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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  Love my new Yaris!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By harlanddjogger - December 13 - 6:10 pm

  I love this little car. There is more interior space than what it first appears. I had three adult passengers in it last week and all were amazed at the comfort and room. Also the gas mileage is phenomenal! I am getting between 39 and 40 miles per gallon, mixed driving - highway and city. I have no complaints thus far. Ive had my Yaris for a month now. It replaced my Saturn Vue V-6 AWD which only got 18 miles per gallon. I am saving a ton of money on gas.

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  another swagger wagon owner - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By hborgaonkar - December 12 - 7:46 pm

  After test driving a lot of CUVs and vans we couldnt resist the value and potential reliability of Sienna to replace our 03 Sienna (no that it needed raplacement). We are pleased with the space and tech goddies compared to 03. The drivetrain is sublime. the V6 is very punchy and the 6 speed is smooth. on a 400 mile trip we got 25 mpg. my wife absolutely loves it. hope we are set for another 10 yrs. though I have noticed cost reduction in interiror trim. AT the end, as long the trim holds up, relaiblity of major electromechanical items (aka powertrain, power equipment) is what matters.

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  The Best Choice For A Real SUV 4x4!!! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Marianne - December 12 - 10:30 am

  I looked for 3 months at SUVs and I always came back to the fj. It was big purchase for me because I wanted a vehicle that was going to be truly reliable and not in the repair shop all the time and I have worked previous at 2 GM dealerships, even all my mechanic friends give it 2 thumbs up! Ive driven in some pretty crazy 4x4 zones with it and its performed excellent, and a truly fun truck to drive. I dont find the blind spot a big deal and everyone that has sat in the backseat has found it easy to enter and exit. I would suggest to all, to take one for a test drive. They grow on you... they are a different driving experience and different is good from the norm.

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  Great Pickup! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By I Vernon - December 12 - 4:30 am

  I got the stripped model 2DR V6, A/C, roll-up windows, no cruise control, approx. $18,500. This is really a fantastic vehicle except for one nagging problem. The front brake rotors consistently become warped from overheating about every 20,000 miles. The so-called fix is to buy new star adjusters for the rear drum brakes. This does not solve the problem, and Toyota refuses to issue a recall notice or assist owners with this problem. They just sell the star adjustors which do not solve the problem. In standing behind their product, Toyota is becoming more like the U.S. auto producers!

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  Upgraded from a 1995 Toyota 4 runner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rob Frailey - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent design and craftsmanship Turns heads. Enough power to plant you in your seat. You can be driving at 90mph and feel like 55.

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  great suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By sean1234567890987654 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  for startes we took the SUV from MAINE to alberta canada, it was one of the most comfertable trips ive every takin. when we were going throught we hit some real step hill. im talking 35, 40 degrees on a high way. it hanlded them with no cares. also i never had to toalk the truck out of overdrive to make it up. were i live we get 2 feet of snow at least once a week and the truck with all of its safty feature keep this on the road with ease. so i recamded this suv to any one who can afforded it. thats the only draw back but it pays off because the gas milage is much better then on the sticker. and it has a unbeliveavle radio, and speakers.

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  Greatest Car!!! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By my review - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars out there... it is comfortable, luxurious, nice exterior/interior, smooth, and has a lot of leg room in the front and back...

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  Driving enjoyment - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Muffin - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Quick, quiet with responsive handling. You can have a normal conversation at any speed, top up or down. A joy to drive.

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  Comfortable, perfect size and yet sporty - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By csimons23 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I had a Toyota Corolla, and then purchased the Solara. It is very comfortable to drive, sharp and full of class. Not too big, not too small, just right. I highly recommend a Toyota Solara!!!

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  Thats a winner - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Relentless Research - December 12 - 2:00 am

  After 8 months of research and debate between Honda, Mazda and Toyota settled on the T despite initial distaste with the exterior appearance (98 percent of the time youre inside it, right?). The $2,500 rebate from Toyota to move the 03s before the updated and admittedly superior 04 hits, sealed the deal. So ended up with a top of the line XLE for the same price as the Honda and with way better reliability and more features than the Mazda.