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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  Meet Virginia - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Neneefor2 - February 19 - 6:03 pm

  Hands down, this car is worth every cent. They have a great resale and if taken care of, will out last any car on the market. The V6 is a must. I will never own any other car. "Virginia" is trustworthy and comfortable. Being a single female, I have comfort that she wont let me down

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  Wife says it drives like a dream - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By keny - February 18 - 1:20 pm

  Had the car a month. Waited to write my comment until we took a 2300 mile trip. Overall we love the car. A little disappointed with the overall 24mpg. We drove on interstates, in big cities, mountains and 2-lanes. Inside is roomy and comfortable. Love the bluetooth. The Nav system is no better than my Magellan portable. Disappointed that there are areas with no turn-by-turn instructions even though it lists streets. There are some features on it I really liked like the split screen. The front mats are already showing signs of matting. Love the transmission. Mpg is much better at 60-65 mph than over 75 mph. That should be expected. We did get about 31 mpg on one tank. A keeper.

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  Taco - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alan - February 18 - 8:06 am

  I really enjoy my truck! I have 217,000 miles and will run it for as long as I can. Only major repair was the water pump. Still running original fuel filter, drum brakes, AC, plug wires. It drives like new and does not burn any oil. You cannot beat Toyota quality and this truck proves that.

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  4 Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Frank Trask - February 18 - 3:36 am

  My experience with the 4 Runner is much better than I expected and being my 7th Toyota product I do expect a lot. I had the Dealer install Michelins as from previous experience the Dunlops dont make it. Ride and handling is excellent for this type of vehicle. Fuel mileage so far 19 mpg+.

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  Favorite bike carrier - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By George Nierlich - February 18 - 3:09 am

  Update: after a month-long cross country trip, still no troubles whatsoever. Everything just works. Drive, change oil, repeat. We have no soccer kids and no in-laws to haul around. But we have bikes, including a tandem, and we like to travel to ride our bikes. The Sienna SE at least has a few "sporty" touches to ease the male ego when, really, it has the sexy styling of a toaster. It does have very good navi (except map updates are stupid expensive), great bluetooth, very nice media center (love it reading texts to us), great climate control, room for our tandem and all our gear INSIDE, and all day comfortable seats. It hauls a Costco load that will incinerate your wallet. So far no reason to go back to the dealer except services. Whats not to like?

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  2006 Prius can even surprise its fans - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By meurdrac - February 18 - 2:36 am

  I bought a 2006 Prius just over a month ago, and I must admit, there have been some real surprises for me despite my intensive research. This is a car thats truly fun to drive. While the hybrid system may give some pause who demand lightning accelleration and response, I want to assure you, this is a different kind of car that will help change the way you drive. It makes you more one with the machine than any other car ever Ive driven. How does it do this? The interactive nature of the driving system and the onboard computer that gives you a clear idea of how your driving is affecting your fuel economy. This car will help you to become a better, more aware driver.

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  The Best Choice - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Gigglez - February 17 - 2:50 pm

  I recently brought 2009 Corolla about 1 month ago, used to have 93 Corolla with 185k miles. I drive about 25 miles a day on highway. There arent any loud wind noises when driving 65mph, nor does the car shake.Great acceleration. I get about 36+ miles per gallon. I love the design and everything about it. Like everyone else said, the clock is in awkward space.

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  WHAT A FEELING...TOYOTA!!! - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cali - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is truly built with toughness and style. You can put it next to a newer model and it still looks presentable. If kept in good maintenance, it will run forever!

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  Cherry! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Me-Sa - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I have now had my red fully loaded Celica GT 2001 for a little over a year and a half. This is my first NEW car and I love it! Not only do I look good, but so does the car. The mileage is great. Ive only looked under the hood twice. (Once when I bought it and once to show someone). The car is a little slow at the start, but look out once it gets going.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Hoods - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It rides like an Avalon. There is lots of back seat leg room.I drive in the snow a lot and it handles slick roads very well.I will definately lease a new one.