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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  HIghlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rachis - July 14 - 9:16 pm

  This is a very well built SUV, that should provide excellent reliability, It is an excellent vehicle, but it is not a powerful SUV as one might expect in a BMW X5. Nevertheless because of the combined gas and electric engines it does provide more power than the standard gas Highlander. The gas mileage is not close to the EPA estimates, however, it does get about 25 MPG overall which is excellent for an SUV of this size.

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  Safe car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By jess - July 13 - 5:23 am

  I bought this car new and drove it for the past 13 years without any major problems. I replaced the tires and breaks but nothing else. Was planning to drive this car until it wouldnt run anymore but it was totalled in an accident. Luckily I wasnt seriously hurt because of the way the Toyotas are built. I was on the highway when the accident happened so it could have been much worse than it was. The body of the vehicle took a beating in the accident but nothing came through to the inside of the car. Very safe car!

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  Prius Praise - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Burt Bittner - July 13 - 2:59 am

  Its easy to drive, comfortable, and fairly sporty! Weve been getting about 59 miles to the gallon without even trying. It has PLENTY of power, even going up steep mountain roads. The dashboard and connectivity technology is outdated and is too cartoonish. Luv it tho!

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  Great SUV!!! - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By crashondown - July 13 - 2:12 am

  Just bought my 2000 Toyota Rav4 (I know it is a little old) it had 87,000 miles on it when I bought it and wanted something that is good on gas and I could carry my kids in (truck was a gas gussler). This little car so far has given me no trouble. I hit a deer driving down the interstate the other night and dented up the front quarter panel and tore off a piece of the back bumper. Much to my suprise the little guy took it like a champ no mechanical issues and didnt really mess it up all that bad. Meeting with the Inurance guy on Monday to see about getting her fixed up. Like I said the only thing bad that happedned was some minor cosmetic issues. This little guy is a mini Sherman Tank lol.

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  Good Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By toyofan - July 12 - 12:33 pm

  I first purchased a 2007 Camry and love it, so when the miles begin to creep up on me, I decided to go and purchase a newer model. I pick up the 2010 Camry LE with the V6 engine. I love this car. It has amazing speed and a comfortable ride. The tires was great, however I went and put rims on it which change my comfort level. It made my ride bumpier. In the end, I ended up trading this car after about 5 months for a Lexus, but I would recommend this car for anyone who wants a great car for a good price. Despite all of the news reports, Toyota still has it.

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  Happy Hybrid owner - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By ColoradoHybrid - July 11 - 6:33 pm

  Enjoyable to drive with plenty of pickup and great turning radius. At ~50 MPG real milage (a bit higher in summer and lower in winter) you have to love passing the gas pumps. Even after ~500 miles I seldom put more than 10 gallons in per fill up. Works to climb the Colorado hills, but still holds its own. B actually comes in handy decending on grades. I love my Prius so much I just put a deposit on the soon to be released hybrid-Highlander. Narrow tires cause some handling issues on grooved asphault.

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  Great car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott - July 11 - 3:39 pm

  Not the most exciting drive, but solid, reliable, safe car. 116,000 miles with no issues. Avg 32-33 mpg. Had to replace axle at 124,000 miles. Otherwise no issues

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  Lemon or Bad Luck??? - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By LINDA - July 11 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001. As much as I would love to say how great this SUV is, it isnt!!! I do however love everything about it except its reliability. Soon after the warranty ran out the engine began to have problems with the check oil light coming on when I checked the oil (which was changed very regularly more often than recommended) it was completely dry on dipstick. Took it to local Toyota dealer to check for "sludge" as far as they could tell none noted hum! Continued to drive and add oil before & after long trips. Not leaking just lots of white smoke. Last week check engine light came on probably need new engine or valve seals? In the shop now. Very disappointed!!

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  excelent - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ellen Meyerheim - July 11 - 1:04 pm

  Very well maintained.

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  excelent - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ellen Meyerheim - July 11 - 1:04 pm

  Very well maintained.