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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  Down sized and happy - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By NC Administrator - February 8 - 8:20 pm

  Great truck, have owned several full size Silverados and am very satisfied with Toyota Tacoma.

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  It wont die. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew Tran - February 8 - 5:16 pm

  Bought my LE V6 in 2005 with 58k miles on it. It has 143k miles now. I secretly wish it would die so I can buy another more exciting car, because this car is utterly boring to drive. But its refusing to do so because it is so danm reliable. It has never broken down and found dead on the side of the road. The only parts that have been replaced were brakes, timing belt and water pump at 100k miles, spark plugs every couple years or so, and the door handle on the driver side that unexpectedly broke off a couple winters ago. The windows on the drivers side is beginning to go bad now. It can go up and down, but its loose. This car would probably run for another 100k miles. The engine is still very quiet and clean, not even an oil leak. I had considered replacing it with a 3-series BMW, they are really fun to drive, but decided against the idea given the reputation of costly and frequencies of repairs of BMW. Cost of maintenance for the Camry has been low. During the 10 years that Ive owned it, besides oil changes and tires, total cost of maintenance was about $1k or so.

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  almost hibrid - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By volvos60t5 - February 8 - 4:23 pm

  for me this is the car for this hard times,in the future all cars will be electric ,for not be a hibrid make an amazing millage. and is fun to drive. the car for the moment.

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  Great Car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Great reliability - February 8 - 5:16 am

  I got this car from my parents at the start of my freshman year of college (August 2001,it had 47,000). Right now I am a senior and about to graduate in May 05(mileage is 97,100). I have been driving back and forth to college (60 miles round trip) every year except my sophmore year. So far the car has been reliable. It has great fuel economy. The maintanence that I had to do on it was oil changes, tires and brakes.The starter did go out when it was it my parents car and it had only 42,000. I also have a wind noise especially during the summer or rain, but it does not affect anything. I reccomend this car to somebody that looks to save on gas and for something reliable but not expensive.

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  TRunner at YotaTech.com - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By TRunner - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been more then impressed with the capabilities of this vehicle. The only downsides is it is a bit underpowered, but it has never held me up on or off road and the sagging rear end which was fixed by some Downey HD springs. The interior is tuff. The exterior is tuff. The engine keeps on a trucking and has been very trouble free. I plan on keeping this vehicle a very long time.

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  So far so good - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Shen - February 7 - 10:00 am

  We recently sold our 94 GSR Integra (170hp VTEC), & bought this 99 LE Corolla. Performance wise, its no match to the GSR, but overall driveability is fine and ride is firm. The rear seat room seemed a little tight. Per the spec in Edmundsin comparing rear leg room between my old GSR and the Corolla, the Toyota should have an additional 1" of leg room, but that does not seem to be the case as my 3 year old in her car seat is always kicking me. This is after I try to adjust the angle and distance that I would normally sit. Just something to think about if you have small kids that needs to be in t

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  Good car, though not exciting - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By shootingstar3 - February 5 - 4:15 am

  Bought our RAV with 32k miles on it and have owned it 3 yrs now. Previously I had an 01 RAV which I just loved. This one is a very good car, but somehow not as satisfying. It has been reliable and versatile and pleasant, but I did like the seats, styling and overall size better in the old one. This car is more of a soccer mom car and since I dont have kids, Im considering trading it for something more fun and sporty for a change.

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  Too many miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ken - February 4 - 9:56 pm

  The tundra is a blast to drive and always a eye catcher. I have only had one problem and that was the recall on the drive shaft. I get a 17.5 mpg on the average and 13 when I haul the 8900lb trailer. Still beats my dodge I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Nice car with minor issues - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By jonny165 - February 4 - 2:40 pm

  Just picked up my 2010 magnetic Grey, very comfortable drive, great in snow and ice, but after 300 miles, steering wheel began to vibrate and the brakes are acting up bad. Have to bring into dealer after one week of owning.

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  Nice Car!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By BethV - February 4 - 10:26 am

  I really enjoy this car! There are a few things that could be better. The rear view dimmer mirror is nice when cars are far away, but when they get close as the often do, the mirror does not dim. There is one feature that doesn’t make sense. If you are going down the road and listening to the radio, in the console there is a button that says there is a message, and when you go to push it to see it, there is a message that comes up that says that you can’t view the message while driving! I really enjoy the great gas mileage. I have seen my average say 57 before, which was great for going up and down 2 mountains one way to work. The car is a bit expensive, but great otherwise.