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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  best truck ever made. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By beto - November 29 - 10:00 am

  my truck is heavy duty.

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  excellent - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By jum - November 29 - 10:00 am

  the only improvement i found from earlier models was the radio an on the steering wheel were radio controls

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  Buy It. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Snickers - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think that I would like a mini van, but I was wrong. We traded our Lexus RX300 for the Sienna. It is much more comfortable, better gas mileage and all the conveniences of home. It is very kid friendly. With the back seats up you can transport 2 strollers, plenty of room for 2 car seats and more people. We packed a stroller and suitcases for 5 people in the back and had 6 people up front with no crowding. More cup and bottle holders than you need and the DVD player is a real plus. Definitely a car worth keeping around with a growing family.

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  So great I did it again! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Gerald Cox - November 29 - 6:00 am

  The comfort and quiet plust new features make me glad I bought my 2nd Avalon.

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  Best small car wagon for the money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By norbert - November 29 - 1:06 am

  Drives like the small car that it is. Very reliable. Great gas milage when you drive the speed limit and proper fuel saving driving techniques. 44 mpg on recent trip driving at 60 mpg in cruise control.

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  Prius Rating - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John - November 29 - 1:00 am

  A great car for driving and economy

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  Oh if only they made all cars like this - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Kimberly - November 28 - 9:44 pm

  This particular model Camry has been amazing for our family car. It has 304,000 miles and still going. The cons first: It seems to use up brakes and rotors quickly. Probably about every 20,000 miles they need looking at. It also seems to go through a fair amount of tires... more than the average car. The pros: The list is endless. Transmission and motor are incredibly built as our car has 304,000 miles and still going strong. We will be selling it to a new driver as his first car. The car still looks and drives good and the style is pretty classic so it doesnt look real dated or anything. We are about to get a Highlander cuz were getting older and need a car a little higher off the ground than we did back in 98. Bottom line: This is a Camry extraordinaire! Gotta love the quality of this particular model.

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  Highly dissapointed- will never buy Toyota again - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By energy_1st - November 28 - 5:41 pm

  2 months after warranty was over (oh yeah!), check engine light went on (P2727) with less than 50k miles. Ended up changing both the torque converter and solenoids as well as the sensor to get rid of the light... 10 miles later, the light went off again... Theyre telling me now that the computer has issues which has to be changed. I dont know whom to trust and what to do next. Will trade in my car for another car which wont be a Toyota for sure.... Yep, Toyotas legendary reliability is only good until youre covered under warranty... My advice to you if you decide buy a Toyota, add an extended warranty...

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  I love it! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Raina B - November 28 - 2:40 pm

  Very smooth and quiet ride! On my first tank of gas I got 37.2 miles to the gallon. Im glad I chose the Camry Hybrid!

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  2007 Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mike - November 28 - 1:46 pm

  I have had my Camry hybrid for about 2 months now, I sold my 2005 Subaru WRX STI and although I gave up some performance, I have been pleasantly surprised by the Camrys acceleration and handling. Intergration of the gas and electric modes is almost seamless and the CV transmission is great, all typical Toyota. I live the mountains of northeast Nevada, 6,500 ft elevation, and most of my driving is on the highway and in mountains, not hills. Mileage has been averaging around 35 mpg and thats not taking it easy trying for good milage, 80-90 mph is not uncommon and the car has plenty of passing power. Great car, highly recommended.