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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  The Car that Could - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Dr. G - September 9 - 12:20 am

  Love the car. Have 9000 miles on it, great gas mileage (22/31 as stated), great ride and lumbar support, etc., comfortable although somewhat noisy. Great get up and go. Looks more expensive than final price. Some harsh noise when on a rougher road. Make sure that you get the aftermarket side door protectors and mud flaps. Has saved my paint. Paint chips very easily, especially when someone attempts to open their door to full-width in a parking lot. Had trouble with air conditioner.. took dealer two weeks to get part and fix it. Had new Camry during that time to drive. No comparison... Avalon much better. Also be aware that the front bumper is low and you can knock airdam off.

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  Fun to drive - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By rgvman - September 8 - 2:56 pm

  My first minivan. I am impressed how fun it is to drive it. Turning radius is unbelievable. Very quiet. It feels just like driving a car.First vehicle I have that the headlights are manual. You either have them ON all time and the Navigation screen is too dark during the day, or have them on DRL so you can see brighter Nav screen during day but have to remember to turn them ON at night. They should make them automatic.

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  An Awesome Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Christopher Lukasz - September 8 - 9:23 am

  The best truck I ever owned, I have about 15000 miles on it now and its still feels like it brand new. Only problem that I had was the rear springs were making noise but all they need was a little grease and now theyre good as new. I highly recomend this truck to anybody, I think its the best truck out there right now.

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  Great Comfort Excellent Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Ahsan Uzzaman - September 8 - 6:00 am

  I bought 2009 SE model. Its great handling, fuel economy excellent, pick up smooth and plenty of acceleration, strong stable handling with great speed, shifting gear smooth, sound system A plus, excellent, big 17 inches wheel gave me classic ride, excellent out looking, interior classic looks, fun ride 100%.

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  Excellent! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Steve Podhauser - September 8 - 2:10 am

  We looked at the leading selling hybrids and we chose the Toyota. This car drives like a dream. We are considering getting another one. This car is also a head turner. It looks sort of like a BMW and a Volvo combined. We are extremely happy.

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  Lovn It! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CaptJohn - September 8 - 12:16 am

  I have nothing short of a great time with this vehicle! It feels like a toy, but with incredible strength!

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  We now have three, this was our first - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Page - September 7 - 7:06 pm

  This is a great little car. We get 39mpg with this one. Very roomy interior, more so than the Corolla we traded in. No problems encountered, has enough power accessories too and the ipod plug to keep the teenagers happy with the car. Cant find anything wrong, priced right for quality!

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  prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By marsha - September 7 - 7:00 pm

  Easy to drive, great mileage - 50mpg, fun to use screens tracking actual mileage and engine useage, hatchback very large, seats fold easily

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  Test drive sold it - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By ol dave - September 7 - 3:26 pm

  Just purchased, but the test drive sold this vehicle. I was ready to buy the Frontier, a nicely-priced 07 "mgr.s special" and decided I owed myself the test drive in the latest Taco. I have never owned either brand before. Traded a Sube, still have an old 318 Dakota. The Fronty was a good truck but this blew it away in my opinion. I greatly prefer the adult interior styling and the overall road feel. Power was excellent and felt more controlled in street conditions than brand N. A very sophisticated pickup truck. Did not want the fuel and complexity of 4WD, or cute lettering on the side, so took the straight 4x2 dbl cab with the l/b. Long bed rode better than the short.

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  Love our new Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Kathy Egan - September 7 - 12:19 pm

  Car is brand new but so far so great. Have owned a Prius C, a Matrix and a VW Golf and this is luxurious by comparison. MPG 54 on average in first 2000 mostly highway driving.