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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  Sell at 100K!!! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By ecoman - February 23 - 6:13 am

  Our Prius drove fairly well for the first 100K+ miles. Then trouble started. Recently, the warning triangle came on, and as instructed in the manual, we took it to the dealer repair shop. They didnt know what to do based on the computer scan and Toyota HQ told them to clear the codes and test drive it. They did, but a few miles later on the way home, the warning came on again! I quickly returned to the shop. Then I was told the part I needed would be $4K+ with many hrs of labor. I said no and am driving the car with the warning still on. Theyd only give me $2K trade in, so we kept it and bought a Chevy Cobalt. Had I to do it again, Id sell it at 100K miles!

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  MPG much better than ratings - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By djlerkl - February 23 - 1:28 am

  We bought a 3 month old "V" as a used car with 2300 miles on it. Since then weve put 4000 miles on (75% highway, 2-3 people in car). I checked my odometer (ca. 0.5% off) and have been tracking actual fuel purchases throughout. After doing the math, computer is a bit off: shows 50.3 mpg and actual is about 48.9. Thats with constant a/c use and in a fairly hilly area (upstate NY). In a flatter area, mpg goes up 5-10%. Im not a hyper-miler -- just easy on the gas and brake. Acceleration is okay -- a lot better than the older Honda Accord (200K miles) it replaced. Visibility for shorter drivers much better than expected. Low road noise. Very satisfied so far.

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  Gasoline issues, no more - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By leah - February 22 - 9:43 pm

  Needed a second car and went for this over honda pilot due to increase in gas prices. now that i have had it for a month, I love it. Found interior to be bigger then I expected, third row tight but great for small kids. Love that when I am at a stop it drops to electric and it is quiet, no idle. Get about 100 miles more then my 97 pathfinder. Feel very eco-friendly when I am driving this! Would consider another hybrid when pathfinder is gone.

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  Close but still not the perfect "10" - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By MSter - February 22 - 7:26 pm

  After much research through this site, I decided to buy the Tacoma. It seemed to come out on top (or close) with each comparison (e.g. mileage, towing, interior room, styling, and sense of quality. This truck leaves a lasting impression of quality. Gives a solid "thud" when closing the doors (I love that sound!). Good visibility although the rear headrests can be obstructive. Some of the negative areas I have found since ownership is the automatic transmission seems to search around for the right gearing to match your speed. The brakes also seem a little squishy. I havent towed with the vehicle yet but am cautiously curious about braking performance under load.

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  Fun & Functional (with a big blind spot) - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By matt - February 22 - 5:56 pm

  This truck is great looking, affordable transportation. The engine feels just right (although Id like it if it took regular unleaded). The blind spots in the rear quarter panels are substantial, but not a deal killer.

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  Reliability at its finest - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Morgan - February 22 - 5:30 pm

  Im 19 years old and was looking for a reliable car that I could trust and feel safe in. I do a lot of driving each day from work and school, and often take many trips to Portland/Seattle. I previously owned a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta that I loved, but unfortunately kept having issues. So when I decided to take out a car loan I did a lot of research on reliable vehicles and found my 2014 Toyota Camry LE at wilsonville in Portland. I couldnt be anymore pleaed with this car. MPG is great and such a smooth, and comfortable ride. Everyone is super impressed by the look of the interior of this car because it doesnt look cheap like some other vehicles. I hope to get plenty of years out of this car and will defiantly recommend Toyota to anyone!

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  Glad to have chosen the RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By alwNewYork - February 22 - 10:43 am

  This is the first car for my wife and me. We looked long and hard at the Honda CRV, but kept coming back to the RAV4. The RAV had the 3rd row option and a V6 engine. Were extremely happy with our choice. The RAV4 is very responsive and very very fun to drive. The 3rd row could be bigger.

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  A delight to drive - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave Nars - February 22 - 4:10 am

  I have been impressd with the ride, handling comfort of this car. I have been only running premium no lead however I am getting a combined 26 mpg. If you are a do it yourselfer the oil can be a bit of a pain to change unless you have your own lift.

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  Great little runabout - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sig - February 21 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this car as a second car for around town driving. I love the looks, inside and out. What surprised me was how well it drives and handles. (My other car is a 2008 BMW 335 coupe). It is fun to drive and the gas mileage - regular gas - is phenomenal, up to 42.8 mpg. What made me buy this particular model are the looks and the price. Another factor is the build quality. This car was built in Japan, and no shortcuts were taken in material and paint. A super little car!

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  HAPPY Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Happy Owner - February 21 - 5:24 pm

  Study Consumer Reports testing of the several SUVS and do a test drive of at least 3 makes. I am sure you will find the Highlander stands out as the best in performance and comfort. I would highly recommend this vehicle to any one.