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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  Another Solid Toyota - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Quietrover - January 26 - 1:06 am

  This is our third Toyota (Tundra and Matrix) and have been just as impressed with the performance and quality save for a couple of small annoyances like the TPMS and the temp controls with a mind of their own. Very well behaved and comfy on and off road, tried to spin the tires on the dirt but couldnt due to traction control, just launched (scary). Head room is limited but will learn to live with it (Im only 510"). We will keep this rig for a very long time.

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  My favorite car Ive ever had - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MN Mom - January 26 - 12:13 am

  I have two children (aged 4 and 6) and carpool often. We traded in the mini van and never looked back. Using the 3rd row for seating has been very easy, love how the 2nd row slides forward for access. The only thing I would change would be for the 3rd row to have the option of splitting in half. Other than that, a complete joy to drive.

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  Wow! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Christa - January 25 - 9:50 pm

  I have a 1993 toyoda camry 4 door LE sedan and it is the best car ever. What other car is going to be running like brand new with 194,000 miles. This car is the best car ever. The only complaint I have is my paint job because it is fading but hey it is 13 years old.

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  FJ is Awesome! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DaveT - January 25 - 3:16 am

  This is a great eye cather and fun to drive!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff in PA - January 24 - 11:33 pm

  For people who want a full-sized car but also want to be environmentally responsible, this is for you. This is my first Toyota, and after owning it for a year and a half, I understand what others have been raving about. Driving around Pittsburgh where mountains abound, I can still get better than 40 mpg while having plenty of room for three passengers (three adults in the back is a little tight). Because the hills are steeper in town, I actually get slightly lower in-town mileage (low- to mid-30s; hybrids typically shine in town), but its still better than other vehicles Ive owned by 10+ mpg. I havent had a single mechanical issue and have only done standard preventative maintenance.

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  Bobs appraisal - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Patricia Deinhart - January 24 - 8:46 pm

  Have had as high as 69 mpg and as low as 42 mpg Great car, handles nice, comfortable

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  One great little car. - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By jadejaz - January 24 - 12:28 pm

  I bought my 96 Corolla in May of 2012 from a Porsche dealership. It was used with 106k miles on it, and I probably overpaid for it at $4k. I havent put more than 5k miles on it since my purchase, but it has been a great car to me! I never worry about it not starting and it has never had any major problems - all Ive really put into it is routine maintenance. For a car that is nearing twenty years old, its got surprisingly good gas mileage. I get 30 hw and 25 city, give or take. My car is also an automatic, which would explain the mpg being a little lower than that of the standard manual models. Being a college student, its cheap to maintain and perfect for me.

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  Excellent Family Car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Shawn - January 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought the Highlander last year when we discovered we were expecting our 2nd child. We got an optioned out Sport 2WD, mainly because in Southern GA we dont need the 4WD, and could get almost all the features included in the Limited and a sportier suspension for less cost. After one year, I couldnt be happier. The ride is quiet and comfortable with plenty of room, visibility is great, plenty of power, and fuel economy for a midsize SUV is fantastic, we got 26 mpg on a trip to Florida last year. The backup camera is invaluable with pets and small children around (our son is 2). Do not regret this purchase one bit.

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  Power-computer problem - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By CARMEN - January 23 - 6:56 pm

  3/9/2010 check engine light came on and I lost power. Stopped and waited about 5 mins. And started again. After about 15 mins. the same thing happened. Took to dealer, they said that was computer problem they fixed cover under a 80,000 mi guarantee- Toyota corolla ce 2007

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  06 Tacoma Crew Prerunner LB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - January 23 - 5:06 pm

  I have owned my Tacoma for about 6 weeks and have 3300 miles on it. I shopped all the mid-sizes and bought the right one. I have trailer tow pkg, longbed, side curtain airbags, alloy wheels, and running lights. Controls are friendly, comfort exceptional, handling good. I am a very conservative driver, keep my tires firm, and only can get 18.5-19 mpg hwy. One main reason for buying was mileage and its not there. Long box is a big plus. I wish the truck had auto-on lights like my old Sonoma had, but other than those two items, I love it. It runs well, rides good, and looks great. Despite the mileage disappointment, I still wouldnt trade for anything else Ive seen.