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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  Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By 751 - July 2 - 12:46 pm

  I got the 07 Tacoma and love it. It drives better than my Firebird I had before it. Only knock is the gas mileage is not what I expected it to be. Also cruise control takes some getting used to. I would definitely recommend this truck to anyone. You must get a cold air intake and magnaflow muffler installed. It improves gas mileage and power and makes a great engine perform even better. Plus it is easy to install and fairly cheap.

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  Making the Adjustment - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By christianwill - July 2 - 3:00 am

  Researched fully, then bought. On the 30-mile ride home felt sure it was a mistake. Weird feeling, strange steering and braking, odd visibility, felt every bump in road. Gloom. Other cars in family are Expedition, Explorer, Focus, all recent models. Two days later I cant stand to drive them anymore! Point is, the Prius takes a bit of adjustment, like a new style of clothing you are not sure is you. V8 love is replaced with unexpected delight in the hybrid system. Controls, shifter, keyless entry are take 48 hours to get to know. I am really surprised how much fun this thing is to drive. I wish I knew whether the Touring suspension tweaks are worth it - drive the standard too.

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  Good SUV with bad workmenship! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mesa-sticky - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Over all good SUV but many bad poor workmenship compare to Honda. Very comformatable seat and quiet engine. Be ware with saleperson, The dealer at Keaney mesa do not know what the sale. bad service.

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  Forget the rest! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By ukybrit - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had 15 cars in 30 years from Minis to Mercedes and this is the car to beat them all. My 2nd V6 Toyota, the 1st did 245,000 miles. Superb comfort, effortless V6 power, smooth ride, quiet and always reliable - this car flies along! In my opinion this is the best body shape of all the models, its a shame they changed it.

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  Greatest Car Ive ever owned - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By wb - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I rated this car a 10 in every cat.

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  My first and favorite car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By viktoo - July 2 - 2:00 am

  awe struck evrytime i got behind the wheel. I am 19 year old college student and i was so fortunate when my dad gave me his used 96 Avalon XLS three years ago. An amazing acceleration coming from a 3.0 V6 engine that made me fall in love with this car. One of the nicest machines on the road that never wne in for an servicing execpt the 3000 mile oil change. Even though it is a great family car because it is extremelly spacious, even the young and youthful love it. If you buy it i am positive you will not go wrong. A great car, a great price.

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  94 Camry LE sedan 4cyl - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By rferrara - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle used from an independant dlr in 1996. Vehicle has been extremely reliable. No major repairs required just normal mainteance items, tires, battery, brakes, timing belt, etc. Very economical car to own & operate. 125K miles on odometer - still driving it.

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  Excellent - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By priscilla Hauck - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Just love it! My husband and I leased it two years ago, and now we are going to purchase it, because we want to keep it.

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  My Blessings - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Blessings - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost five (5) years. I have been in three (3) car accidents with it. It was nothing but the power of GOD when I was in the three (3) different car accidents, my child was not in the car with me at no times. On January 2, 2003, I was coming from work and slid on Black Ice on the Garden State Parkway. Once again I was fortunate and Blessed my car finally came to a complete stop right before I hit the wall. A driver speeding in such hazardous condition going nowhere probably slid on the same Black Ice and ran right in the back of my car and smashed it. Sincerely, On My Bending Knees

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  Amazing Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By viktoo - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Ever since i can remember there has always been one toyota in our garage. The 2000 Avalon XlS is our second avalon (96 Xls the first) and it is an amazing car. A strong powerful engine that can make any driver want to take it to the red line. But at the same time a great comfortable interrior and asethically pleasing to the eye. One of the smoothest rides out that makes it a pleasure to take on even the longest trips. I think for the price and the quality it should be any car lovers dream. If you are out to buy a new or used car i highly recomend this car. You will not be disappointed.