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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  Excellent small truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - June 7 - 1:13 pm

  The new styling is outstanding and larger than previous models. Power is excellent, and room inside the cabin is very good I am 75". Not very good gas mileage and engine makes lots of noise under heavy acceleration. Overall I love my truck

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  GREAT Car! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By jen - June 7 - 12:13 pm

  I cant really say anything bad about this car. It looks Great, handles Great, is wonderful on gas. I have had this car for almost 5 years and I still love it!

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  2011 Red Camaro to 2012 Pruis V (3) - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By briansp - June 7 - 12:11 pm

  Prior to the 2011 Camaro I had a 2009 Camry Hb which I really liked. Of course I loved the Camaro, 6 speed, Red tinted windows but with fuel prices moving into the high 3 dollar level I went shopping. The 2012 Prius V (3) caught my eye and after a test drive I was sold. Purchased in Feb 2012 and already have 3500+ miles and to date everything has been great. Tinted windows a carbon dark grey which makes the White color pop. Made a gate like car separator out of PVC for $13 to keep my K-9 Shepard in the back behind the rear seats and he has plenty of room. Overall, I really like this car and enjoy driving it as much as I can... did I mention my 17 son was not happy..too bad..Oh Well

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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Paul Sagert - June 7 - 7:40 am

  Great car, using 89 octane getting 33 mpg. Ride is smooth and very quiet. Radio/CD system is very good and easy to use. Traded a 2005 Ford Escape in for the Toyota as it was to small and had no power. Love the Highlander and would highly recommend it.

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By buerkletucson - June 6 - 10:59 pm

  Im one of those people that need to research everything to the nth degree before I purchase. I researched and test drove many small SUVs....... For the price, features, ride quality, performance, and overall bang for the buck you cant beat the newly designed 2013 RAV4. I honestly could not be happier with my purchase and absolutely enjoy driving this vehicle. The XLE trim level has the most bang for the buck with many standard features youd have to either pay more for or purchase the top trim level to get it in other SUVs. Completely happy with purchase.....you cant go wrong with the 2013 RAV4!"

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  Dependable! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Hmoob_kid1058 - June 6 - 3:33 pm

  Although the height of the interior is fairly short, the car provides an excellent amount of leg room. The dashboard is equipped with the standard settings with the max speed reaching to 110mph. To the right of the dashboard lies the music system, which includes CDs, cassettes, and radio, and beneath the music system is the heating and cooling controls. Being a car with auto transmission, the car is installed with an automatic-stick just to the right of the driver. Along with the automatic stick shift is the hill parking handle, and two cup holders for whatever drinks that the driver may have. Between the backrests of the passenger and driver seat is a small compartment to store misc. items.

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  Review of 2011 Camry XLE - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Bob S. - June 6 - 10:10 am

  Although this is a smaller, lighter weight car than the 07 Lucerne we previously owned, the Camry is extremely quiet, the ride is quite comfortable and it handles very well. The 4 cylinder engine performs flawlessly and we are averaging over 30 mpg. No problems or complaints whatsoever.

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  Just bought my 2013 toyota sienna 1 week ago. - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim egts - June 6 - 2:53 am

  Seems to be a good reliable vehicle at this point. Have driven it a bout 300 miles so far. Have noticed no problems other than no satellite radio and not near as good stereo as what was in our 07 Saturn Outlook which had satellite radio from the factory. This is the first Toyota I have ever owned so it takes some getting used to. I have always been a GM fan. I guess only time will tell.

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Diane - June 5 - 5:36 pm

  I love everything about my Prius. The fuel economy, handling, comfort, looks and reliability. The only "problem" I have noted is that it doesnt seem to do as well, fuelwise, in below zero weather. The instrument panel is very user friendly, as are most of the features

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  Quality car - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Toyota Avalon xl - June 5 - 5:30 pm

  If you want a quality large sedan, this Avalon is your car! This one has a bench seat which gives you more front seat room; wish they were still made with bench seats. I will hang onto this one because is has one, instead of purchasing a new one. I have had no mechanical problems at all. The car drives very smooth and has great pick up. The love the back end look, the exterior front is kind of boring.