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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  Terrible in the snow - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By K - March 12 - 10:26 am

  In nice weather the Corolla is overall a fine car to drive, great gas mileage, average comfort, etc. the steering wheel is a little too far of a reach. I was enjoying the Corolla until I had to drive it in the snow. We were thinking of giving it to our son but I am trading it in, I wouldnt sell it to anyone I know because of how poorly it handles in bad weather.

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  Noises on this car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nikkim - March 12 - 6:20 am

  I purchased my 09 Camry when gas just so expensive for our 06 Tundra. Im happy with all but the sound of the slightly loud 4 cyl. engine. Once on the road is ok though, only when accelerating. Also we have dash rattling noises, not really bad, probably just need some foam padding in there. The biggest complaint I have is the fuel economy. It said 23-31 mpg. I am only getting about 26, and I drive very conservatively. Hopefully it will do better when the air is not on and summer is over. There is also a loud noise when I take off from a dead stop. Other drivers here on this site had the same problem. My car sounds like the problem is up front though. Am definitely going to take for a check up.

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  Saved My Life - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bec - March 12 - 5:10 am

  I have always loved my Camry but when I was rear ended and then pushed into another car, I walked out of the car with only my knee banged up. It could have been much worse. My car was a total loss, I was hit by a driver going 30-40 mph. I am replacing my car with another Camry.

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  The Future Today In A Prius! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Cullen - March 12 - 5:03 am

  I get giddy when people ask about this amazing hybrid car. It simply delivers like no other car. It does all you ask of it and leaves you with smiles & pride in your selection of a new car. Now with 95K miles after over 5 yrs it stands all the tests that other cars cannot. Now, with only a replacement of an hd lt bulb, I look back and realize what dependability is all about. Ive saved over $10,000 in gas compared to my SUV I once had. Whats even better is that my car looks just like an 09 Prius. This is the car of the future today.

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  Acceleration Issues - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By lolo1234567 - March 12 - 4:55 am

  Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this car. Although it does get great mileage it doesnt perform at the advertised MPG on the highways. I typically average between 38-42 MPG and drive no faster than 70 MPH. When in traffic or the city the cars MPG really shine. The car does not accelerate or have enough power to make the drive feel safe. Even when flooring the accelerator, frequently I enter the highway under the speed limit. The car also seems like it is struggling to maintain highway speed. On hills the car is terrifying, it loses all umph and rapidly decelerates. The car also rolls backwards similar to a manual when attempting to accelerate up hill from a stop.

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  5 years and going - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Donald S - March 12 - 1:00 am

  I really enjoy the vehicle except that it tends to run lean and knock a bit upon light acceleration. Maybe that is why I get 20-21 mpg. Probably will get another one when I give this to my youngest son to drive. I still receive compliments from people about how nice it looks.

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  Good little truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By john in GA - March 11 - 9:36 pm

  Its a great truck for the work commute. About 22mpg. Then, when I need it - hauling furniture, groceries, lumber, propane, gravel, yard work, etc. Theres some room for stuff behind the seat, and while a full car seat would be tight, my 4 year old fits well in a booster seat behind the passenger seat. I was also surprised to find it can haul U-Hauls largest trailer straight on the bumper, just had to buy the ball and lights. Ive kept up with the maintenance schedule and have only had to replace things Ive actually physically broken (advice: dont drop a tree near your truck, it may hurt the paint job.)

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  Love my Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ellyn25 - March 11 - 5:13 pm

  Ive had mine about a month. I traded in my Camry when purchasing the Highlander. I was trying to decide between it and the Mazda CX-9. The Highlander won out because of the great reliabiitiy of Toyotas Ive owned vs the unreliable Mazda I also had in the past. I love my 08 Highlander Sport!

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  Wow! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Greg - March 11 - 1:33 pm

  My first convertible, and I love it. Errands used to be a pain, now, I volunteer!!! Smooth, comfortable, stylish. I have never recieved so many compliments from people about having a great car! Makes driving fun.

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  Free Ride - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By kevin - March 11 - 12:23 am

  I purchased my 1994 Corolla 2 years ago for $1000 at 127K. I replaced tires, brakes, and some other "wear & tear" stuff and I use Mobil 1 fully synthetic. I just hit 177K on the odometer and needed shocks and struts. The car runs so good that I couldnt justify replacing the car and I did the suspension work. I drive this car hard and still get 30MPH on average. Its stable and sure footed at well above legal highway speed, fits four comfortably and I dont mind when my wet Chocolate Lab. gets in the back!