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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  Truck of the Year And I can prove it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By thegyn - November 26 - 12:43 pm

  I had reviewed trucks for a year before purchasing. I actually didnt want the truck because I didnt think it would haul, tow, and still maintain its ablitly to drive to work everyday. I was WRONG. This truck is FUN, and economical. I would like better gas mileage but I know what I was getting into with a V6. The power & comfort that the truck provides is excellent but yet it feels like a car while driving. When needed, the truck will traverse terrain and tow with ease.

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  I love it! So much room to haul! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By JFKinDC - November 26 - 12:33 am

  Fold down the seats of this baby and you can haul almost anything! My dog loves this car, too. I pop the back hatch window and hes got a great perch. I also love the fact that the front passenger seat folds down into a flat desk. Great for long trips when I want to be flipping through CDs.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mike - November 25 - 10:40 pm

  This car was a lot of firsts for me. It was my first Toyota, it was my first car I ever paid full list for and it was the first car my wife and I agreed upon from the get-go. It has been a great car. With the top up you dont know youer in a convertible - its that solid and quiet. With the top down it rates a 10/10 on the fun meter. It has been a trouble free ride and we both enjoy it. After three Chrysler Sebrings in a row, which were not bad, this was a real eye opener as to just how good a moderately priced car could really be. With the quality and luxury features, they could have put a Lexus badge on it and charged another $10K.

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  Toyota Camrys Rock - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Brooke Moore - November 25 - 7:06 pm

  The only thing I have ever had to do with my car is change the brakes. It has been the most reliable car I know of. It is comfortable and gets wonderful gas mileage. When or if I trade it in or sell it I will only renew it for another Camry.

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  Good To Go - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jessica - November 24 - 7:56 pm

  I recently bought my car in march 05. I have had several cars throughout the years even a new kia. I feel this car is a steal for the money. By the time the loan is over your car will still be worth plenty. For once I have made a good choice in cars. No regrets. I do not think it was one bit over priced. Not for what you will get out of it in return.

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  Good choice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shane - November 24 - 12:53 pm

  Leg room for driver is an issue if over 6. Overall this is a quality vehicle. Having driven all other SUVs, this is the winner. Leather is a MUST if you have kids, also if Toyota could put backseat controls for driver to use when kids fall asleep. Great buy!

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  Just what I expected by Toyota. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ric Larsen - November 24 - 8:06 am

  Absolutely the best buy I have made with a vehicle. Only bad point...the windshield isnt rock proof. My truck has performed flawlessly and I look forward to my next year with it. Thank you Toyota!

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  My first SUV! Love it! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By redraider - November 24 - 7:03 am

  I bought this used in Aug.2008. I LOVE it! Drives very comfortable, handles well, feels more like driving a car than a truck,& has great "power up" when taking off. The leathers still in great condition. Its very comfortable for road trips; bought it with 88,000 miles & its currently at 125,000 miles due to in/out of state dance comps. Theres been NO major repairs on this SUV. Previous owner kept fabulous repair log with minor repairs; new breaks, routine maintenance & oil changes. Weve had no mechanical/interior/exterior issues at all. This SUV is in for the LONG HAUL & still going STRONG! We are VERY pleased with the quality, design, & comfort. Will never own anything but a TOYOTA!

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  I love it - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Francisco Adefuin - November 24 - 2:30 am

  Im happy to get this vehicle. This will be my retirement car.

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  Love My Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Love My Yaris - November 23 - 11:50 pm

  I have never owned a Toyota, all Chevrolets except my latest which is a Jeep. I bought the Yaris to park my Chevy truck because gas was killing me. Roomy car appears small until you sit in it. Very peppy and fun to drive with the manual transmission. I am thoroughly impressed.