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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  Prius II - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Tadashi - December 24 - 6:16 am

  At first the Prius looks ugly but like a face only a mother can love the Prius look begins to grow on you. It is also nice to have a vehicle with a unique look. I get excellent fuel economy (lifetime avg of 54 mpg). The Prius has many high tech features but still needs to work on some comfort and handling issues. Although it is not bad, but could use some improvement. Given what I know I would definitely buy the car again.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By j. barnes - December 24 - 5:33 am

  we really like our 2005 Avalon! It is a very confortable ride, neat interior, quiet, and good mpg.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Jeffrey Groves - December 24 - 4:40 am

  I never thought I would own a mini van. But having a sedan with 2 kids just wasnt working out. The sienna offers so much room for the kids. It drives a lot better than I thought. My wife loves it. I like the fact of how safe I feel with her driving her and the kids around. I test drove a lot of mini vans and this by far was the best. I got the lower end model and it has everything you need and more.

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  Great All Around SUV, Best In its Class IMO - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By mtayub - December 24 - 4:27 am

  Very comfortable seats in this car even on long trips. The leg room and storage in the RAV4 is excellent. Lots of storage and room for luggage. The rear seats recline and move forward and backward. I have had the car in heavy winds and it handled the windy conditions well. Interior noise is low, compared to Honda CRV. Love 4wd button. Reliability of the Rav4 is the best. I looked at the reviews of the competing cars and read about the problems people have for their cars. The Rav4 had minor complaints compared to others having significant problems. after market platinum 0 deductable warranty for $950 upgrading it to a 7/100k had to shop around for the price. 12k miles owned, very happy

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  surprised performance - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dennis Crosby - December 23 - 7:21 pm

  Great value. Has good performance,you choose your speed and go. Have had no problems with this car

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  I LOVE this car. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ebadams - December 23 - 12:17 pm

  I purchased this car in 05 with about 60,000 miles on it. It now has almost 200,000 on it and is still going strong. It has had no major repairs, save a new switch for the headlights. In fact, the biggest repairs Ive had to do (replacing 2 doors) were from accidents; perhaps people have difficulty seeing the car because it is on the small side. However, I get great gas mileage; sometimes close to 40 mpg (highway)! When I do need to replace this car, I will most definitely go with the Yaris.

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  Grandmas Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Liz - December 23 - 11:16 am

  I purchased the car because it was cute and got good mileage. Everyone in my family is borrowing it because of the mileage. Even my son really likes it. maybe I should have it painted pink so it will stay in my driveway more often. I bought it to take the grandkids to and from school. I have never had so many people ask me about my Yaris.

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  One Van-tastic Sienna - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By G Harris - December 22 - 6:56 pm

  Repair costs can be pricey without maintenance warranty.The headlights cast a somewhat shadowy low beam.Carpet a bit thin but everything else is great,quiet ride comfy seating on all rows and easy smooth handling even on highways.Good on gas too

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  All good for 40,000 but one thing - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hampton - December 22 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV

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  Best car ever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By echoer - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I wouldnt give up for a Cadilac. It is however not real comfortable for extended amounts of time. I use it just as a to and from town/work car. For that purpose it is the best Ive ever driven. Its terrible in snow, sleet, rain, especially wind. But those days are few and far between. I would recommend this car to most anyone. Maybe not a teenager.