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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  Great bang for the buck - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick - July 14 - 8:46 pm

  Traded my 06 I4 for this trucklet. What an improvement! Rides and drives great. 25+ mpg highway, 22+ mpg city. Im tall so the drivers side leg room was a bit cramped until I modified the seat track and gave myself 4 more inches of leg room. Holds an amazing amount of cargo even with the rear seats up. Removed the roof cross rails and mpg went up 1+ mpg. I use 16" dedicated snow tires in the winter, handles great. No issues with transmission whine, road noise, etc. No accelerator pedal trouble but had the recall done. Tip-in used to be touchy/quirky but with the mod, its smooth as glass. Dealership service has been A++ Not a $60k vehicle, but for >30K, Im not complaining. Will buy again.

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  Bulit proof SR 5 - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By JD - July 14 - 11:50 am

  I bought this car new early in 1997. Has 166,000 miles still has original rear brakes and shocks/ struts. Replaced right front wheel bearing at 160,000 miles. Interior and paint is in excellent shape except for minor hail damage thanks to spring Texas storms. Still drives like new, 20 mpg city, 23 to 26 mpg highway. The mechanic that works on my car has a customer with one of these with 470,000 miles on it still going strong. Mechanic told me to never sell this car, this model 4-runner is the best toyota made. Best car I have ever owned, never breaks and has never let me down.

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  911 Rav4S - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Theo - July 13 - 9:40 pm

  I just leased the Rav4 Sport Appearance Pkg. from Jim Coleman Toyota, what an excellent dealership experience. I cut my monthly payment in half! I have been completely impressed with the power this vehicle has and decent handling with AWD. I also like the rear door with out spare tire and the cargo space is good.

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  INFERNO 2016 4X4 SPORT MODEL 4 DOOR WITH TECH PKG - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By MEL - July 13 - 5:33 pm

  We have always owned Toyotas. Just bought this truck only negative thought seats should be power. We love it. Thought it drove great. We’ve bought 10 Toyotas in cinti but since our salesman left we were not treated the same. Had great luck with Valadosta Toyota in GA. Everyone there was great. Flew in and drove it home. We bought 6 ft bed which we love. Of course we got the bells and whistles.

  We just got it time will tell about the rest.

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  High Tech Wonder - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Troika - July 13 - 11:46 am

  I have had this car for over a month now and find it most enjoyable driving and learning about all of its features. I promise to revisit this website a year from now and post a year-end assessment of the car. I expect to put about 15000 miles on it.

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  My Matrix is 2003 - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By pam - July 13 - 11:43 am

  I purchased the Matrix the first year out, and it has been a great car. I find it drives well both in the city and on the highway. I traded a RAV4 for the Matrix and I like it so much better. There is plenty of cargo room and the fuel mileage at this time is a life saver. I have always been a Toyota woman, and have never really been disappointed. For the money, I think this is the best value on the road.

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  good car for snowy locations - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By lpm - July 13 - 7:12 am

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  Absolutely love my new 4Runner - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyjust1010 - July 13 - 3:51 am

  I purchased my first Toyota 4Runner last week and have been amazed ever since. I wanted one since 2005. MPG with first tank was 20, after first fill up - 22 mpg. Fantastic for the size vehicle...considering I was only getting 24-26 mpg out of my Nissan Rogue that I traded. Plenty of room for all my friends.

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  Cool car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By yo - July 13 - 2:40 am

  This car is very neat in different ways. First, the trunk could fit almost anything. Second, its very loose and roomy. This is my first car and I look forward to the next Camry.

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  Great car and mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Seajack - July 12 - 4:30 am

  My son bought a Prius and loved it, but my wife needed a car that sat up higher and felt larger. The Camry was perfect, and weve loved it. Quiet, smooth, and the long trips weve taken have been very economical. Great deal.