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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  05 Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - February 5 - 1:00 pm

  My wife and I bought this car new!! Being that I was a Ford owner I bought the Corolla with a 200k/6yr powertrain warranty! In 195000 kms warranty covered ECM, Fuel Punp, Wheel Bearing and Timing chain seal!! The pump and ECM failure is odd but not totally unheard of, but compared to the 97 Ford Taurus, the toyota quality is unsurpassed! I too have a strange whistling sound from windscreen at higher speeds! Oh ya...door seal were replaced after on yr!! One cam loose so dealer changed them all!!! Great dealer service!!!

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  Better than the Lexus - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ascrrc - February 5 - 12:46 pm

  I went to buy a Lexus GS300, but the Lexus had less power, less head room and cost $15,000 more. My Avalon has been perfect. I especially like the ventilated seats. Also, the keyless ignition and locks make it very easy to get in the trunk when I have packages. You would think all the gadgets would be confusing, but they have a web site www.mytoyota.com that teaches you how to use them. Cons? The Navigation system is GREAT technology, but the manual was NOT originally written in English. I dare the President of Toyota USA to try to read it. Also, the main button on the Navigation is too easy to hit crooked, selecting the wrong thing. Should be redesigned. Small complaints. Great car.

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  07 Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lindsey - February 4 - 9:53 pm

  I got the Yaris because I needed something affordable and reliable. So far I am loving it. Feels great on the road and very fun to drive; I feel hip when Im sporting around in it.

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  10 year old car - Still a gem!! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Flow - February 4 - 5:36 pm

  I bought my Toyota Corolla S 2007 in fall of 2006, and named her Libby. Truth be told, I have had prettier (aesthetically pleasing) cars, but no car has ever matched her reliability. She is now 216,000 miles old and still keeps on keeping on. When I got her, I was single and now 7 years later, we have a 7 year old daughter, 2 big dogs and Libby. My husbands truck is in the shop, and Libby has been our single vehicle off/on since 2008. In 2012-current, Ive had a relatively long commute for my job, upwards of 45-60 min one way, so both ways everyday - Lots of driving. Libby is a true workhorse, and we ensure she is has regular maintenance (full synthetic oil changes, etc.). Shes never, knock on wood, had any major repair. Right now she needs new shocks/struts (front/back) because weve lived in some very rural areas with lots of pot holes, dips and rough terrain. Im on this website right now because were searching for a bigger family vehicle, and will likely give Libby to a family friend while she job searches. I want to say the Toyota Corolla S is outstanding value, reliability and performance. It is not made for fast rides and showing off, but for a solid smaller sedan that excels in endurance and good quality!

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  always feel good with toyota - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cornell - February 4 - 4:43 pm

  Just to start off with this is my fourth toyota that i have driven since 1970 [my first toyota corolla hatchback}. I kept this one 7 years and sold it to my friend for 75.00 and he kept it for two more years, the only thing in all the years that i changed was a transmission because i was a new driver in 1970 and was a little rough, i had a manual trans. I have since had a tercel, echo, and presntly driving a Yaris which i adore and the style i love especialy the interior, my car is a blue royal and inside is black which looks really sleek.My car is and untill toyota shows me that that can not continue to build reliable and fuel efficient cars i will die being a toyota consumer,

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  My First Foreign Purchase - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By coop1346 - February 4 - 11:43 am

  I have always purchased Chrysler. New. My father was a Chrysler retiree. I had a 2006 Dodge Caravan. I had replaced the brakes 4 times and the rotors 2 times...the water pump conveniently went out at 39 months and the alternator and transmission were acting up last week. I tried to get an American dealer to work me a deal with my van as a trade in and I could not get them to deal with me and get it in payments. I want a product that will outlive the loan...and so i finally purchased a foreign car but hey it was made in KY USA so it put food on an American familys table. Amen!

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  THE NEXT GENERATION - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By 4WHEELGUY - February 3 - 5:50 pm

  Overall this unit has it all (within reason). It drives nice and is very comfortable for the long hauls. Mileage so far as been impressive and it is extremely quiet. So far it has been a very positive purchase.

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  2006 4Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By mccracken81 - February 3 - 10:13 am

  I love this SUV. Lots of power, great handling, and plenty of room. Cant beat the roll down back window unless you get a convertible, but who wants one of those. Would recommend this car to anyone who likes to, or needs to spend a lot of time in the car. Also you never have to ever fix anything, and if you run synthetic, you barely ever have to change the oil either. The car is completely awesome.

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  Great Winter Ride - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Lila Sterling - February 3 - 4:23 am

  Ive had the car about a month and put on over 1,000 miles. I sold my Saab 9-5 wagon when it would not go up the driveway of our new home. The RAV has NO problem going up a very steep incline in ice and snow. It does make the "beep" sound to let me know that it is adjusting for slippage. I test drove it hard to make sure it could handle Catskill Mountain weather and it has proven to be just what it promised. Mine has "down hill assist" which I like because sometimes I have to go to work before the local plow person comes to our driveway and it really does help. Also there is LOTS of storage space. I picked up two big chairs for a friend and they went right in.

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  Love my new XLE V6! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Susan - February 2 - 10:13 pm

  I bought the 06 XLE V6 Camry in early October and have already put over 5,000 miles on it, taking it through several states, to boot. This car is a GEM! I honestly cant see myself owning anything other than an upscale Toyota ever again. (My next will be an Avalon, I think!) My husband is a mechanic, and he went over the vehicle with a fine-toothed comb just looking for any flaws (body, interior, under the hood -- anything), and even he - Mr. Critical - was completely impressed with it. It drives like a dream and we just honestly couldnt be happier. Oh! And the gas mileage is even better than expected. I am so pleased with my Camry. And the salsa red color is beautiful, too!