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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  Best Test Drive Ever - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By tcy079 - March 7 - 3:23 am

  One hour + test drive was the best after 3 months of looking. 07 Rav 4 Sport has good power and performance. Interior and cargo space great! Like being able to lock in 4WD in low speed. 18 inch wheels cool. Easy to get in and out of.

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  Big dog lover - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill Dorflinger - March 7 - 12:12 am

  We have three large dogs and needed more room in the back. Rear seats fold down flat and they have lots of head room. Took out lots of SUVs for test rides and the RAV4 was the most comfortable. Great pick up and handling.

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  THE FUTURE - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By hdf69 - March 6 - 5:06 pm

  A wonderful car.It has 27000 miles on it now ,MPG 45-50 all the time.Had one recall,handled right away.We use it on the interstate quite often,will do 70-80 MPH all day.Plenty of power for passing.

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  My favorite car of all time - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Shan - March 6 - 1:19 pm

  Over engineered and over built. replaced engine and transmission after 230k not due to any failure but for peace of mind. This was mu dream car back when I was in high school and it first came out. I would rebuild it like new if I can find the right parts. Still running strong and reliable at 273k. A real champ.

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  The best car I have owned! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Chrissie - March 6 - 11:50 am

  Ive had this car for about 18 months and I can honestly say that it is the best car I have owned. It drives like no other SUV, midsize or larger size, that I test drove, and I test drove many. It handles beautifully on the highway and on local streets. The interior features are wonderful and not too big and bulky which I like. It is very easy for a small woman to drive and park! Overall I think it is a great SUV for someone who wants the luxury of a car but also wants to be able to get around any weather condition. BTW, it is made entirely in Japan! I love it, and will buy another in 16 years when the pain job gets bad or I have 250,000 miles!

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  Buy one, you will like it. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Phil - March 6 - 8:13 am

  I still have my Chevy. Subn for pulling my toys and serious hauling but the Prius fits my bill perfectly for running around the country on business and vacation. No disappointments at all but rather I marvel at its engineering, performance, comfort and available amenities. My primary motivation for the Prius purchase was to cut my use of fuel and save money in the process. Dont tell Toyota, but this car is worth far more than its current sticker price!

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  Great Truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Randoff - March 6 - 5:13 am

  Love the truck, just purchased. I am a large guy, 62" 250 lbs. has plenty of room, runs great, looking forward to driving this truck. I am sold on Toyota!! Would recommend this to anyone!

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  Awesome Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rich - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is extremely cool to drive. Its very quiet and has a great pickup. Its very fast (manual drive). The gas mpg is great. The only bad thing is that the MPG increases a lot more when you use the AC. Other than that, its the best truck I ever had.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Megit - March 4 - 9:13 pm

  The new Toyota is fun to drive and very good on gas mileage around 35 MPG! I was going to buy a used Corolla however, they were just too expensive used so I went for a new car and made the right decision.

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  Better than my old Kia Spectra - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jennifer - March 4 - 6:13 pm

  A great, fun car! I previously owned a Kia Spectra and didnt enjoy it at all. My Corolla is such a great car. Much roomier in the drivers seat. Lots of trunk space. I think it is the best car in its class.