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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  Solid Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mbender - April 19 - 3:56 am

  I purchased my Yaris 3 years ago to upgrade from an old, fuel-guzzling Dodge Dakota. In the three years Ive owned, there have been no major repairs, no problems, only standard maintenance. My gas mileage has ranged anywhere from 34-40 mpg.

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  Greatest SUV EVER - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By LOVEMyToyota - April 19 - 12:20 am

  I had been looking for a car for a while, and one day while driving down the street with a buddy I spotted one that I decided to test drive, to see if they were actually as good as I read about. I ended up going home in that same one. That says it all, best car Ive ever had. They also look great, and if you do some searching you can find a good deal on these cars. If a 19 yr. old guy who is an E-3 in the military can afford one anyone can!

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  this is the best first car. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By turbo25 - April 18 - 4:30 pm

  This car is amazing it holds up extremly well, has an amazing build quality and it has so much structual rigidity. I got into a 35mph rear end collision with my car and there is only a penny sized paint scratch on the bumper. this car is so awesome!!!

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  Well Done Toyota - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By johnklein13 - April 18 - 2:53 pm

  The product development folks at Toyota have really done their homework on this vehicle. All problem areas of the previous iteration of the Prius have been addressed and, overall, put out a magnificent little vehicle. Handling, power, convenience features, comfort,fit and finish, economy, storage facilities are all excellent.

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  My wifes Avalon, - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By kcnaz - April 18 - 7:26 am

  So far I have replaced the driver side window regulator and the alternator. We went in last week thinking of getting a new car, the dealer offered 500.00 as trade, we decided to keep it. This car surprises me every time I drive it, what a great car, model and year for the Avalon. It will outlast my wife and me.

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  Avalon: Great All Round Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave Hewett - April 18 - 3:40 am

  After a few days of driving the car, the keyless start wouldnt work. Turns out the fuse box had been installed incorrectly (it was 1/16th of an inch off). Anyway, the problem was diagnosed and fixed promptly with great service from dealership. To really appreciate the car, run with higher octane gas.

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  My 1st Toyota - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By rjyaris - April 18 - 2:45 am

  After 12 years i have left ford and selected a Toyota Yaris. I test drove the fiesta and loved it but after researching and hearing possible problems with their new transmissions and the price of the car i decided to look at the kia soul which i really liked, but then i researched them and found it was a nightmare with customer neglect and warranty drama. So i researched the Yaris and found mostly positive information. I read and watched every review on youtube so i decided to test drive it and fell in love. Yes its not a ford mustang but the engine in that car speeds like you cant imagine on the freeway. The ride is super soft and coming from ford thats a gift from god. so i bought it!

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  Love my new Camry SE!!! - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By mrjason12 - April 18 - 2:14 am

  I have to say, these new Camrys are great cars. I owned two Tacomas and two FJ Cruisers before this purchase, but I wanted something that actually got good gas mileage, which the new Camry certainly does. Do not doubt the V4, as it is plenty!

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  Do your research first! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Moose - April 17 - 10:36 pm

  I have a very long commute to work, and my trucks gas mileage was killing my wallet. I purchased the Yaris for Toyota reliability and the advertised fuel mileage. I got both - what I also got was an extremely uncomfortable, unsafe car. The ten minute test drive will not show just how uncomfortable the vehicle is, especially for taller individuals. Rent one first for an extended drive to make sure you "fit." Also, look at independent safety tests - the tests for the Yaris without side airbags are scary. The ride at highway speeds is extremely unstable and the vehicle is very quick to skid when braking in the rain. If safety is a concern, DO NOT BUY THE YARIS.

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  150K and still running strong - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Greg - April 17 - 9:16 pm

  I bought this new and now have 150k on it. I follow the factory maintenance to the letter. I have done two repairs. One was the power antenna ($100), the other was a dirty fuel filter ($500). Supposedly these have lifetime fuel filters installed inside the gas tank but with all the dirty gas being sold I dont think there is such a thing as lifetime filter. Other than that it has been a great SUV. Loves the snow and gets about 18mpg. The OEM front brakes lasted forever...125k and still had 20% left! Still have the back ones.