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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  This vehicle does what it is supposed to do - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert Tankersley - July 4 - 9:22 am

  The Corolla does exactly what it is supposed to do. It is economical and yet does not look or feel or behave as a "cheap" car.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Krystal - July 4 - 5:30 am

  This car is tops! I got an ECHO in 2001 for Christmas, Ive never had a problem with it (other than a recall in 2006). Starts up in bad weather and is a great car for teens. Cheap to maintain and the gas mileage is wonderful. I drove from Madison to Chicago and back (~350miles) and still had 1/4 tank of gas left! Very roomy, especially the trunk. People are always surprised how much room is in that small of a car. Extremely reliable and REALLY fun to drive (5 speed manual)!

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  Great choice for midsize SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ben - July 4 - 12:26 am

  This SUV drives like a car but has cargo like an SUV. Smooth on the road and I have the 4 cyl 2wd model that gets great gas mileage for an SUV. Handles great.

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  Love this car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joy - July 3 - 9:53 pm

  My first Toyota and Im very glad to bought it! Its a blast to drive. My job requires about 5-6 short trips per day, so mostly city driving with some highway miles daily. I am consistently getting 37-38 mpg and just loving that! I cant wait to go on a real trip with the highway miles and see what I get. I am thrilled with how quiet it runs. You can stand right next to it and wouldnt be able to hear it running. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Prius Gets Around - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chopperman - July 3 - 6:16 pm

  My bottom line - Ill trade my Prius on a new Prius when Im ready for a new car. Much improved generation technology; drastic difference from earliest models. Handling and ride improve noticeably with premium tires. Great cornering abilities. Mileage and performance are very sensitive to air filter cleanliness. Excellent mileage at sea level and on flat terrain (VA Beach ~65 MPG/~61MPG along Lake Erie). No more loss of power on mountain drives (Sideling Hill, MD). Great in snow and on ice. Looks are OK, if youre into pregnant roller skates but very few of us buy it for the looks. So far, no repairs just oil and filter changes. I bought a 100,000 extended warranty with the car, not needed.

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  I Love my new Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Deca - July 3 - 2:40 pm

  This little Yaris is the coolest car on the planet. I just am amazed with it. People look at me more than when i drove my Xterra . The gas mileage is awesome. My only concern is how this car will take the winter and sleet/snow. The S package does come with bigger tires so you do lose some gas mileage but the handling is better. The AC is great. The interior room is plenty. I do give Toyota lots of credit for making a peppy 1.5 16 valve . The Yaris should pass every test possible that my BF will put it through. I look forward to the east coast winter and see if it really is all that. Oh I did add my own GPS and Sirius and tinted the glass. Lets rock this Yaris.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Great Car - July 3 - 2:00 pm

  I owned this car for 15 months then it was totaled in a head-on collision. I had it for approximately 15,000 miles. The car, specifically the seat belt, air bad and design, saved my life. The entire front end crumpled and both the appraiser and tow truck driver said it was the worst they had seen in months. I walked away from the crash with a few bruises. I highly recommend this car just for its safety. Great gas mileage.

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  Toyota = peace of mind - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Indiglo - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My family has always owned a toyota vehicle, and all of us have been very happy with the quality and durability delivered by Toyota.In 2002 I bought a new Sienna XLE.Cant complain about it! One can still see the same quality and better yet a much improved product.Toyota,in my opinion is a free maintenance vehicle.Toyota price is well worth it,you pay for what you get.I compared it with other friends minivans and mine has not ever been to the shop! theirs dozens! their brakes have worn out in about 20s mls.Mine has close to 35s and still 40%left of great material and so it goes on.

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  2003 Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Marzy - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I am a female above 70 years. This is the ideal car for me. Easy to handle, very inexpensive to operate. The car is very stylish inside and out, with plenty of interior room. It is fun to dr

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  Im going to miss it - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By MistyJAX - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Celica GT 2 months ago and love it. Sadly I have to trade it in because I cant afford the payments (being a college student on a budget sucks!). But its a wonderful car, great mileage, beautiful look ( i cant stop hearing about it), runs like a dreams....sigh....im going to cry the day I trade it in for some Honda. :(