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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  Great little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Keith - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  The Yaris is a great car and economical in so many ways. If you are looking for a reliable car that is cheap on the gas then go for the Yaris. I preferred the 4 door to the Liftback version but it was still hard to decide which one to buy. I read some reviews out there about how the car lacks some things, but it is what it is. The small engine might put you off, but dont let it. It can really keep pace and does great on the highway.

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  Excellent convertible - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By thompson - April 29 - 7:26 pm

  Its a well-designed car, and after 10 years it still attracts positive comments from other motorists. The car continues to perform well. Weve driven it in Connecticut winters, and it handles well in snowy weather and with its well-lined top and good heater stays comfortable. Of course, its always great in warm weather -- it now resides in California.

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  KITTY - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvtoyota10 - April 29 - 5:52 am

  I love my new 2010 toyota venza i got it at the end of sept. I does fantastically good in the snow without AWD. The ride is like an suv (bumpy). Its wider than the 2000 toyota 4runner (and alot more room). I love the interior quality. Everyone thinks that this car was like very expensive. mine was 30k. My cousin confused it with an infiniti. toyota did a great job on this car. the gas mileage is great about 320 miles per tank. I have the panoramic roof and its wonderful. The engine has alot of power i go too fast too easily in this car.

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  Good economical truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Raymond - April 29 - 2:50 am

  Have had 3 Toyotas 2 Tacomas and a T100 all have been good reliable vehicles. This access cab 4cyl is great riding and handling. There is some wind noise but not as much as the previous trucks. Its a truck not a Lexus. For those who are concerned about MPG this may be a truck to look at. I read many reviews and went on www.fueleconomy.gov and read the mpgs individuals were getting, not the EPA rating. They all said 21-22 something. I questioned it,but this does get 21 consistently with all in town driving with much stop&go. I am not punching hard on take offs but am not babying it either. Use it carrying wood for winter and it does it easily. Great lite-medium duty truck.

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  What a delight - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By sheasllm - April 28 - 11:06 pm

  I have owned my Highlander for three months and covered 8200 miles, mostly highway. This replaced a 2006 Avalon. I have loved everything about this SUV. It is extremely comfortable on long trips, has handled perfectly in ice, snow and heavy rain - Toyo tires are obviously better than the earlier Bridgestones. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the extras that make travel a joy.

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  Outstanding - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Jacob - April 28 - 5:13 pm

  I received this car from my aunt and uncle when I got my license. Since then, its been in 2 wrecks (1 major, 1 minor) and its still going strong. The mpg are amazing. I can get to and from Toledo (about 2 hour drive both ways) with only $20 bucks.

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  2005 4Runner Sport Edition - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By SBF2398 - April 28 - 3:33 pm

  I love this car! The ride and handling are great, the exterior and interior are beautiful, and all of the controls are very user-friendly.

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  Very Happy With This Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Russ - April 28 - 2:50 pm

  After 15 months of driving, I still grin from ear to ear when I climb into it! Gas mileage is great for a truck with this type of power. Wheelbase with 4 doors and the 6ft bed makes it tough to park but Ill live with that minor annoyance. I simply cant say enough about the quality and detail of the Tacomas. It feels like it will last forever. I did a lot of research in this segment before buying and when you educate yourself, youll see that this is the right truck, hands down.

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  Great choice - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By foxtail99 - April 27 - 8:16 pm

  This is my first mini van. I purchase the Toyota because it had the best ride and most power. I test drove five manufacturers. I am avg 23 MPG with a heavy foot. I have 3500 miles in 3 weeks (vacation trips). Only issues: the stereo is a little weak. The indash CD is nice, just the sound is not as good as I expected. It does play CDs the MP3 format. I have about 900 songs in the CD drive. The other issue, you can control the rear air fan speed from the front, but not the temp. You have to reach behind you and adjust the temp from the rear control. Not a safe thing, if the van is moving. I can do it, but I dont like to. Other than that, I absolutely love the van.

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  No buyers remorse here... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By One Happy Driver - April 27 - 10:43 am

  This car serves as my main mode of business transportation and, essentially, my office. I have owned a lot of "business" vehicles over the years, but I have never owned one that was as comfortable and accomodating as the Avalon. Its powerful, spacious, quiet and a joy to travel in. The voice command and Navigation system takes a little getting used to, but once you figure out the correct lingo, it proves to be a practical and useful piece of technology. Toyota has finally designed an Avalon that is appealing to the "younger" driver in all of us. While I have often regretted spending a lot of money on other high priced vehicles, I definitly feel like I got what I paid for with this car.