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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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Caitlin - March 23 - 7:43 pm

  When I was looking to buy a car I wanted a cute sports car to take with me to college. I was originally looking at Hyundai Tiburons and when I saw the Celica online I knew thats what I wanted. For only having a 4 cylinder engine it has nice boost of speed when you hit the gas. I have had no problems with mine and I bought it used with 48,000 miles. My car always gets looks by people who see it. :)

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  Best car ever. - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By kelli B. - March 23 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 193,000 for 500 dollars. I know crazy. It has never left me walking. I have done minor repairs, new distributor cap and new plugs and wires, new tires and battery. I drive this car 120 miles a day 4 days a week sometimes more. It now has 239,500 miles and I hope it keeps on going. It truly is a gem and I got a steal. It made my 500$ back long ago! I want another one! I drive a 4 door Dodge 3/4 ton diesel so tjis car saves me so much money running back and forth to work! Sometimes Id really Rather be in my Toyota than that Dodge!

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  A Great Commuter - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - March 23 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had my 08 Yaris hatchback for two weeks now, and I am loving it. Mine came with 17" mags and wider tires, so my mileage is a little lower; but I did get 35 MPG out of my last tank with mostly highway driving. The car drives nice and is fun, but certain things should come standard and not options, such as power windows and locks. Plus, the numerous gloveboxes should have lights and locks. Otherwise, it is a great commuter car and even with the auto transmission, it has pep! The AC saps some of that as well as gas; but with such a small engine (1.5L) it is to be expected. Filling the tank for $20 is really nice!

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  Good car. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By malikj - March 23 - 5:25 am

  I have about 45k miles on it. Its a great car for the money. Ill stick with Toyota.

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  Absolutely Nothing to Complain About - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ccgecko - March 23 - 12:46 am

  Ive had this car for approx. 9 years and am very pleased with the gas mileage, appearance, and performance.

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  Its Ravulous - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Camille Saccente - March 23 - 12:40 am

  I love to drive my Rav4. Fortunately, having a manual transmission helps with giving me that extra pick up when I need it and it helps me get excellent gas mileage. My Rav4 averages between 25-30 MPG in mixed driving situations. The only issue I had was with a computer chip that, once corrected, has not given me any more trouble. Although at times I have considered getting a new car, Im having a hard time giving up a vehicle that has been so good to me. I wouldnt be surprised if its still running after 200,000 miles. It has 80,000 miles already and still feels like a new car.

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  Cheap, cheap cheap - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By dmarquis - March 22 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this truck febuary of last year. One of the biggest mistakes I have ever made! I have only 23,000 miles on this truck, and as of now its in the shop being worked on once again. Two transmissions, one rear differential, Bed is cheap - you cant load anything on it, the tail gate can only hold 100 pounds! So many more things to list that make me regret buying this truck. I had a 96 tacoma 4wd and it has 160k. Ive never put anything into it, so I know its not driver error. If youre not considering buying an older tacoma forget this!!

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  The future of all cars - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By NMpriusman - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The Prius has done nothing, but lived up to every expectation I had, and even surpassed them. It is a fine machine, worth the small extra cost, and its a wonder that more people dont drive them. I achieve 55 mpg in the city, and 43 on the highway. The trunk is a little small, but can carry all of the recycleables. All my friends think its an awesome car, so do I. The CVT transmission is seamless, and the interior is beatiful. I will only buy hybrids from now on until, there are no- gas cars. Absolutely a dream.

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  Great Vehicle - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By ctl - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car used in 98 and have put on many miles. We love it! Never had any major problems, very reliable.

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  One of the best cars built - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By camryman - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Toyota Camry LE in 1997 with 40,000 miles on it. Since the day we sold it in 2002, it was one of the best cars you can buy. Rarely did it ever have any mechanical problems. It is extra safe, and even at 140,000 miles, when we sold it, it still ran like a new car. Sometimes we would put at least 1,000 pounds of yard rubbish, or construction equipment in the rear and in the trunk, and suprisingly, it held up, almost like a little pick-up truck. This car is good for anyone, or anything. I highly recommend it.