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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  it IS the Truck of the year - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By pushm - December 30 - 12:50 pm

  I was looking for the replacement of my old F150. I did my research (here at Edmunds as well :)) and just for the kicks decided to stop at the Toyota dealership. Ive heard bad things about earlier TTs. I was not really going to buy one. But after testdriving TT with 5.7 6A I turned around and bought the truck. Just like that. No other trucks to test, no hesitations, no regrets. Ive been driving it for a month now. Two trips to skiing areas (lots of snow). Couple of long rides on the freeway. IT IS NICE. Theres nothing that Ive driven before (truckwise) come even close.

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  Fun car-simple too - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By slyfox - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months now and it truely is a blast. Great handling (FWD), good acceleration (could use a little more at times). Toyota Quality. And the best of all, you are more likely to see 100 preludes, cavaliers, or sunfires before you see just one of these beauties on the road. Toyota should have kept this style, its much better than the new celica body design. Overall, try it and you will love it.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By sillygirl2 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Gas mileage. Love the panel in center of dash...little strange at first...but never want to go back. SOOOO roomy for such a tiny car. So easy to park. Drives great!

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  Near Perfect Sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Pete Rock - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Despite what appears to be harsh criticism from the auto industry, you will be hard pressed to find a any actual Echo owners complaining about their cars. The 2003 Echo is a well-built vehicle that lives up to Toyotas quality reputation. The interior is highly functional and comfortable, and the ride is smooth. Even though this is a small car, the engine technology is top of the line which translates into solid power and excellent gas mileage. Sure, there are plenty of Honda Civics and Ford Focus out there that would be safe purchases, but hey, how about something that your next door neighbor doesnt already have in his garage?

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  Great family car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Dan o - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Tons of room, quite, power, and smooth driving. Huge trunk too.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dchen - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car in the range $20000-30000

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  Whats not to like? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By SoccerMom - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this much fun driving a car since my old VW van (just an old hippie at heart). I have the 5-speed manual and really like the placement of the stick. It has been fun teaching my 15-year old how to drive a stick - so far the Matrix is taking the abuse and my kid is starting to understand how much fun a car can be to drive. Thanks Toyota for such a fun yet versatile car!

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  Best Truck Ever - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By moe1 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  See above. This is the coolest car I have ever owned, and Ive had some cool cars.

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  Unbelievable dream SUV!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dork - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Considered the 8 cyl but V-6 Greaqt. More HP but less torque. Cant stop driving it. What comes close for $37K? or at any price (except GS or RX 470 0r Landcruiser.

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  Happy Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and more than adequate room for 4 adults w/ golf clubs. The snow in NY has been no problem w/ this vehicle.