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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  POPULAR MOMMY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Missy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I know that the car is very popular, I see them every where I turn! My brother and sister in law have 2 and pushed me to get one! I am so happy. I know it will last me a very long time! Being a mom, I feel very sexy in it as well!

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  We love this car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Browne - January 13 - 3:56 am

  We had put 16,500 miles on our 2003 Prius, when we got delivery on the 2004, after a 6 mo.wait.While it suits us better because it is a bigger car, it is not as "peppy" a car as the 2003. While the EPA rating is 60mph, we have never managed to get better than 49mpg,probably due, in part, because we use air or heat almost all the time,and also carry 600lbs. Rear window visibility takes some getting used to,as does the keyless entry system. There has been a mysterious,albeit very intermittent squeaking "brake noise" which is improved, but still not completely resolved after 2 dealer trips.All considered, we love the hybrid car concept and this car is an excellent design.We recommend purchase.

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  Awesome Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Mandler - January 12 - 10:56 pm

  The Prius is just a perfectly awesome car. Toyota didnt miss a thing. I averaged 49 miles to the gallon on recent trip to Yosemite National Park.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By iconcilio - January 12 - 9:03 pm

  This is our third Camry (1993 V6 SE, 1998 S4 LE, 2008 S4 SE). Again, amazing value at the price. Getting about 26 mpg mixed city/hwy with conservative driving, seating 4 people comfortably.

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  07 Tacoma sport 4x4 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By tyler - January 12 - 12:03 pm

  Love this truck! White double cab TRD sport 4x4 long bed. Drives smooth, great off road.

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  The "gotta have" minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By NewToyotaFan - January 11 - 10:40 pm

  With a growing family and need for the convenience and security of AWD/4WD we chose the Toyota Sienna. Just a few years ago I laughed at my friends who had growing families and went out and bought minivans. I take it all back. The Limited AWD Sienna is more like a Lexus that seats 7 comfortably than a minivan. This is a great vehicle and I highly recommend it over the competition based on the AWD option and "more luxurious" interior. If youre spending >$38k it should be nice!

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  Our Best Car Ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By VegasPrius - January 11 - 10:23 pm

  We did a lot of research before deciding on the Prius. Now we never look back. We steadily average 46 MPG. We are not disappointed that it doesnt get the 60 mpg as rated since we know the old rating system is inaccurate, but still, 46 mpg is pretty damn awesome! Great, smooth ride. Very roomy interior and still room for cargo. We got package 6 with the nav system which is great. Driving the Prius has become a game to get best mileage and has now taught me how to get better mileage in my Expedition. Im now just waiting to replace the Expedition with a big SUV hybrid such as Yukon or Escalade. We plan on getting the plug in Prius in 2009.

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  Above Reproach - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By watts - January 11 - 10:00 am

  From a reliability/quality standpoint, this car has been above reproach. Havent even had to replace the brakes (78K miles so far). Every thing has always worked. Never had to do anything but change the oil and do scheduled service. Could use more power, but my wife doesnt care (shes the primary driver). If I were to buy one for myself, Id have a V6. The Camrys predecessor in our household was a Jetta (also purchased new). I will never never never go back!

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Betsey - January 10 - 10:06 pm

  Having been an owner of a 97 Camry, I love this car. Its not much smaller inside, but rides better. Very comfortable.

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  Super car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jack - January 10 - 10:03 am

  We only have 500 miles on the car but could not be more pleased. Most driving has been in snow and cold and it performs as well as any other front wheel drive. This car is easier to get in and out of and has more headroom that the Chevy Impala I traded. Mileage around town is only about 35 mph to this point but it is small town, stop and go and temperatures have been near or below zero. Expect improvement when it is broken in and temperatures rise.