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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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By cjh - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2005 Corolla as a 2nd car. It is fun to drive, no rattles, quiet, everything in the car fits perfectly. I am 6ft4in. and I have plenty of leg, shoulder and head room. I have to move the seat forward. Great car.

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  Love it. All around - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Saint - March 15 - 6:33 pm

  Wonderful car. Toyota quality and performance with the benefits of a hybrid. Very smooth drive - seamless transition from battery.

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  Nice Comfortable Gas-Sipper - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By StrangeCloud - March 15 - 2:43 pm

  I have about 1000 miles on it. 2 tanks of gas. Getting about 33-34 mpg whether I drive in city or hwy or both. Took a while to get used to the car operating on the electric motor, but now that Im used to it, I like. Nice comfortable car although a little small inside compared to my Chrysler 300.

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  Best Mini-Ute You Can Buy! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By hands - March 15 - 5:23 am

  A true Toyota. Solid build quality, cutting edge styling and outstanding fuel economy. Already averaging over 30 mpg and its not broken in yet! Cut my gas bill in half instantly! Comfortable, excellent stereo and tons of fun to drive. Pinch me!

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  2008 Toyota Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Coleman - March 14 - 11:40 pm

  This thing is huge, imposing, intimidating and fast - a Bmw X5 4.8 could not beat me. Can haul anything you throw at it, while carrying 5 people in comfort. I owned first generation Tundra which was already great, this thing is much better. I am very happy with this vehicle and like driving it more than my weekend fighter, a e39 Dinan M5, which says a lot.

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  Great vehicle...Love it - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Nick - March 14 - 9:20 pm

  Well, so far I am impressed with my purchase. I purchased the FJ about 2 1/2 weeks ago and it is running great. The fuel economy isnt the best, but it isnt the worst. Ive been getting about 20.5 on the highway and 18 in the city. Which to me isnt too bad, in my 99 S10 truck I received 20/16. I dont have the 4WD, didnt need it. I like the FJ because of its look and comfort. Yes, it is hard to get in the back, but Im not driving other people around all of the time. So far, great experience and I love the FJ!

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  Love my Sienna!...except.... - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Liferbabe - March 14 - 10:40 am

  One little thing I cannot stand is there is no driver control for interior lighting. There should be a way for the driver to control the lights from the cockpit. My kids love to press buttons and I usually dont find out they have turned on the interior lights in the back until we are all strapped in. You have to enter the cabin to turn off the back lights.

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  My First Toyota--What a Rush! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Scott_in_CA - March 14 - 6:30 am

  After 2 decades of Chrysler products that have great engines but rotting interior and exteriors I have decided to take the plunge...in the 3 weeks I have owned it I love it!!! Great comfort...awesome gas mileage and classy exterior looks.

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  08 4WD Tundra CrewMax Limited + TRD - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Central TX Tundra - March 14 - 3:06 am

  Never imagined Id be driving a Toyota after driving Fords (Explorer, 3 F-150s and F-250) for almost 20 years. Though Ive only had this Tundra for two weeks, I have to say that it far exceeds all expectations I ever had for a vehicle, much less a truck. Where has this truck been my whole life??? Go drive one - you have to experience the new Tundra for yourself.

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  2007 Double CAb SST - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tjchapin - March 14 - 2:26 am

  This truck is awesome! Traded in my 2004 Access Cab Texas Edition and its night and day. Great job TMC. Suggest you drive one before you consider other trucks.