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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  Total Satisfaction for The Big Family - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big GIlk - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Caddy-ESV, Lincoln- Nav, and all the GMCs. They are all nice but the Sequoia has the best balance of power, space, and confort for a large family. The best resale value doesnt hurt, not one bit.

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  love it in a way - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By frank60446 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  car is great except the promise gas mileage 38 mpg is not 45 and i was told they going to lower there rating every time i take a small trip to the store the mileage drops and when i am on the highway the milage drops i cant kept going 45 mph all the time which is about where i get the best mileage i am having a problem with the sterring wheel shaking when i first start it up problem is service department dont believe me

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  MR2 Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By B. Anderson - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Go-cart handling with quick turn in and predictable oversteer. Engine revs a bit on the freeway, and luggage space is inconvenient and small. Power is adequate but engine feels a little gaspy at upper revs. 3" more legroom than the Miata sold me, and I think it handles a little better to boot.Doors that lock automatically are annoying.

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  gets better - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By silverfilmms - February 7 - 10:00 am

  not a problem and the more i drive it the better it gets. just took my son to albany ny. a five our drive. i thought that i would be alittle sleepy after such a drive,but not at all. i left an infinity lease "i35" and thought that the avalon would mellow me out for such a trip. will be taking the car in for the 5k first service. i purchased this car because im looking to get at least 150k miles before i start looking at cars again.

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  Toyota Highlander: Safe, fun and roomy - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Angels Intuition - February 7 - 10:00 am

  On Aug. 9th, 2003, I was driving my Highlander on a roadtrip in Oregon. On a remote road, I was hit by a drunk driver... driver side to drive side. Both of us were driving at 55mph. My Highlander saved my life. The engine dropped down and the airbag deployed. I and my two friends walked away from the accident. This SUV was fun to drive, lots of interior room and safe. A pleasure to owe.

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  This truck rocks - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By bhkintx - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck. I wanted a sporty car but really needed a truck. The 4runner (w/V8) has incredible acceleration and handles like a car. I use it frequently to take clients out and it has plenty of room for 4 adults (I owned a 2000 4runner for 4 motnhs and got rid of it because it was too small and too underpowered.)

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  Cant ask for more for the $$$ - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe Manny - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 2003 CE for 1.5 years now, and have been extremely pleased with my purchase. The interior comfort is superior to other cars in its class, gas mileage is excellent, and handling is fantastic.

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  Incredible! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JMDCR - February 7 - 10:00 am

  We had been looking for this car - and every dealer was out of them and on back order. When we finally went to our 5th place, they had one and we snatched it up!

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  It drives like a car - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By vinny2vinny - February 7 - 9:50 am

  We did not have to take long to decide, the look is appealing form the outside, certainly much nicer that others in the same class. The inside is without question the best in class, comfortable and spacious. We then went on a test drive,it drives more like a car that a SUV, the responce from the engine when given a little throttle is exciting, you throw it into a corner and it sits on the road without that feeling of we are going to tip over. You must test drive this exciting vehicle.

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  Incredible vehicle - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By david hatchel - February 7 - 2:43 am

  I bought a new 08 camry hybrid two weeks ago - what a great car. One day on the way to work I got 40 mpg, another day 43 mpg!!! I ran almost all the way to work at 43 mph on whittier blvd, very light traffic at 5:30 a.m. on just the electric motor. Mine was made in japan, silver, jbl sound system, leather. It is so quiet. Mine seems to have a lot of power! Im very happy to have it.