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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  Toyota for Life - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason Wheat - November 26 - 1:36 am

  This is the third toyota truck I have owned. Had my needs for room and transmission types not have changed I would still have the first one. I have been extremely pleased with every one. Not once have I had to put it in the shop. Tacomas have excellent street reputations among sensible drivers looking for quality trucks.

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  The Little Red hybrid that could - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By CE - November 25 - 9:43 pm

  Quite responsive. Enjoyed the smooth take off with the absence of shifting quite noticable. Plenty of snap for passing, especially considering only a 1.5 liter. Breaking and cornering very nice... smooth. At first thought the small steering wheel felt strange but now enjoy the extra room it facilitates along with ease of control.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kenny - November 25 - 10:10 am

  Ive had my Hybrid since Feb 08. I love it the gas mileage it is great. Around town I get around 36 mpg. We have went on 3 family trips the average trip was about 6 hour driving time. We got up to 44 mpg. The only thing I am disappointed with is the navigation system it is not user friendly at all. We had a Nissan before it was a lot easier to use.

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  great two-year lease - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Trey - November 24 - 6:38 am

  Great interior quality, reliability, entune/bluetooth, fuel economy. Surprisingly roomy (especially cargo space when seats folded down) for a compact SUV. Decent handling. However, 50hp+ would be great. Aside from slapping on your own turbo or NOS canisters, putting the car in "sports" mode and manual shifting yourself DOES keep revs a bit higher and provide you a bit of pep.

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  I love this Camry. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Suzanne Harris - November 24 - 3:53 am

  I traded in a 2000 Solara for the 2007 Camry. I didnt think I could love a car anymore than the Solara but I have to say I love my new Camry. It is so comfortable and drives perfect. I cant think of one negative thing about it.

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  Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By D. Russo - November 24 - 3:36 am

  My mother bought me a Toyota Corolla as my first car. Overall, its reliable and wonderful to drive. It gets me from Point A to Point B safely. Besides, the gas mileage is amazing.

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  Best in Class - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Scotty - November 23 - 7:26 pm

  The yaris is the best car in compact class period! Great gas mileage (best non-hybrid gas mileage), toyota reliability, quality and refinement. Turns on a dime (35 ft. shortest turing radius), has electric power steering. Compare and drive others in class like i did and you will buy!

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  Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Bonnie - November 23 - 11:30 am

  This Yaris is a great driving little car and handles like a dream. Ive enjoyed driving it, especially since it has great pick up and can get out in traffic with no problem whatsoever.

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  Owned them all, like this one the best. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By jpg1113 - November 23 - 1:43 am

  Crewmax does not compete price wise with the american market, but its the best money can buy. Smooth quiet powerful and comfortable.

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  Glad to own one - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Happy - November 23 - 12:40 am

  I enjoy this car, it handles very well and the gas mileage is great. Especially now with gas prices this makes owning one a very intelligent purchase.