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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  Superb truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robin Robertson - May 20 - 3:10 pm

  overall best pickup toyota has ever made

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  Goes the Distance - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota4eva - May 20 - 2:03 pm

  Bought my 1994 wagon fresh off the 1st production line in Sept 93 (The last yr made in Japan). I dont drive much and keep it garaged so it still looks & runs the same as day 1!!! Havent done anything but regular maintainance- fluid changes, brake pad, battery, tire & wiper blade replacements- Thats it. I only have 50k miles on it so Ill have to give it to someone when I get tired of it because it wont die in my lifetime. I agree with another viewer that the Matrix is not a viable replacement because its trunk is way too small- but its built with the same frame & engine. Im going for the Prius next. Its hatchback trunk is a decent sz & it sure is sexy compared to the Corolla.

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  Excellent!!!! - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Mark - May 20 - 2:03 pm

  I cannot begin to say how good this car is. I bought it with only 50000 miles on it. It now has over 100,000 and has never had a single problem with anything in the car. I have found in my years of experience that toyotas are by far the best car on the market. They are sturdy reliable and are good even into the higher mileages. My next car will definitely be another toyota. Excellent car!!!

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  What a Blast - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Deb - May 20 - 1:26 pm

  I have had this car for 3 weeks, put a little over 3000 miles on her. Shes a dream. Did lots of research before purchasing this car. Glad Lara was my final pick. Havent seen any other on the road yet. Get lots of praise about her appearance.

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  Safest Vehicle on the Road - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mbarry999z - May 20 - 9:20 am

  I was broadsided Saturday on a country road here in MA. I was wearing my seatbelt and the air bags deployed. Other than some soreness and bruising, I walked away from the accident. I will replace the car with a 2009 Camry Hybrid even though it may not qualify for the Obama tax credit for hybrids.

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  Good little truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Jason - May 20 - 8:10 am

  Ever since I bought it, this truck has been nothing but reliable. The one problem I have had has been with brake rotors. After turning the existing rotors and eventually replacing them with new ones, Ive pretty much given up on a shake-free ride. However, on rough terrain, I have never owned anything more solid. My Dodge diesel feels like its going to disintegrate if I get off the pavement, but not the Tundra. It has decent power for such a small V6, but the fuel economy isnt that great when taken in context with the small body size. I can get 20 mpg. if I baby it, but other than that, 17.5 is about average. 24-25 mpg. in high altitude, though. This is one tough little truck!

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  Very unhappy Venza owner :( - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By johanessenq - May 20 - 5:52 am

  Took delivery of our brand new Venza Sept 2010. We now have 56,000 miles on this vehicle. The vehicle has required a multitude of repairs both major and minor, it rides poorly, gets lousy fuel mileage, and as generally not a vehicle of very high quality. Had to have the transmission replaced this past winter because it was slipping, I could go on and on describing visits to the dealer for all kinds of electrical issues such as check engine lights, vsc codes, nav/radio unit malfunctions, and sunroof troubles. The ride is very bouncy and not noticeable during the first leg of ownership. We average just 16.5 mpg mostly highway driving, we have a 2010 Full size GM yukon V8 that gets 19mpg!

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  Great deal for the Money - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - May 20 - 12:20 am

  Hard to find a better convertible with more bang for the buck. It is a true head turner. Fun to drive, reasonably price, and great resale. Really looks and drives like a lexus es

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  Very Happy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By bobfitz - May 19 - 11:20 pm

  We filled up for the first time today. Change back from a $20. As the price of gas goes up I am sure we made the right choice. I love sitting at a traffic light and the gas engine is off.

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  This is a great car!! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By TJ. California - May 19 - 5:50 pm

  I just bought a IV with Solar roof 5 days ago. Going from a Lexus ES, I considered between a Lexus IS 250 and Prius. The decision was really hard. I admitted the first day driving home from the dealer was really regretted for getting the Prius, but the more I drive it, the more I like it, now I cant wait to drive it again. It has more power than I expected, smooth drive, very cool features, apprx 220 miles now and average MPG is 40+ but I have been using a/c all the time. I got white (very hard to find) & the solar roof makes it looks really nice w/ white; I strongly recommend this veh.