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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  Pretty nice car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By ed w - September 17 - 4:20 pm

  This is a pretty nice car. I bought this car because the predicted reliably. It is pretty fun to drive. The best improvements from the 08 is the remote is built into the key and has a button to open the trunk. also it can calculate the MPG. It has a little more horse power not much but noticable. The stereo sounds much better than 08. It is one of the most reliable small cars in history, thats why I bought it. My only complaint is it is only available in sedan.

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JOHN M - September 17 - 5:53 am

  Thhe Prius has much more room than I expected. The rear seat passengers have more leg room than a 767 coach row! With the rear seats folded, I can carry longer items than I can in my 1992 Trooper, although not as high. The more I drive it the more I like it. I have kept accurate fuel data since new and the overall average is 43.5 MPG. On the highway (flat, no wind) the computer is steady at 51.3 MPG. I have not had the opportunity to drive in urban conditions, but on hilly back roads I have seen over 75 MPG!

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  04 Toyota Highlander - Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Mrs. R. Lewis - September 17 - 3:50 am

  The vehicles overall performance is great. Handles well in snow/ice. The only thing I cant get seem to get over is the fact that I have to hear this short clicking sound everytime I first start the vehicle, put in drive and accelerate. I took my vehicle in twice when I first noticed this clicking and was told its normal... thats the ABS actuator turning on. Other than that, I feel I made a good investment in this vehicle... spent a little more than I anticipated but its worth it. I could have paid less and got more incentives for another vehicle but I would have gotten less durability and less quality.

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  Solara. The best of all Toyotas - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alan - September 16 - 8:20 pm

  Ive owned 15 cars in my life, always changing every 2 years because I was not satisfied. That is until I bought my 1999 Toyota Solara SLE V6. Ive found no need to get rid it it. After 10 years, it is perfect. Never in my life have I see a better built car, inside and out than the Solara. Sadly Toyota does not know a good thing when it see it. They will be sorry for the cancellation of the Solara. I intended to repeat buy Solara for life. It is not likely I will buy any other Toyota. The Solara was the only one with class and style. When I go away for vacation, I consider driving my Solara to be part of the vacation...part of the pleasure. Never have I driven a more superb vehicle.

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  Typical Toyota - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By kxsomr - September 16 - 5:40 pm

  I just bought LE 8 passenger seats, and it is well worth it. However, I think Odyssey represents a better value than the Sienna. If only I could live with 7+1 seats in Odyssey, I would have bought Odyssey. The 8 seaters offers more flexibility. Everything works fine. It takes some short learning curve to master removing the middle seat however.

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  I Love My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Virginia Heredia - September 16 - 4:16 pm

  For a truck it is really fun and I know I can go anwhere and not worry about breakdown. It is easy and comfortable to drive and park. I am having bearing problems with the fan belt and I am low on oil about every 1800 miles (about 1 quart) for which I will be dealing with Longo on this. It is stylish and very truck looking, not like the sissy front ends of the Silverado. Interior is simple but effective. I wish it had a outside temperature gauge. But overall I LOVE MY TUNDRA!! (wish I could have afforded a 4X4)

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  Fun little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Buddy - September 16 - 2:46 pm

  I traded in my Ford Excursion for this little car. After driving a monster SUV, I find this car to be nimble and quick. Its the only cheap car that a 62" man can slip in and out of easily. Its noisy on the freeway but handles well enough that I dont feel Im in a death trap. I drive on Houstons busy interstate system, even in the rain and my lil Yaris holds its own which really surprised me! I miss my monster SUV, but hey, get over it! Im averaging 41 mpg which is almost 4 times better than my Excursion with it guzzling V10 engine. Ive gotten lots of compliments and questions from strangers. This car will pay for itself in gas alone. I dont like the "cute car" comments though.

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  My Little Buddy - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By CDR - September 16 - 1:06 pm

  This is the first small car Ive ever owned. Handles great, pretty comfortable, Get about 34 mpg in my rural setting, havent had any major highway trips yet. No complaints yet. I only use 6 or 7 gallons of gas per week. Curious how it will be in the winter. Very pleased so far!!

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  My Purple Tortoise - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By hotbite - September 16 - 1:03 pm

  Ive had my 98 RAV4 since 2004. Its ridiculously reliable...no repairs needed, just maintenance and its got over 130,000 miles on it. My only real gripe about the car is the mileage. Im surprised to read several reviews that praise its mileage! For a 4-cylinder that has zero power, I am disappointed that it only gets 18mpg. I would have expected more. The cupholders are also not really usable. Not in a good location or capable of holding tall cups w/o spilling. Dont get me wrong...I love my RAV. It gets me from A to B with no problems. Knock on wood!

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  Best - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By p zemanek - September 16 - 12:53 pm

  Best car on the market. Only needs oil change and never car problems.