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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  spaceship - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Herb - December 22 - 3:06 pm

  Traded in my dependable Civic ex for the Prius 11 . Everything seems about 1.5 times better on Prius. .Power, gas mileage, comfort and ride. Best car out there by far .

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  Great Car - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Grant - December 22 - 12:20 pm

  Bought this truck with 30,000 miles and have over 140,000 miles on it now. Had to replace rear axle seals at 50,000 miles, other than that has had ZERO problems (mechanical or otherwise). Just do regular maintenance and the truck runs and runs! 4WD works great in bad weather, and truck tows strong. Interior, switches, gauges, and controls have all held up great (leather seats & motors, window controls & motors, AC, heater, CD, all power equipment, etc.) Will definitely buy another 4Runner!

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  fun - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By skepticboy - December 22 - 8:46 am

  nice cheap cool

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  Just O.K. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Just O.K. - December 22 - 7:36 am

  Bought this car pre-owned. Some friends owned one. Would caution pre-owned purchasing. Thought Toyota had a better car.This car is slow when first pushing on the gas, and shifts slow. Thought it would get better gas mileage than it does. The good news, its fast when it finally gets going. Also, expected a quieter vehicle, but I have found that it makes little noises as if it wasnt pieced together tightly and some things are now loose.

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  Best yet - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By NIK - December 22 - 4:06 am

  I have owned over the past twenty years, five 4 runners all generations up to this one including the original P/U cap model. This one beats them all. The engine is more than adequate for my needs. The design is aggressive looking especially in black with the 20 inch wheels. The interior is laid out well. Road visibility is great due to the vehicles height and the ride while truck like is firm and not sloppy. Love the Nav system and the remote start.

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  satisfied second owner - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By satisfied owner - December 22 - 3:43 am

  Bought used with 19,000 miles, in top condition. Paid about $500 over average market but was great buy. Only repair (covered by warranty) in 3 years was to reset computer immediately after purchase due to no acceleration from stop. Drove 6,000 miles on summer vacation in 05, performed perfectly with average 29 mpg thru rocky mountains, pacific NW and level terrain, no overheating. Holds 75 mph easily on hwy, uses reg. fuel, holds 4 adults long distance in reasonable comfort, 3 adults in great comfort. Easy on tires, great stability, seats removable with no trouble. Only complaint is halogen headlights are too bright and unadjustable. Will still be a great car at 200,000 miles.

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  Still great 1.5 years later! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By hondoman45 - December 22 - 3:13 am

  I wrote a while back about my experience with my Prius. It is still a very reliable car that has not let me down. I replaced the 12 v battery myself as the original one was getting tired and wouldnt hold a charge any longer. Still get around 42 mpg in the cold and 46+ in warmer weather. This is great considering the car is driven an average speed of 72+ mph on the highway where it spends most of its time. The nav system isnt worth getting as it is woefully outdated and Im not willing to pay a couple hundred for an update at the dealer. Car rides well and is fairly quiet, but still dislike the leather seats as church pews are more comfortable. Very happy with my purchase!

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  Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By T.J.Stockard - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Its not only a fun car to Drive, but easier to park in tight places. My overall fuel economy has been about 47 MPG.

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  She rocks! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Diane - December 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have never been happier! She rides great! Looks great! Is amazing on gas! Much more room than one would think! I cant say enough great things about my Prius! Thanks, Toyota!

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  Not what I signed up for - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Troy - December 21 - 2:50 pm

  After having this for less than a month it has been in the shop for NUMEROUS issues including transmission, power windows that would not go up and a stereo that has a mind of its own. This is not my first Toyota product, but this sure will be the last. The dealer was less than helpful and my salesman was nonexistent for help dealing with service. I will be buying an Odyssey in 2 years unless this vehicle gives out before. Getting ready to trade our ES350 for an Accord Crosstour. What happened to you Toyota?