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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  Ouch, what a feeling! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Former Prius Lover - December 16 - 7:40 pm

  Bought pre-owned in 07 with 70K. Now have 205K. Accident, replaced HID headlight went out 2 weeks after warranty expired. Quoted $565 to replace! Now the brake ECU have gone and they want $2675 to replace or I can take my chances crashing into a tree! Toyota Customer Care is worse than useless; I feel like taking a shower after talking to them to get rid of the slime! Any fuel savings have been wiped out by the outrageous cost of repair and service. Their dealerships arent built like palaces from proceeds from recycling soda cans! Never again, Toyota! The new Fiesta is supposed to get 40 mpg highway without using golden flux capacitors!

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  Convenient - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By ebz123 - December 16 - 5:05 pm

  Ive had this car for a couple months now and am pleased with what it is giving me. Great value in terms of design style and fuel efficiency + performance option in S model. This thing has a small engine so it will never feel truly sporty but I have an S model and when in Sport mode, the engine is trained to rev RPM high between gears when hitting the gas instead of holding down RPM as in economy mode (defaults to economy). So far Ive yet to reset the gauge tracking fuel economy and over the first 2,200 miles, I have achieved a little over 29 MPG doing mainly city driving here in Miami where traffic can be a real pain (takes 25-30 minutes at times to travel 6-7 miles).

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  Four door rocket - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By C4Man - December 16 - 3:00 pm

  What can I say, WOW! Id been researching this car for about two or three months before I finally purchased one. Took a couple weeks to find the one with the options and color I wanted, but Im glad I found it. Love this car. Fast and fun to drive. Six speed is velvet smooth and the 2zz engine provides seemless, smooth power delivery. Ive driven many cars this size and few come close to the combination of value and performance this car offers.

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  Dans Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dan Fullen - December 16 - 11:10 am

  It is a fun car and, being a 65 year old geezer, its great to have people livid with jealousy over it (especially the guys). The only drawback (but it IS a sports car after all), is the lack of storage space. In the end, who cares!

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  The Most Conscience Vehicle On The Road. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By lance johnson - December 16 - 9:30 am

  As one of the first people to own this car in southern california i cant say enough positive about it. It is an absolute joy to drive. Dont let ANYONE tell you that this car is underpowered. It hauls! I drive the car between Los Angeles and San Francisco. my average speed is between 85 and 95 mph fighting head winds all the way, and it still gets 38-40 mpg. On a recent trip to northern calif I drove the car well over 1500 miles and it cost me arond 80 DOLLARS. I also own a porsche 993 and an 04 Jag XJ8. The Prius is the one I perfer to drive not only because of fuel economy and the fact that it is rated a 0 emissions vehicle, but also because it is so easy to manuver and very comfortable

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  I love it - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim - December 16 - 8:33 am

  This is my second Sequoia, the first is now in my daughters hands and she loves it, I got the 08 when she got my old one and although it took a little getting used to, its a superior vehicle to any other SUV Ive owned, Ford and GM. The features of the Platinum trim line include the backup camera, reverse tilt mirrors and more. We tow an 8500 LB travel trailer with ease, great vehicle!

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  The car I need - Not want - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By papertrumpet - December 16 - 8:23 am

  Having driven a 2000 Solara for 11 years, I got this 2011 Corolla S in October 2011. I went cheap and got what I paid for. While the S is the best looking Corolla for 11 it lives up completely to the reviews of underpowered, uninspiring, unimpressive road experience. It might be solid and reliable, but I yawn all the way to work and back.

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  having issues - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Chris badertscher - December 16 - 7:16 am

  I just bought a 2009 toyota camry LE with 76000 miles. After owning it for only a couple weeks Ive had it stall out on me as I slowed down for a stop light. Also the other day as I was driving the brake light randomly showed up. Anybody else having issues with their camry of around the same year stalling out?

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  Comfort and reliability - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken - December 16 - 2:33 am

  This is my first Avalon. I bought it used with 6,000 miles. In 2.5 years I have added another 50,000 and it still runs like new with only normal maintenance and rear brake pads. This car has a very comfortable, low-stress ride. You will feel as though you are gliding down the road. Interior room is excellent for driver and passengers alike. The room in rear seat is unmatched by any car I have ever been in and the trunk is big too. Gas mileage is typically 25/30. This is not a sporty car, but if you are looking for comfort and luxury at an affordable price, you will be happy with this car. Great car! Id buy another.

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  Oldie but young in miles - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ray Robison - December 16 - 2:09 am

  Im selling my car because of my age disabilities. Im driving so little that my battery kept dying on me until I just recently (February 2017) had to buy a new battery. This car has thousands of good miles left in it.