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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  Much better design then Echo - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By N9QGS - December 27 - 12:23 pm

  After looking at the Echo and the option packages, Im very pleased to say that I really like what the Yaris has brought, nice package options, safety curtain airbag option, gas mileage better then 36 mpg. and the car has a very nice ride longer wheel base then the echo, quiet interior for the price of the vehicle. Great commuter with toyota reliablility

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  Not impressed - what next? - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Very high maintenanc - December 27 - 7:53 am

  Lift gate window motor went out right after warranty expired, 3 years old, Ive replaced all the interior door handles because they broke off ($100 a pop), constant brake problems, $500 avg price to fix every time the rotors have to be machined and brake pads changed, which is about once a year. Ive spent about $4000 in repairs due to poor build.

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  I love my yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By I LOVE MY YARIS - December 27 - 7:33 am

  Very affordable, Cute design and shape, very spacious. This Car is Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  In love with my car - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By CJK - December 27 - 6:06 am

  My husband researched all SUVs in this size range & the Rav4 seemed to come out tops in most areas. With 2 small kids we were truly looking for a used Pilot or Highlander (for 3rd row). But with my 05 Forester lease coming due we ran out of time finding what we wanted in our price range. So I decided on a 3 yr lease of a Rav4 Limited and I AM SO HAPPY! Ive only had it for 3 days but at least at this point I could totally see myself buying it at the end of the lease. Its comfortable, roomy, handles wonderfully, and is lovely to look at. Went with Pyrite Mica color with gray leather & love it. I was concerned about comfort but with the pwr & lumber its great. Average 24 mpg so far.

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  Good Solid Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trent Family - December 27 - 4:30 am

  This was our familys third Toyota and we are pleased with the brand. We bought the V-8 in order to pull our pontoon boat. It is a good solid vehicle that offers a smooth ride. I especially like the remote rear window. I would have liked a third row seat but didnt like the fold-up configuration. I expected worse than average gas mileage since I owned an SUV before this one. However, I have yet to get even the 15mph listed on the sticker for city driving.

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  Door broke and Toyota cant fit it - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By dontbuyatoyo - December 27 - 1:34 am

  The drivers side door on our new Sienna does not work. We have taken it to the dealer three times. The dealer and the national Toyota repair people do not know how to fix this. Toyota will not provide a loaner. When we called to request arbitration paperwork, we were told it would take 10-14 business days. I strongly believe this is an unethical business practice. We will continue to seek damages under state law and will never buy a Toyota again.

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  30,000 miles later would I buy it again? - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark Fritzler - December 26 - 3:20 pm

  Absolutely!! No regrets. A very cool car.

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  Wow great car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla - December 26 - 7:40 am

  This is an amazing car. Fast and comfortable. Great gas mileage. perfect for people who are on the go.

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  A Must Drive Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By NJJOE - December 26 - 5:56 am

  Purchased new/used with 1400 miles on it. Compared vs V6 Accord (less style room/performance),Turbo 4 Passat (less room/performance/reliability/premium fuel/price).The V6 is powerful. Car is extremely quiet and the SE has tighter handling.Trans is silky smooth w/no hesitation as I have read about. Car feels substantial and w/7 airbags, safe. Brakes/ABS are even/secure. Trunk is big and rear seat very comfortable for 2 and will seat 3. Headroom/body room comfort great for my 61" 250 lbs. Steering feel is good but not BMW road feel although this car beats the 3 series in many areas of "we need 1 car to do it all" types. Eats less gas than I thought at 27 MPG w/50/50 city/hwy driving. Give it a serious look.

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  Happy Greener - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By HappyGreener - December 25 - 9:26 pm

  Ive never loved a car like I love my Prius. Not only is it comfortable for the entire family (two adults, three kids and two dogs), but it also handles beautifully. Im convinced we dont need all the oil weve become so dependent upon, and it feels GREAT to put my money where my mouth is. The Prius is my way of contributing to a cleaner, less politically divisive world and enjoying the ride along the way. Only thing is, I average 50 mpg, not the 60 that they promise. Am I complaining? Not after driving my other cars and averaging 17 mpg! Get one. Youll never look back.