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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  The Truth about the PRIUS - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By T.J. - January 12 - 6:46 pm

  I have over 9000 miles on the prius 2.I really enjoy driving this car.In the winter mileage is about 44 to 48mpg and in the summer 50 to 52 mpg with mixed driving. A couple of rattles in the winter around dash area that go away when the temp warms up.We have 4 vehicles but after driving a car that gets this mileage I dont want to drive the others.The brakes were updated by the dealer but when the anti-lock comes on they do not grab. I have another appt with dealer. I have owned over 150 cars so its not me making something up but a problem with the hybrid braking system. For 22,000.00 and no sales tax I think its a good value. To spend more money I would purchase the hybrid ford fusion.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kampy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car, at a reasonable price that is wonderful to drive. I have owned this car for almost 3 years now and have never had any mechanical problems with it. Be careful on some of the comments above as the 2000 MR2 doesnt have cruise control so I dont understand one of the reviews.

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  good review - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By tammylee - January 11 - 2:00 am

  No major problems with the corolla.

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  Toyota Rattle and Hum - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Doug Buhler - January 11 - 12:00 am

  Traded 2004 Sienna XLE AWD in for the 06 as the 04 rattled like crazy. Well the rattling is not quite as bad, but for the most expensive mini van made, it shouldnt. As well, 3 of the seats have come apart, the DVD has never worked, the side door has stuck open costing a $140 cab ride to return to the dealership which Toyota has yet to refund. On top of that the rear side windows and side doors rattle although not as bad as the 04. Would never buy another Toyota again.

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  Good Truck - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bobby - January 10 - 5:50 pm

  This truck is fun to drive with the tented windows it is a little easier to cool than most I have driven the price of gasoline does not make me stay home any more and I really like the red color with gray interior

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Chhatric - January 10 - 4:26 pm

  Had it for over a month and I am enjoying driving it. The car has good power and very smooth. I like the styling of the 09 Matrix and the interior is very well designed. Hopefully it will last me for years to come.

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  Blizzard Pearl XLE 4 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By VLJ - January 9 - 2:16 pm

  Very happy with the XLE performance and the safety features. I did test drive the LE model--- not as much umph on acceleration and interior siding and seat upholstery seemed of a lesser quality to me than with prior models. 20 yr+ Camry customer.

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  Sliding doors Sienna stuck - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By G - January 9 - 1:53 pm

  Love our Sienna but the rear sliding passenger doors are a chronic problem. They are difficult to open from the inside as well as the outside. The knob in the interior gets stuck in the "in" position and thus will not open. On the outside we are now using only one door. The other is impossible to open. The frustrating part is that this is not an uncommon problem for the 1999 Sienna yet my incredible frustration with the dealers and Toyota on a national level who have decided that it is not their problem but the customer. Unfortunately having been loyal customers to Toyota and service we will seriously consider a Subaru or Honda on our next purchase of a vehicle. Just cattle at Toyota.

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  Excellent! - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By lauren smalling - January 9 - 4:55 am

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  Its okay - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sam - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Its been an ok ride. Vehicle looks good but I have been very disappointed in the gas mileage. Im not even getting 20 on the highway. It gets hard to drive on a long trip (which I do a lot of) uncomfortable seats (youll feel everything and the passenger seat does not adjust, just goes back). I get knocked around by passing trucks because its so light. You really have to hold on tight on the highway and that makes for a weary ride!The wind noise is also more evident on the highway as well. The transmission is sluggish and seems to hesitate now at 30,000 miles.