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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  Props for the Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By bluegrass in hogtown - October 16 - 3:13 pm

  What a cutie-pie!! I was going for a new CR-V but the Prius was the same price. It totes my upright bass + banjo, guitar, etc., as needed. 51- 53 mpg with no special effort, very cool. Try it, youll like it! Package 5 works well.

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  08 Corolla S auto with Jbl sound VSA - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By superjohn - October 16 - 1:23 am

  I now have 21000 miles & love the car. I avg 31mpg on my short trips lots of 3mile rides to work. When I am on the freeway I get 38 to 41 mpg depends on how much of a hurry I am in. Love the 5k oil change interval. The trak control or VSA is a must have. JBL sound upgrade is not that special. Its the best car for the money for sure.

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  Carefree car ownership - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By goodeyb - October 15 - 9:53 pm

  Traded my Jeep Wrangler for this Prius about 18 months ago...it is unbelievable how practical, reliable, and inexpensive this car is. Outstanding gas mileage, almost no maintenance, and much more space then one would think.

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  130,000 and Going Strong - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By George L. - October 15 - 6:26 pm

  WOW...Ill never buy another brand! This truck is phenomenal! Hands down the best vehicle we have ever owned! Our Toyota Sienna aint bad either by the way! This truck has just over 130k and I am not joking, NO MAJOR REPAIRS...Tires, Light Bulbs, Belts, Hoses and Oil, THAT"S IT! Also...18 + mpg around Houston Texas, and Im not lying! I had a Toyota approved cold air intake installed at the dealer before I took it home. Well done Toyota!

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  The best underground vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Yo Gotti - October 15 - 3:20 pm

  Ive had it for about a year and when I first got it I wasnt expecting it to have as much of horsepower as it has. Ive gone to Atlanta a couple of times and used the navigation all the way and I got to were I needed to be with no problem. Atlanta is about 372 miles from where I live and it took about two hours and forty five minutes.

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  Love My Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lervin - October 15 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased this New 2002 Camry in October, 2001, and have been pretty much delighted with it. Issues Ive had include creaky steering wheel, door trim replaced (under warranty), 2 sets of tires, battery and water pump replacement. Still on the original brakes - have taken it in twice for new brakes and was told didnt need them. Right now am experiencing white smoke from the tailpipe at initial start, but dont consider that a problem (yet). I plan to drive this car until the wheels fall off!

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sprugg828 - October 15 - 4:03 am

  Its been 6 weeks now and boy does it get great in-town MPG. If the MPG gauge on the car can be trusted, I get 55-57 MPG in-town (max speed ~50mph). I took a long trip and got 43mpg @ 75mph, 45mpg @ 70mph so EPA ratings for hwy driving must be at 60mph. The 8hr trip was fairly comfortable. AC didnt affect gas mileage much. The base model seats could be more comfortable, but they could also be a lot worse. The front seat headrests are rather uncomfortable, they point forward causing your head to bend forward when leaning back in the seat, an uncomfortable position. Cruise did a god job on hills and still got good MPG. ECOMode is a bit "Big Brother"ish depicting every driving style good or bad.

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  Poor Mans Lexus - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Ronald McCormick - October 15 - 2:16 am

  Love this car and will buy another if this one would ever break ... Indestructible

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  Even the 25 y/os like it.... - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Bryan Knight - October 14 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased the Corolla in February and put on about 3400 miles so far (currently July). The car is reliable, stylish, and gets great gas mileage (averaging 30 mpg in mostly city driving, 40 mpg on long trips). I highly recommend getting the vehicle stability control, it has saved my life already once.

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  Powerful fun and comfort - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By homer - October 14 - 2:36 pm

  Looks great, fast, comfortable, great stereo (JBL 12 speaker), quick steering, corners great - more of a car than you might think.