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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  Gotta love my Rav4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By William Rosa - September 30 - 11:05 am

  Ive been a 3x RAV4 owner and wouldnt trade for any other SUV. The RAV4 has the power, speed and comfort and in my opinion the best mid-size SUV. It can take you anywhere.

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  Highly Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jennifer - September 30 - 9:13 am

  This has been the best car Ive ever driven. It doesnt get as good of gas mileage as they advertised, but what car does? Its a blast to drive and cute too!

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  RB - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma - September 30 - 6:23 am

  Very dependable. Only disappointment, wheel well rust way too soon.

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  After 3 yrs - we bought a second Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By sergelbergeron - September 30 - 12:36 am

  We have had our 2005 Prius for over 3 years now and it performs just like new. We bought another one - a 2008 package 5 in October and they both ride the same even though the 2005 has 50,000 miles. I live in Canada and in the winter it is also a charm. Absolutely no problem with battery. Starts at -40 degrees, etc. It is an excellent vehicle.

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 4ecofriends - September 29 - 6:13 pm

  My goal of purchase: 10 years of ownership same or better than non-hybrid and I save >1/2 CO2, then it is a good purchase. And this car does just that, and then some. Its fun to drive (as intended, not in the same sense as BMW) and as practical as any family sedan of its size. I kept up with V8 cars to snow trip without degrading MPG. I drove up Grapevine, CA, full load full blast of air with the same MPG. I got 47mpg for ~12000 miles of driving. No problem todate. Toyota has met design goal: practical green family car.

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  What a car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Michele Daye - September 28 - 10:40 am

  When I saw this car, I immediately fell in love with it. Its like driving a Lexus with added extras for $15,000 less. The smooth ride, sleek look, soft preforated leather, laser cruise control, heated and air conditioned sits, automatic rear screen, voice activated navigation system that also controls the radio & CD, calender, push button start up, night sensored rear view mirror with built in garage opener, 12 position seats, 300 watts speakers, 280 horse power engine and the gas mileage of 22/31 mpg amongst dozens of other things below me away.

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  We Love Our 2009 Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Thom - September 28 - 8:13 am

  Happiest my wife has ever been with a car!!!! And, during the recent snow we received, the AWD Venza proved its mettle on snowy and icy roads. It is a very safe vehicle that handled superbly in very adverse driving conditions. It is stylish, roomy, comfortable, and full of quality everywhere you look. We cant wait to take our first road trip in this vehicle. We both enjoy driving it and we really like the way it handles. The leather seats are very comfortable. The stereo is excellent. The controls are driver-friendly and easily accessible. The safety features are excellent. Love the airline style overhead reading lamps for the rear passengers. Love the dual climate control. Outstanding buy!

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  Less dependency on oil imports - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Rienhart - September 28 - 5:23 am

  We have owned the Prius for about three months and are impressed with the mileage and power when needed. Versitle with the fold down seats and hatchback, room for four adults, comfortably, and did I mention the emissions rating? It is a car for the times and when more hybrids hit the market, the Middle East will have less of a strangle hold on our economy.

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  So Pleased - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fran - September 27 - 11:03 am

  I have been in love with this car since the day I purchased it. After researching and test driving various makes and models, my choice was absolutely clear when I decided to purchase my Solara. This car provides style, elegance and a list of very useful and upscale features at a price that was almost unbelievable. It provides an very smooth and comfortable ride and the interior is surprisingly roomy.

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  For the money, its all good. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By alfasax - September 27 - 10:53 am

  40 mpg. Easily obtainable, 37 mpg without trying all day long! Great styling. Luv this car!