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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  TALL WITH REAL BAD BACK - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By JM - March 6 - 4:13 pm

  I have a really bad back and am six feet two inches tall. This vehicle is very comfortable for me.

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  The perfect ten. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By zes - March 6 - 2:33 pm

  Without question the best car I ever had. Fun to drive. Excellent quality. Perfect reliability. Efficient, great handling, clean exhaust. Great dealer relationship. Affordable, consistent 50 MPG fuel consumption.

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  Great MPG but small. - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By DnA - March 6 - 2:20 pm

  We purchased this car as a downsize from an SUV because of gas mileage and gas prices. The Corolla has great gas mileage, we average between 32 and 35. Handles well and looks good. It is so small though. The door pockets are not large enough to put much in. There needs to be a trunk release on the keypad. It would also be nice if the direction and temperature indicator was on the rearview mirror instead of the dash. The front drivers seat can be raised... it would be nice if the passenger seat raised as well. The map lights on the rearview mirror are nice. The passenger can have it on tp read a map or whatever without it disturbing the driver.

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  Very good car for the money - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By dean wang - March 6 - 12:52 pm

  I would say Corolla is an excellent choice for the money. It has all necessary equipment to be a good driving experience. I would highly recommend it, especially from Fremont Toyota.

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  Never again! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By aksecurity7035 - March 6 - 6:18 am

  I owned highlander 2005 3.3 and loved it, power, economy, comfort, and reliability were 5 stars paid 26k for brand new. In 2008 new model looked really nice and I thought its time for an upgrade, wrong I was. Turned out to be down grade all around except the looks. 30k for a sport model with lots of features but economy is down the drain, comfort is down the drain, and reliability as well down the drain. Focus of maker was to make a cool looking suv with lots of features.

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  290,000 and still going!!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By yotaman - March 6 - 4:10 am

  I have a 2000 tundra, it just rolled over 290,000 hard miles on the ticker and it is still going strong original engine and tranny, beat that big 3!!! Had to replace the coils 20k miles ago and after that shes a new truck!

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  GREAT SUV! - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Antenor Amez - March 6 - 4:08 am

  - The 6-cilinder RAV4 2012 has better gas mileage than the 4-cilinder RAV4 2010 (I leased a RAV4 2010 for 2 years before buying the 2012) - It has better performance than the Cadillac Escalade - So far it is a trouble free car, 75,000 miles - Do not trust the dealer, check your car after picking it up from maintenance - I had small traction trouble in the snow, probably because I used the wrong tires - This car has excellent brakes, I HAD THE CHANCE TO PROVE IT. The RAV4 2010 4-cilinders had the worst brakes on the market. - I gave it a 5-start rating because in average it deserves it.

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  200,000 mi still going in 2013! - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By japanforever - March 6 - 3:05 am

  Well its auto transmission but this website didnt give me that option to choose. Purchased new in 2000 - now its 2013. Has never broken down on road, has never had muffler or any other repairs such as transmission or engine work etc. Only regular stuff that has to be changed out every so many miles. No body rust and I live in Michigan with harsh winters and high humidity! They just dont make em like they used to. And as far as Toyota making em in other countries (incl. the US) I say forget about it. Buy only 100% Japan and youll have a dependable car for over 13 years.

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  Mr. T for Me - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By larryf1952 - March 6 - 1:30 am

  After 3+ years and almost 40K miles, the relationship between my Tundra (Mr. T) and myself is still a match made in heaven. All Ive done to the truck is put Mobil 1 in it every 5K miles. It still drives rattle free and exhibits no vibrations or brake problems. The engine is fabulous, as is the transmission, and they are tuned to work perfectly together. Although my Tundra is looking at 4 years old, I continue to receive compliments on my "new" truck. Thats one benefit of parking in the lower 40 and being the only driver. Its worth it to keep Mr. T looking good.

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  Nearly Perfect Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By sfb452 - March 6 - 12:16 am

  I have almost 14k on the truck and I am more than impressed. I am very demanding of my vehicles and have no tolerance for rattles, design flaws, quality, etc. No disappointments with this truck so far. I have driven the truck in rain, snow and ice. Rarely need 4WD to get around even in the worst conditions. Tons of power, excellent transmission & brakes. Averaging 17.1 combined mpg on new AT tires. Tows like a diesel. Amazingly quite and solid road manners. Unbelievable amount of room in front and rear seats. All of the gadgets (bluetooth, rear camera, nav) work perfectly. I have purchased over a dozen new trucks (all brands gas and diesel). So far, the best truck I have ever owned.