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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  Trucker for life converted - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By smeg - May 12 - 11:10 pm

  I was looking to downsize from my Tacoma since gas is so expensive and I went to look at Scions when the sport Matrix jumped out at me at the dealership. I never wanted to drive anything but a truck but this little car is really growing on me. The city gas mpg is so so but its a huge improvement from what I had, also Ive already been camping in it and not only did it fit all mine and my GFs gear, we still had plenty of room for my 70lb lab to be comfortable and we got 30 mpg most of the trip. I like the re-design of the 09s over the older models, especially the aggressive front end. This certainly isnt my dream vehicle but I defiantly dont regret the purchase.

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  Update to my first review - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - May 12 - 2:26 pm

  I am liking my truck more every day! I get at least 20 mpg just doing every day driving, and I dont drive slow. I have had some short races with some supposed to be fast vehicles, so far I can leave them in the dust! Overall I think it is an awesome truck!

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  Great Car with weaknesses - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Julian - May 12 - 10:30 am

  Ive got this car as sort of a graduation gift from my parents when I was looking on the dealer used car lot with my dad. I feel in love with it at first sight and still do dearly love my celica. The strengths in this car (handling, braking, looks, style) are hard to beat in any other comparable car. Unfortunately it does have its weaknesses: Torque, horsepower, huge blind spots) Also to add: They stopped making it after the 2005 year. Scions are the replacements but I just wish they rejuvenated the Celica for 2006 like they did the Eclipse.

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  RAV4 Rocket - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By fpoteet3 - May 12 - 8:46 am

  We were looking for a new SUV that met all my wifes business needs and met our traveling needs also. This one does it all. My wife is an interior designer and is on the road a lot carrying various samples and materials. She just loves that she can lay down the rear seats from the rear with one hand. One of our other cars is a Porsche and this RAV4 handles nearly as well. I love the power and the electric steering works great too. We just took two trips across west Texas and got 28 miles per gallon with a tail wind. By the way, we were crusing at 85 mph with a full load and the A/C on.

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  Excellent Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By machinex - May 12 - 3:06 am

  Even with the work truck package and the base 4.0L engine, this is a great vehicle. Looks good, rides smooth for full-size truck and gets a lot of looks. Toyota really paid attention to truck buyers this time; theres storage compartments everywhere, the tailgate is light as a feather but still very strong and the whole truck just feels sturdy and beefy. I used to buy only domestic trucks because of headroom issues (Im very tall), but now the Toyota cab is just as tall and roomy as the competitors. While Ford may have more packages and options available, Toyota has been smarter about the offerings they have. After all, no one wants roll-up windows on a truck over $20k.

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  Excellent Car! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shauna - May 12 - 3:03 am

  I love this car! Everything about it is excellent, especially Toyotas reputation!

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  Fun in the sun - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By usapoolshark - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Its not a Corvette but it is an absolute delight and a blast to drive.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By edjak - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The reliability and quality of Toyota stands out in this truck.

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  the real - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By maxpaulimus - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the big 3 and wasnt impressed with the build quality of them.The tundra is a little smaller, but, this makes it easier to park, more fun to drive and it actually fits into the garage.It does not however have as much interior room as the others, but, other than children (who fit fine in the tundra) how often are you going to drive long distances with adults in the back.I understand that some may need the chevy heavy duty for "heavy duty" truck work that calls for a diesal or bigger engine and payloads, but for the average truck person who occasionally tows, hauls, and uses their truck as a truck/commuter, the Tundra is a perfect fit.

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  4Runner Limited - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mdjohnson - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I love it! All I had hoped for and more. A rugged SUV that rides like a dream.