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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  High Quality - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By A-Aron - December 3 - 5:34 am

  2016 Tacoma TRD Sport is great! Truck is big but not oversized and can actually fit in the garage! Performs like a beast off road and decent fuel economy on the road. All quality Toyota parts!

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  Im Happy - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Elizabeth Libero - December 3 - 5:33 am

  I am very happy with my new 2010 Corolla XLE. I have owned a Tercel, Corolla, Camry Wagon and Sienna. They were all great, so I stayed with Toyota. I am especially pleased with the quiet ride, bluetooth, zippy engine and look. I prefer the cloth to leather since I live in very hot temps. I was excited at the powertrain warranty and oil changes for life as well as my fin. deal. I95 staff treated me like I was buying a Lexus.

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  Quality - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By griffyx - December 2 - 11:16 pm

  This car has left me on the side of the road. The computer (ECU) needed replaced. The window molding is a joke and coming off. It makes a cow sounding noise running at about 35 mph or breaking. Always is hard to start. The quality has slipped on the Corollas.

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Stan Snapp - December 2 - 1:45 pm

  Over priced when new. Heavy but very comfortable. Between engine and electric motors 0-60 is very fast. Wish it ran more on the electric side.

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  great truck only one problem gas tank to small - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By pappapump1313 - December 2 - 7:54 am

  I luv my truck but Im limited on distance before I run out of gas you would think Toyota would be smarter bigger truck bigger tank and I cant add an auxiliary tank because of emissions so I have to carry gas cans when in the mountains or desert especially pulling my toy hauler because that gas goes to my toys glad my son needs a truck Im buying a F250

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  Best Value - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mark - December 2 - 12:16 am

  Just traded in my wifes mint Red Corvette convertible for this pearl white exterior with tan leather interior and tan top SLE V6 convertible Solara! Although this car has been in my garage for the past week, 5 neighbors have stopped by to look at it and all think it is a Lexus! The Solara is very comfortable and receives the same stares as driving the vette! This car has great interior and exterior appeal and a much easier convertible top function. I considered the Lexus SC 430 for my wife but prefered saving $ 40,000 with the Solara! The only change I made was to replace the 17" alloy wheels with custom chrome wheels which make the pearl white exterior stand out better.

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  My dream car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PRUSA - December 1 - 12:16 pm

  This car is fun to drive. I cant recall having so much fun in driving a car as much as this one. My next car will definitely be a Prius. I bought the PKG 6 Touring, but the base is the one I would get the next time around. I dont have to worry about gas prices because I only visit the gas station twice a month versus every week. Great in mileage!

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  Nothing Better - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By thesaucy1 - December 1 - 9:30 am

  So much quieter than my Jeep Grand Cherokee, much more solid feel too. The 4runner is a design that has proven itself year in and year out for a reason. It is more than capable off road (drive it on the beach every week) and has good manners on the road.

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  FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JHONNY - December 1 - 8:20 am

  This is my first car that I have owned. Just knowing that it was a replica of the first Land Cruiser ever build makes me feel good. The SUV feels like you are flying a plane. I just love it.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By al - December 1 - 7:33 am

  I have had my Prius for 2 months and I love driving the car. I am averaging about 42 mpg for the first 3,000 miles. This is my first Toyota and the quality of the car is great.