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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  Great and reliable car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By colin_88 - May 21 - 1:14 pm

  I received this car as a hand-me-down from my aunt in 2009 with 66K miles. In the three years in my possession, it is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. In those three years, it has not needed anything for inspection, which makes me happy. Now at 104K miles, there are two MINOR problems that I discovered, such as a moaning steering wheel and a recent minor fuel leak. Overall it is a very trustworthy and stubborn car. I definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  Its pretty much what I expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Christopher - May 21 - 10:46 am

  I test drove both the 4cyl and V6. Both were really smooth. I went with the 4 cyl due to less cost and better mpg. I previously had the 2003 Camry SE. The 07 has better handling. It doesnt lean when turning like the prior model. So far the quality appears to be strong, as expected. Im a sales manager on the road 25K+ miles per year, so reliability is important. The car does get a lot of looks from fellow drivers. Id like to think they were looking at me, but regrettably its just the car.

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  2008 toyota sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By jose chavez - May 21 - 8:00 am

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  2007 Yaris Sedan Flint Mica - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cruiser - May 20 - 2:26 pm

  Saw a Yaris sedan drive by and was impressed with the styling. When I found out it was a Toyota and very reasonably priced I had to test drive. Hard to get but the dealer ordered in a sedan, auto, Flint Mica, and the B package. In Canada that gets you ABS, EBD, A/C, power doors, windows, locks mirrors, and keyless entry, a$2000 CAD or about $1600 US. Great little car that doesnt look or feel little at all. Looks more expensive than my dads Corolla and better equipped for less money. You do get use to the centre speedometer and tach (standard in Canada) but I hate where the cupholders are and I need a centre armrest that is not behind my arm. Still,overall its a great car, buy one!

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  Excellent truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By jqtoyota - May 20 - 11:56 am

  Great truck. No need for 4wd on PreRunner offroad.

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  Bought it with 180k miles, and it rides like new! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Indiana Bruce - May 20 - 12:10 am

  I saw this on a dealers lot with over 180,000 miles on it, and it looked like new. Knowing it was a Toyota, I bought it. Am SOOOO glad I did. I have the 6 cylinder and often pull a 7x14 lightweight cargo trailer with it. It does great. I love so many things about Toyotas. A headlight went out, and it was about $12 and took less than 5 minutes to replace. I just changed the oil tonight, and its so easy. The filter is easy to get to, and even has a shroud around it to catch any oil that runs off so it doesnt mess up the engine area. Oh, and its now about 210,000 and doesnt use a DROP of oil and runs like new. The body and paint are still perfect with no signs of rust or corrosion. I expect to easily get 300k or maybe more. Love, love, love it.

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  Excellent quality - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - May 19 - 10:06 pm

  Had this car for over 13 years. No mechanical defects and 270,000 miles. Usually got around 28 mpg. It didnt have the pep that some later models had but it always got me where I needed to go.

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  best car ever - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By djennnings - May 19 - 10:02 pm

  I have always driven a truck or SUV, so I was a little afraid to get a car. With the gas prices so high now, I wanted to get something that was good on gas, and still had plenty of leg room. The Toyota Prius is the best choice. This car is super. It has plenty of room in it, so you do not get the feeling like you are driving a compact car, the gas mileage is unbelievable, and the price is outstanding. This is my first Toyota and I am very pleased. If you are looking for a smooth riding car with lots of room, an excellent price and gets great gas mileage, then the Toyota Prius is the way to go.

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  Our 2004 Prius after 35K Miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pjongbloed - May 19 - 12:20 pm

  Aside from the great fuel economy my wife and I really like our 2004 Salsa Red Prius. As we have learned to take advantage of the hybrid technology the average mileage has climbed from 45mpg to about 50 now with a lifetime average of about 48. It really does get 51mpg at 65mph on the freeway. The surround sound audio system is great. We got the 6-CD player system. My wife changed her cell phone to one with built in Blue Tooth technology so it could work with the Prius built in system. Our family is tall. Im 62. My wife is 6. And our 4 boys range from 63 to 65. All can sit in the back seat and have plenty of knee room with the front seats in normal position.

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  "Love my Yaris" - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By josie - May 19 - 11:13 am

  I love my Yaris, Im hoping a 2009 or 2010 is coming out, because I would like to get another one.The front seats needs more padding, because on long drives it gets uncomfortable. I love the power it has to get out in traffic, and the gas mileage. It is sporty and peppy i have had people to stop and ask me about my Yaris. I also like that it holds its value very well. I traded my Echo to this Yaris. I liked the Echos placement of the speedometer better where it was turn towards the driver, but I do love it in the center of the dash instead over the steering column. Im short, so Ive always had trouble trying to see the road because of speedometer being over the steering column.