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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  Fuel economy - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lon - August 21 - 2:13 pm

  Highway rating of 27 MPG is close. I have achieved 26 MPG consistantly on daily commute of 70 mile roundtrip with secondary country roads and some city. Very happy overall.

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  A Great Little Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Kade - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 6 years ago with 59000 miles already on it. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned and is very comfortable. Ill never buy anything but a Toyota again.

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  Best Car EVER!!!! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By joshmiller06 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Its my first car and I love it. Its fast, great looking, and a sweet car.

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  only toyota - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pumba - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my 2000 SR5 4WD V6 on the eve of 2000. I love this truck. I havnt put many miles on it until recently. I had a company car to drive. This is my second toyota (first a 1991 tercel) and my wife just bought a 2002 RAV4 which is awesome. This truck has plenty of power. The only drawbacks I see are the cruise control which is jerky, the seats are a little uncomfortable after a while, the bed of the truck jumps around like cray on bumpy city roads, and finally the gas miliage is terrible. I only an average 17mpg. I thought I would at least get 21 to 23. All that aside, I love this truck

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  Longing for LONG BED!!!! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By RAD131 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I Paid $6100.00 cash in the fall of 1985 for a 86 standard LONG BED Toyota pick-up. Toyota stopped making the long bed over 10 years age. I wish they would bring back the awesome standard cab long bed. Im still drive my 86 truck with 213k and going strong. Ill buy a new toyota if theyll make it a long-bed!!!!

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  Small gripes - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Whaleya - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking all all the things I dont like about this truck, and they were all minor. When Im worried about things like cupholder size and take for granted the engine, transmission, etc I have to admit Im nitpicking! My truck has 45,000 miles on it and has been in for repair.... well once something does break Ill tell you about it! (My 94 Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is a money pit)

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  bullet proof - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Mr. D. - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is bullet proof. After 50,000 miles there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. With a mix of freeway and city driving my average mpg is 31 for all miles so far.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By CHIEFROCKER - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the 2wd V6 double cab with TRD. I must say this truck is awesome. I have done extensive research on this truck before buying. I looked at all the other competitors and the Toyato is the best hands down. Unfortunately I have heard a few horror stoies about Leaks around the dash and passenger door. Hopefully I wont have those problems

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  Highlander On Target for Everyday SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Marky Mark - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander Limited V6 mimics the Lexus RX300 in many ways but more reasonably priced. Comfort and build quality are top-notch. More usuable storage than the Lexus. Drivetrain and ride are similar to a Camry, not like a typical SUV. Exterior size is about the same as a Honda Accord, which makes it easy to maneuver, park, and fit in your garage. The Limited is missing some things that would be expected on a vehicle over $33K, specifically steering wheel mounted audio controls. The stereo is first-rate, however. Weve had the Highlander only a month but it is great and deserves serious consideration for SUV buyers.

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  No Regrets at all - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By AndyBoy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Dealer took 2 weeks longer than initially promised to get it in (in the Bluestone metallic). My wife and I love the car. The interior is very comfortable and stylish (the two-tone leather is great looking).