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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  Best car Ive ever purchased - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Jim Bob - May 1 - 4:56 pm

  My wife owns a 2008 Ford Fusion and my Yaris rides as comfortable as the Fusion,with better gas mileage. Am extremely happy with my Yaris.We call it the "scooter pooter".

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  Cute as a Button! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By sarah - May 1 - 9:43 am

  I have owned my Roxy Echo for over 6 months, and I wouldnt change a thing about it. I have a 4 door with all the optional features, and despite what this review says about the cost versus what you get, I think this is one of the most fun to drive cars on the market! A lot of people cannot get past the look of the echo, but I dont understand why. Even though its about the gas mileage, I love the look! Then again, Im an eclectic kind of person who wants to drive something unusual and still hip. I also have to say that its easy to get into-its taller to provide more room-and that really helps because im not short! I was looking for an SUV, but fell in love with this echo!

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  flawless - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By steve - May 1 - 7:53 am

  excellent gas mileage about town. quiet on the highway. lots of interior room & very comfortable. wish it had an mp3 capable radio and a fancier interior option. interior is vanilla plain! no lighted power windows & door lock buttons. hard to find at night. the radio light is dim.

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  Get one if you can find it. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Danny - May 1 - 2:40 am

  Title speaks for itself. Looked for one for a long time and was glad I had patience. Bought an 06 Nissan Crew and it was ok, but in no way comparable to the TRD. Sweet truck Awesome deal

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  What fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rnattorney - May 1 - 12:23 am

  This is an incredible vehicle. It rides smooth, excellent mpg for SUV, and such a sharp looking vehicle. I waited for 2 months for the vehicle. Well worth the wait.

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  save the planet - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rachel Darnell - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  Why talk the talk if you cannt walk the walk. The performance is fabulous. If your work or life style prohibits having a small car- this "muscle" hybrid is the only way to go. You can save on gas and pile your suv to the gills with stuff and still get around in rough terraine. Put your money where your mouth is.

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  Smooth as silk - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jerry - April 30 - 12:53 pm

  I suppose the Solara has love it or hate it styling, at first I thought it looked a bit odd in the rear, but have gotten used to it and think its quite nice looking. Gas mileage is amazing for such a roomy car, I average 30 mpg, and I sit in the worst traffic L.A. has to offer. Interior is arty, beautiful. I have the Lexus Pearlescent white paint option and spoiler, otherwise its the base model. Lots o features, including on board computer. Everyone has the impression I bought an expensive luxury car, so Id say I got my moneys worth. Paid under 19,000 for it brand spankin new, and it looks and feels much more pricey.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Irvin Chuck - April 30 - 10:46 am

  EXCELLENT

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  The Near-Perfect Car for Me! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By George - April 30 - 10:43 am

  I drive in miserly fashion, which just happens to take advantage of this cars hybrid system! So far on two tanks, the computer has averaged ~55mpg. Im thrilled that Im able to travel so far on so little. Once I learned when the system takes advantage of the electric drive, I always strive to have it propel the car - of course, as the situation dictates. On one street near here Im able to move nearly one-plus mile on electricity alone. Also, its great to drive in parking lots knowing you just move on electricity and not gasin it and stopin. I should have bought one earlier! Just the right balance of power for the car! Get one!

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  Love my truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Brenna - April 29 - 7:30 pm

  I love my truck. Very roomy. Smooth ride.