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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  Great for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jonesmiddle - November 18 - 5:40 pm

  I drive mostly in the city, and I usually get around 36 mpg with the automatic transmission. The handling is adequate for the car, but it could be a bit better. The interior is nicley finished, but it would be better if the speedometer, etc., were in front of the driver by the steering wheel instead of to the side. The seats are pretty comfortable and there is plenty of room in the rear seats and in the trunk. It took me a while to find the ABS that I wanted though. Adding a turbocharged engine could help up performance while pushing fuel consumption even lower and improving performance.

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  Nice, Nice Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Greg Greenlee - November 17 - 1:03 pm

  We have Three kids and are very busy. The van feels safe and has been reliable.We have been on two one thousand mile trips and were very pleased with the van and its performance.

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  07 4Runner V8 - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff in Seattle - November 17 - 10:40 am

  After toying with several different kinds of cars/trucks, I chose the 4Runner and couldnt be happier. Love all the space, the comfort, the quietness, and the strong engine. Above all, I love how solid it feels. There is such a strong feeling of quality with this vehicle.

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  I feel like I stole this one - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Terry B - November 17 - 5:30 am

  I cant complain about any of the features or components. After 30 years of buying cars (from a 12 year old 66 Bel-air to the 07 Camry), I finally feel like I got a great deal. Added Leather, heated seats and floor mats and I got it for $24500. $2200 off msrp (with no add-ons)! If Id had a bit more patience Im sure I could have wrangled $200 more off the price. But, when I came across the black one with tan leather, I could resist no more. Great work Toyota.

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  This thing is a workhorse - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By tony22r - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This Echo is a little workhorse. It just goes and goes and goes! Smooth as the day I bought it. A lot roomier inside than it looks. Control placement is well thought out. Everything is just built right on the Echo!

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  Too great to under-rate! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By DWilly - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought new. Unbelievable ride for 4WD..... smoooooooth and powerful. Usess a little too much gas, but does run on regular 87 octane (cheapest). Dependable, great looking, eye- catching, fun to drive (especially on the beach). Great on or off road. Plenty room for two and comfortable. Luxury of a Lexus.

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  A Fun Car to Drive, Easy to own. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Kyla Ensor - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had a very good experiance overall with this vehicle. The service has been easy and Toyota has been very helpful....now as for the car itself. This car makes the drive to work fun. You can haul just about anything in it because all the seats fold down and there is a huge cargo space in the back.....its surprising how much space there is. Perfect car for a chic in her 20s....space to haul, space for friends, awesome sound system just enough power to put some guys in their place. :^) Im 21 and I can afford this car, it looks good for work, works great for play. I think the value of this car vs. the price comes out to equal a great buy!!

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  awesome - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tbrown - November 17 - 2:00 am

  this is my 3rd 4runner. the v8 is so smooth it was worth the extra money. the only thing that seems to be a waste is the folding cargo mat in the back. everything falls off unless its tied down.

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  I LIKE IT MORE AND MORE EVERY DRIVE - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnrOVer - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The V8 is powerful! The appearance is elegant yet rugged. Nicely appointed interior without the nonsense "extras" of the Lexus GX 470. Comparing to the Lexus - 4RUNNER IS MUCH BETTER FOR $15,000 LESS!

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  Old Faithful - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By toyotahappy - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car almost 3 yrs ago Pro: reliable, just needs basic oil change to run smoothly, accelerates smartly for a small-engined car; turns quickly for a mid-sized vehicle; miserly when it comes to fuel consumption Cons: stiff seats, no daytime running lights; OEM tires are horrible; no drivers side lamps; no quick-wiper control; weak lo-beam headlamps - needed to replace bulbs w/ aftermarket PIAAs; added foglamps to improve visibility; replaced OEM tires with Michellin X-One Radials (200/70R-14)