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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  Excellent Car!! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By C.S. - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 1 year and 3 months now, and its still going strong!! about 10,500 miles now. There is now an annoying squeak in the dash on the right side, the dealer cant find what it is. The radio display has somehow gotten moisture behind it, and it is a little fogged up. Other than that it is still great and I dont regret buying it. We looked at Impala and Taurus, but neither had as much to offer.

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  Im so glad I have this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Monique - January 1 - 4:36 am

  I just bought this car in July and it is so fun. Everything is so visual. I drove through California and at times got 50 to 55 mpgs depending if i was going down hill. Other times, i got between 35-45. I love the navigation system and the fact that you dont actually need to use your key to get in and start. As long as you have it on your person, you can access it. This car has excellent stability and smooth driving. I had no problem accelerating to pass cars if i needed to. There are a lot of great features to this car, but my favorite is the gas mileage. This is the best investment Ive ever made and I am looking forward to my $2000 tax rebate next year.

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  our first hybrid car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Vic Lockwood - December 31 - 3:46 pm

  We think this the best small car that we have ever owned a great car to drive anywhere you want to go. Would recomend this car to the worst critic.

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  Built Toyota Tough - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By 1EarthMother - December 30 - 4:26 pm

  This is one exceptional vehicle. Fuel economy is one minor drawback (17 mpg), but the rest of the pluses outweigh the slight fuel economy problem. Anyone who gets a higher number must have 60 lbs. of air in the tires and driving with a 75 mph tailwind. My truck is almost 10 yrs old and I still feel confident to drive it cross-country and back again. I honestly feel this truck will last forever.

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  One of a kind - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Justin - December 30 - 4:16 pm

  Toyota outdid itsself with this vehicle - it is safe and fun to drive. It is more capable, functional, and reliable than Jeep or Hummer.

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  Like it more every day - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Greg - December 30 - 9:53 am

  Ive driven 51000 mi. with only oil changes and nothing else needed so far. The interior has superior fit and finish, and in the Michigan winters it makes not a peep, and is a testament to the build quality. Great styling turns heads, and I still get compliments after 4+yrs. With half city and half hwy driving I get 17.5mpg in the winter and 20.8mpg in the summer. Nothing has ever failed to work, and it climbs like a billy goat off-road. When I push the accelerator-it moves like all get out; feels like a V8 (a powerful V8).

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  A wonderful step-down from mini-vans - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By retired teacher - December 30 - 1:46 am

  I drove my new Toyota off the dealership in mid-January and have been loving my choice! Great acceleration-smooth driving on interstate-comfort all the way! I personally love the fact that there is no 3rd seat- after 4 mini-vans, I now feel like Im driving a Lexus-for a lot less! It even looks similar to the Lexus-I love the low to the ground entry-exit-my Venza is fully loaded- the only negative is the fuel efficiency-but I love the fact that I have more room than the more fuel efficient Prius. It was worth the wait! I test drove Honda CR_V, Subaru Tribeca and the Nissan Murano.

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  FJ Cruiser Review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Garry Ray - December 29 - 7:06 pm

  I was skeptical about buying this vehicle at first. But Im sure glad I did. This FJ is so fun to drive both on and off road. Ive had it since June of 06 and I still have a silly grin on every time Im driving it. She gets a lot of looks. The rear visibility took about 2 days to get used to. Its not a vehicle for everyone but then Im glad it isnt.

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  Youll Feel Rich When You Drive It - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kelly Minyard - December 29 - 2:53 pm

  This SUV drives better than any SUV on the market

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  Great Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By JRad - December 29 - 2:47 pm

  Bought my 98 camry with 130K on it in 2009, I will be trading it in soon to get another car. Ive done a lot of driving in this thing, yearly trips from Delaware to Connecticut, some trips to Boston and Buffalo as well. Weekly commutes to Philly, etc. Currently sitting at 220K miles and this thing could probably last me another 100K if I needed it to. Only repairs it ever needed were basic wear and tear, aside from fuel injectors going out (conveniently) right after the warranty expired. A few minor issues like one of the door speakers going out, and the drivers side window motor breaking. The motor was replaced but now it doesnt always sit in the door right but its okay. Great storage, Ive hauled a full drum kit in this thing so many times and carried my hockey gear in the trunk almost daily. Well worth every penny, I trust Toyota more than any other brand!