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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  Fun and Great gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Eric Howell - November 25 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car just for the fuel mileage we have several cars and trucks but none good on fuel. I have been pleased with the mileage so far with only 1300 miles on it I have gotten low 30s to 39.2 mpg. This car will move considering its small engine, it will bury the speedo with no problem. I have no problems with rattles or road noise at all very quite and comfortable. It does blow around a bit in higher winds but its a very light car. I was worried about the warm starting problems that I read about on boards with the 05 models, so far no problem at all on this or anything else. I am a big guy and have two kids we all have enough room. Would I do it again? YES!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Phil Rodriguez - November 25 - 2:01 pm

  First SUV that I have ever owned, reliable and great. It has 106,000 miles and it is used as a family vehicle. I keep the maintenance on it when it is needed, for an SUV that has 16 years it is running great. Toyota knows how to make cars, trucks, and SUV that last a lifetime. I am sure that I will surpass 300,000 miles. Great SUV!!!

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  This is a wonderful car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Tim - November 25 - 11:20 am

  I love the body and interior style. This car really stands out with its cutting edge looks. This car is very solid and handles well for a small car. When on the highway I dont feel like im in a small car. The inside door and dash material does scuff too easy. I got the power package that includes ABS and a tachometer. The basic dash without the tach was too plain for my tastes. My backseat passengers have been suprised by how much room this car has. The trunk is good sized. Things are easy to get to in the engine compartment also.

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  2007 Yaris Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By stat - November 25 - 10:23 am

  Looking good. I think I like it better than my Echo.

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  Traded in the new model Acura TL - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By McGraw - November 24 - 9:40 pm

  I love the Toyota Solara convertible. I traded in my 2004 (new model) Acura TL for this car. Too many TLs on the road and was always hitting bottom and used premium gas. The Solara looks great, rides great and uses regular gas and also gets compliments. The trunk fits 3 golf bags and 2 suitcases. The Solara also has a pocket in the armrest of the door where my Blackberry fits perfectly unlike the TL. Love this Solara and would strongly recommend it.

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  08 Sienna Van - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By van - November 24 - 7:46 pm

  I have purchased my Sienna for about 8 months. Its a great van. It has a lot of power and is very comfortable to drive. It is roomy and its built quality is excellent. I get about 21 to 23.8 mpg for mixed driving. On freeway driving, I get about 25 to 26 mpg.

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  toyota tacoma - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By vince kinast - November 24 - 11:40 am

  Simply put... worth every cent. Ive got 234,000 miles on a V6 4x4 with zero breakdowns.

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  TRIP COMPUTOR - RADIO CONTROLS - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By LHAND615 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  ONE OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS OF BUYING THIS CAR WAS THE DASH DISPLAY. I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TRIP DISPLAY. IMAGE MY SURPRISE WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE COMPUTOR RESETS ITSELF EVERY TIME THE INGITION SWITCH IS TURNED OFF. HOW CAN YOU TAKE A LONG TRIP AND FIGURE OUT HOW WAS THE AVERAGE SPEED,TIME,GAS CONSUMSION. I AM TALKING TO MY DEALER AND IF I CANT GET AN ANSWER I WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH TOYOTA. THERE SHOULD BE RADIO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL.

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  Great for Long Vacation - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By trusted - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Limited 4x4 5/1/02 and have put 4000 miles on it. 2300 miles coming on a trip from Minnesota to Yellowstone in one week. The ride was great as I never got tired or cramped as I have on long trips in other vehicles. I averaged about 17 mpg overall for the trip which included the mountains. Gas mileage has improved as more miles have been put on. I have encountered no problems at all with this vehicle.

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  GOTTA HAVE THIS CAR! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By EarthSavySuprGrl - November 24 - 5:53 am

  This car is amazing... for the price you will never find another sedan like this one, plus it saves you so much on gas. They also are giving away substantial tax breaks in some states for owning these cars plus "Clean Pass" priveleges (HOV lane w/o carpool). Also, its sooooo quiet, youll never even know its on half the time. Overall, for the money and the features you cannot beat this car!