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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  Best buy for gas milage - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By longhaulbill - August 22 - 5:54 am

  If you can find a used one, buy it! After driving my PT Cruiser back and forth to work (100 miles r/t), I was getting exhausted for money. I was averaging 22 MPG on the highway. My friend has a 2001 ECHO and told me with 236K miles on it, he was averaging 44 miles per gallon. So I wen shopping, found one with 92K for 4200.00. I am averaging 47.4 miles per gallon. It is a 5 speed and has air and power steering. It is not a hybrid, gut a little gas sipper. I love this car and with gas at $ 4.30 per gallon, this is a dream. Fun to drive as well.

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  Went for the tC but choose the Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jackie - August 22 - 4:43 am

  I went to the dealer to look at Scion tCs but as my mom and I were looking around we stopped to look at the Corollas. This is a great small car... quick, good on gas and fun to drive. I drove all the way Central NJ on one tank of gas in the middle of the summer with the A/C on full blast. I never thought I would own a Toyota but I dont think I will ever drive anything else. Its been only two weeks and I am still in love.

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  ship of the desert and king of the road - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Alromaithi - August 22 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car in 2000 it is still in shape untill this day, i had many accidents and amazingly its not damaged ,its performence gets better and better whenever the miles increase,its sounds like a monster.In the desert its the most powerfull SUV its torque is amazing!

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  dependable and fun - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By dancingstarsxx - August 22 - 2:00 am

  At first ,with any car/style really, you have to get use to the spoiler in the rear view mirror and the short front end, but you get use to that fast. It is very feul efficient. I find that the paint is more mirror like than other new cars.There is a seat belt light for the passenger side as well.It also has a unique sound.Its a beautiful car.

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  15400 - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Cloudyray - August 22 - 2:00 am

  i love my car. i never want to get rid of it. and its up to 123000 miles. best a/c on the planet (i live in az).

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  PERFECT CAR FOR A CHICK - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By dman81 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this is my mothers car, but i tend to drive this a lot in the winter when it snows. it handles very well in the snow much to my suprise. i feel very safe with the control and traction i get from the 4 wheel drive. trunk space is excellent...i fit a lot of stuff in the back that i thought would never fit. Needs more interior leg room.I tend to be cramped up especially when theres people in the back seat (im 61"). There is also a lot of wind noise, cheap dash. I kinda feel funny driving it because its not really my style...This car is definitely a "chick car" but it get does the job done

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  I love this car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By thomas144 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned a car I was so crazy about. Fun to drive. Great ride. Plenty of power. Practical. My only minor complaint is that for a car with tons of headroom, the rear hatch doesnt quite raise up high enough, and I have a tendency to hit my head on it. I went to the dealership expecting to buy a Highlander, but didnt like it after 2 test drives, so I tried a Matrix on a whim and I loved it from the start.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By LovestoDriveSienna - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one single problem with my minvan in the 4 years and 74,000 miles I have driven it. Drives great even up to 80-90mph. Dependability has been awesome. As a girls soccer coach, this van has been perfect for hauling around players to games and tournaments.

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  excellent handling, safe and fun - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By frank sentra - August 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent handling, safe and fun

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  My Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Leenzo - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck! With only 4200 miles it did commit the cardinal sin and break down. The cause was a leaking vacum pump having to do with emissions. But hey, nothing in this world is perfect. Its now fixed and back on the road!