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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  New Toyota Owner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Medina - November 24 - 9:43 am

  I researched for six months and test drove the Titan and the Silverado before I purchased my Tundra. My Tundra is a blast to drive, great color, everybody I meet likes my truck, my wife approves, the daughter took off in it for about an hour. A great vehicle which should last a long, long time. This truck looks like it can eat a Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, most domestic pickups and sedans.

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  Waste of money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jason - November 24 - 9:30 am

  I bought this car thinking I needed the extra room for my growing family. Ended up being the worst car purchase I have made. A car this expensive should not have the squeaks and rattles that it does and it seems a new one pops up every week. I also hate how the maintenance light comes on every 5000 miles. The paint is also horrible - it chips off the front very easily. I just purchased an Acura TL to replace my Avalon which is what I should have bought to begin with. I will not miss seeing this car in my garage.

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  Best all around family Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Carlos D - November 23 - 11:00 pm

  I bought a 2008 Camry XLE in 07 and have 90000 miles on it. My wife bought an LE Camry 2010 which she wanted badly and it is amazing. The "usable" power, space, reliability and safety features are amazing, to say the least. Gas mileage rivals our Honda Civic and the peaceful smooth ride is amazing. Plenty of room for us Im 64 235 son is 63 daughter 58 and wife 56. We have always owned American cars prior to our Honda and Toyota but now that we have given the "other" companies a try we will stick with what gives us the best ALL around bang for the buck. As for recalls, no problems at all fixed immediately. The only question is... when will Toyota make a motorcycle?

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  still pretty happy after 15K - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By ldecastro1 - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my 2013 Venza LE AWD last April, so I have almost had it one year. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase. I liked the exterior design when they 1st came out several years ago. The inside of the car is very roomy all around. The kids have plenty of space in the back and the car is wider than most. I am a pretty big guy, so I appreciate the width of the drivers seat. It also has a nice large trunk. The electric steering take a bit to get used to (feels a little loose at first) and this car also rides pretty rough compared to most American-made cars. You really need to take it for a long test drive before you buy it. This car is absolutely amazing in the snow.

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  Headlights - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Dee - November 23 - 2:23 pm

  I have read some of the reviews about the headlights. We experienced a problem with our the battery going dead. We also had problems with both headlights. We were out of warranty but the guys at the dealership told us there had been some bad headlights that were put in some models. They replaced the headlights at no cost to us because there was a known problems and the car is working fine.

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  great model - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ! - November 23 - 1:16 pm

  quick handling great mileage great fit and finish side air curtains a winner abs works great a winner for young teens and early 20s women. bought it for grand daughter super trunk space rear seats fold down

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  Hottest Sports Car - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By nyCeli29 - November 23 - 9:13 am

  This is probably one of the best cars I have driven. I owned a nissan maxima 98 before this and drove 07 mdx and civics. This is the best. Speed wise, its all you need. No point of driving in extreme speed with a 55 speed limit. Ive done some interior work, in-dash nav which made it look better inside.

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  My Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Rich Wein - November 23 - 9:07 am

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  Saving money and time - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By L C McClure - November 23 - 8:03 am

  This vehicle has served my transportation needs admirably, since the first day of ownership! Maintenance and performance records have fulfilled my ideals of auto ownership frugality - in time saved and money well spent. This car has proven itself to be an adequate replacement for the Chevy Geo, which is no longer produced. I expect it to "run" for a full one hundred thousand miles + !

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  Love Love Love - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Pickles - November 23 - 7:33 am

  Ive had my car since May 16th, 2008 and just love it. Its Everglade Metallic, beautiful green color, it does look silver sometimes. I love the moonroof, didnt think I would, nice to watch the rain. Back seats have lots of leg room. We seem to get good gas mileage, havent been on a long trip yet though. I love the inside door handles, very neat looking and the bluetooth is great. I also had to get dealer to help me with that. I had a 2000 Rav 4 and this is much larger and still easy to drive and park. I did have a Nissan Murano that was totalled in October.