly and watching the gauges. If you want to save fuel and reduce your CO2 emissions, you can do fairly well with this car.

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  So far so good! - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By jasonmontreal - July 27 - 11:38 pm

  I recently replaced a Nissan Versa with the Toyota Corolla. So far, it has been an excellent decision! As the badging of this car is a little different in Canada, the model I bought is the base CE with the available moonroof convenience package. I saw no reason to spend more for the S, as my car has all options I could ever want. It seems that most user reviews mention lack of styling and boring driving experience. I will admit that this is not a sporty car and it does not offer the driving feel of a Mazda 3. However, I dont think the Corolla has ever tried to do anything other than what it does best - being a reliable, safe, comfortable, fuel-efficient and practical way to get around.

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  Fuel mileage not so great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Glen - July 27 - 10:20 pm

  The car does good on fuel until you take it out on the highway, anything above 60 and the fuel mileage drops like a rock. I get about 37 for mixed driving but when I take it out on the open road... 25 to 28

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  me - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By david mcdowell - July 27 - 3:33 pm

  great all-around car. i went five hundred and eight miles on one tank of gas.

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  Red Flash - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tracy - July 27 - 1:46 pm

  I looked a long time for the perfect suv. Found it! The rav4 is awesome, it is quiet, quick, comfortable, outstanding build quality. Great for travel or short trips. I highly advise to take one for a test drive.

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  05 XLE AWD - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By mike lynch - July 27 - 11:13 am

  This is our first Toyota, like everything about it, but cant believe that memory seats and satellite radio are NOT available

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By rlhill96 - July 27 - 8:43 am

  I have owned both Ford and Chevys in the past and the 06 Tundra SR5 Double Cab is by far the best I have ever owned. Only two complaints, fuel mileage and turning radius. Both of these are minor complaints due to the fact that this is a big truck, and you cant expect to get mileage in the 20s with something this size or expect to turn it like a corolla. I sure when (if) I wear this one out, I will be purchasing another full size Toyota. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive and has plenty of power to haul my needs.