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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  Tacoma number 4. Second Limited. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve Arnold - September 22 - 4:39 am

  This is the best yet. 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2016. All V6 and the last two being Limited. Wish it had power seats and collision warning. We really love the truck. We re get an easy 24 mpg at highway speeds of less than 80. Towing a 5,500 lb powerboat with a tandem axel trailer and of course brakes is not a problem for this truck. We get about 15mpg but thats to be excepted. Toyota has made another winner with the refreshed Taco. Made the right purchase. Not cheap but we got what we paid for. Having driven the Taco now for 7,000 miles Ive got an update to share. The tranny had a couple of issues that a computer update finally corrected. Constant searching for gears while on the hwy and delay when shifting from reverse to forward. All fixed by the update. Very happy once again.

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  Toyota Fan - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Hamboner - September 21 - 5:20 pm

  After my 2004 TL, This Avalon is a dream to drive. Plenty of power, great gas mileage, and just fun to drive. 1st Toyota fro me, but I may be a fan for life.

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  09 Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Rob - September 21 - 3:16 pm

  I recently purchased my 09 Yaris. Dealer can, VERY LOW MILEAGE. I was lucky to find one with the 5 speed man. trans. With a combination of city/highway driving and I am able to get 47.8 mpg CONSISTENTLY. I am very impressed with the cars quality and the quietness of the engine even at highway speeds. As far as the center mounted instruments are concerned. At first I found them to be very awkward, but after just a few days I am very comfortable with the center location..

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  Perfect SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Perfect SUV - September 21 - 1:06 pm

  Owned Highlander now for few months and I cannot be any happier with it. Perfect combination of power and smooth ride, secure handling but not sporty as I expected. But for family with kids more than enough room and quiet ride. Brakes are strong and gas mileage is excellent for its size. Towed a 3000 lbs boat no issues.

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  I like it! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By flbntz - September 21 - 1:24 am

  Bought a 2010 Prius, and liked it, but after the newness, and coolness wore off, it was boring to drive. Not solid feeling, tinny, and hollow. Bought a 2010 Golf, and liked it, but something told me to drive a Camry after a year, and a half with the Golf, so I did, and although I have some of the same concerns as others here, ie, trans shifts a bit rough sometimes, overall, I really like the car. Surprises me. Always thought Id like an Accord better, but this is very peaceful to drive. Isolates you from some of the crap that goes on on the roads, rude drivers. etc. Can get lost in this car, and dont mind. 32.09mpg, first tank. Really look forward to driving it. Very nice on trips.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim Broker - September 20 - 7:56 pm

  I own a SR5 V6 FWD 4Runner fully loaded. The very first thing I noticed when I drove the Toyota 4Runner for the first time was its quite and smooth ride, (my sister owns a Lexus GX470) and it rides exactly like her Lexus. It is power full, great gas mileage 21 in town, 26 hwy, great off road it will climb any thing and I love the down hill assit control. It is the first FWD that I owned that is so smart this FWD REALLY helps you from getting into trouble by all the safety features, also great in the snow and ice again it helps you from getting into trouble. The interior is also well put together very comfortable seating for the driver and passenger and all the controls are well placed.

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  Practically, the best value! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Frederick Jamison - September 20 - 6:43 pm

  The gas mileage is as advertised: it is extraordinary.

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  Great little car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By dickrwh - September 20 - 2:00 am

  A great little car. I average high 40s fuel economy in the city even though it is rated low 40s. My highway mileage is somewhat lower since I tend to drive too fast. It seems to have a natural highway speed resonance of about 80-85. I have sometimes found myself over 100 mpg.

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  Dealership-Car. 100% Delight! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brad_in_SoCal - September 20 - 2:00 am

  So heres the deal. From day 1 I was told 6 months wait list. Not true. LESS THAN 2 WEEKS from deposit to driving off the lot. The car is amazing, everyone at work is AMAZED... Even my 85 year old grandfather was acting like a 10 year old kid with a thousand questions. AND, I can get from Los Angeles to Seattle on less than 2 tanks of gas that will cost me less than $40 TOTAL!!! If you have questions but dealerships scare you, email me. I will be happy to help in any way I can. (SERIOUSLY!) :) This is an absolutely BRILLIANT automobile I think everyone should test drive when considering a new car.

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  Havent gotten stuck in the snow! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By mwitkes - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Rav-4 for 2 months and put on 5500 miles so far. The 4-cyl is peppier with the improved 2004 engine and the 4 wheel drive has already proven itself in 2 New England smowstorms. The cargo area fits more than I expected with out having to put down the seats, but the legroom in the the front and back are tight. I used to have a loaded V-6 Accord and I dont miss it, I just wish the Rav had a optional V-6. I absloutely love it... only issues are a rattle in the dash and I had to replace a tire that was damaged and nobody had the Bridgestone tire I needed.