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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  Car of the Future - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By David Knutzen - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Prius is an amazing automobile. It is a car of adequate size for most transportation tasks and yet achieves over 50 MPG. It is a very nice looking car with good ride characteristics which is fun to drive. It is extremely environmentally friendly and, if driven by everyone, would reduce gas consumption in the USA by half. Truly the auto of the future.

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  Luv My Rav! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Gina1 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, i love this car. very sporty and cute at the same time. i am getting more gas milage than expected which is always good!

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  Prius = Excellence - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ChasSuitt - March 28 - 10:00 am

  What a great engineering accomplishment. Performance remains the same as a conventional sedan or coupe but fuel economy and overall maintenance savings are excellent. 90% less polluting than conventional cars, too. Then add the Navigation system and electric air conditioning for even more features. Another consideration is the 5-star (front/rear) collision rating and 4-star (side) collision rating. The Multifunction Display encourages improved driving habits to decrease fuel consumption. To repeat an OLD comment: "Damn clever, these Japanese!"

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  My little silver truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shipstein - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I really like my truck. Beautiful little machine on the outside, and a no nonsense vehicle on the inside. I really appreciate the fact that Toyota allows you to purchase a vehicle without all the buzzers and bells, so many other companies make standard, and likewise cause initial sticker price to be so inflated. All my little beast has for options is the enhancement package, which completed the little guy just the way I would have wanted with AC, better stereo system, and a few upgrades on outside such as tires and rims which make the truck perfect for me and my chow chow, Ming, who rides shotgun. Keep up the great work Toyota

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  This car is the best car ever made!! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Corey kersten - March 28 - 9:06 am

  This is my 2nd Corolla. My first one was purchased in 1990 and it was still running strong but I decided it was time for a new body style! I love it! It runs so smooth, drives awesome, good gas mileage! I recommend this car to anyone who likes good deals and cars that will last forever.

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  Ooh lala awesum! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Kerry - March 28 - 5:57 am

  Love love this car , I have been driving it for a month and love it!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By orge - March 28 - 3:56 am

  I am totally impressed with the Camry Hybrid. Its smooth, very quiet, has plenty of pick up when you need it, and achieves excellent gas mileage. I have all the extras, including navigation. The electronics are easy to use and very well organized. This is a machine that I plan on keeping for a long time. With about 3000 miles on it so far, Im averaging about 41 mpg!!

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  2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryon - March 27 - 2:13 pm

  This truck is awsome. The look the power the feel. I live at the beach so the 7/8th size full size is perfect. Could not be more happy with my purchase.

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  Ill Never Go Back - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lehmann Boddicker - March 26 - 4:13 pm

  This is the car of the future. I have a family of 4, and we are all comfortable in it. I spend $40 a month in gas, instead of $200. I will never go back to my usual gas guzzlers. I am too excited by the mileage I am able to get, while teaching my kids how to take better care of our planet. Rush hour was never so enjoyable as it is now!

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  So Glad to be back in a 4runner! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By roedrunner - March 26 - 2:10 pm

  I previously had a 2005 4runner I had for almost 5 yrs (that I LOVED) and my brother talked me in to selling it to him. With a heavy heart I did so. I thought Id try something new, so I bought a GMC Acadia, though roomy, it wasnt me and I sold it in 8 mos. Thought Id try something different, so I looked at the Infinity EX35 and bought that. What was I thinking? Had it about a year until I could order a Trail to my exact specs. Yep, no test drive, nothing. I was excited to get back into a 4runner (which would feel like home). Well Ive had Big Red (2010 Trail) for over a year now, and indeed, it does feel like home. 21K miles and I LOVE my truck!