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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  Totally Awesome - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott - August 11 - 2:16 pm

  The Corolla is amazing. It handles excellent, and it is reliable. I love the amount of interior space.

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  Love it - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura Green - August 11 - 12:25 pm

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  My Toy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Phillip - August 11 - 3:46 am

  This is a great truck coming from a 1985 GMC Sierra. The gas mileage is great and it is a great truck to all over the place. I really love this truck

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  Awesome little car! - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Anthony Dunn - August 10 - 5:27 pm

  I have 2011 S and while I like that one this one is way better! This car is smooth and gets unreal mpg! I got 42 mpg on a trip! Cant speak highly enough of it after 15000 miles!

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  Super - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By William J. Gray - August 10 - 9:03 am

  We got this car because of the advertised gas mileage. We checked out both Honda and Toyota hybirds. This one was rated higher. The mileage is great. We took a trip to Forida right after we got it and averaged about 50 miles on the first tank on the trip. We then got 55 on the way back. It is smooth to drive and pick up is there when you need it. We now get 50 mpg or better and only fill the tank every 2 weeks and that is with 5.5 to 6 gallons. Sure alot cheaper than our other cars.

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  Toyota is the Best - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Best, Reliable Car - August 9 - 4:46 pm

  I bought the XLS brand new in 96 when I was single. Ive since married and had 2 children and today at 189,000 miles my baby is still kickin. I agree with everyone that the maintenance is about $5,000.00 or less because Ive spent around $3,000 so far. What I love the most is the reliability to start in 10-20 degree weather and Ive never had a breakdown ever. Its roomy enough for the kids to hop in/out of their booster seats and at 52" I can adjust the seat forward or up/down to match my body length. I also love the lumbar that adjust nicely. The only thing I miss is a CD player because it was not that big in 96 but I have a personal CD player that kicks when I connect it to my car stereo.

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  Ultimate Space Ship - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By dchev - August 9 - 3:20 pm

  The car drives like a space ship. I get between 42-50 MPG average gas millage. It is not what some other owners have posted; however, this is just insane gas millage. I love everything about my car. The ride with 17 inch tires is a little bit on the firm side; however, it is still very very comfortable. As other people say, the car makes you learn how to drive all over again... Lots of people have complained about Toyota service (recalls), but please go to another dealer. My dealer has been very responsive and did ECU upgrade for an hour. Still, I could not complain about anything in the car prior upgrade. World is a better place with 2010 Toyota Prius! Enjoy it!

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By swhitts - August 9 - 12:53 pm

  Excellent choice - 4WD systems are excellent for snow and off-road. Comfort and driving dynamics continue to impress. Even after just short of 1yr ownership it still amazes me how competent and sure footed it drives. Ive owned Jeep and Ford previously - there is no comparison. I ride in friends 05 Explorer and 05 G. Cherokee and now wonder what they were thinking...the 4 Runner is that great. As long as you are comfortable with the "odd" seating position and not getting cash on the hood like a domestic - you cant make a better choice for a mid-size SUV.

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  06 Toyota Camry sport - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By lljpence - August 9 - 10:43 am

  The panic button on the remote is poorly placed and to sensitive to touch. It goes off frequently when any other keys on the ring hit the button. This is very annoying. The car doesnt have much pick up when pulling out in tight traffic situations.

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  Simply the best! Range Rover crusher - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By calapanero - August 9 - 4:43 am

  They dont make great vehicles anymore... this is a classic that will be handed on to the next generation. Handling is super and gets you anywhere. My grandfather had the very first one back in Asia and it is still running... Toyota please keep making great vehicles... All my cars are made by Toyota... Last bought was a Lexus gs another classic car in the making. Land cruiser owners enjoy and always think safety.