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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  Solid SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Blckdimnd - September 2 - 7:16 pm

  I have Tahoe Z71 & Jeep beside this new FJ Cruiser. You just cannot get better product than the FJ. Best Californian designers combines with 100% best build in Japan.

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  Excellent Value for My Money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - September 2 - 3:26 pm

  I knew Camrys were good, reliable cars, but until now, I thought they were boring with horrible styling. No more. Suspension, braking and handling feels excellent when I drive in the city or highway. It surprised me how good it behaves because we also owned a BMW 525i, and we were ready to use it as a baseline for comparison. Transmission is smooth and the 2.4L engine is quiet. It has more than enough power to drive around, unless you are into rapid takeoffs. The V6 I test drove was smooth, but I am willing to trade some power for the price difference. BMW 550 is still my favorite car, but hands down, I think we got the best value for our money here. Toyota uses lots of plastics, but it makes it look good.

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  Good, but could be better - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CLeve - September 2 - 11:13 am

  All around this car is amazing, its sleek exterior and futuristic interior is sure to turn some heads. The only problem with the four cylinder is the power, its not quite as quick as the 06 and could use a little more get up and plus people think that it sounds like a diesel volkswagen when it is sitting in idle in the parking lot.

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  Second Toyota Im owned - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Callie - September 2 - 6:33 am

  Design changes with respect to my 2003 Toyota are great. The opposing rear doors to load items behind the seats is an excellent change. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel is not well engineered. Im 6"4" and the steering wheel will not rise as high as my 2003 and my legs hit the steering when when I get into the drivers set. The other item that needs re-engineering is the overhead display of the temp/compass. It is dimmer than the clock and cant been seen during daylight driving very well. The gas tank door is another item that needs changing. My 2003 had a saw tooth device to attach the gas cap while fueling. The 2010 has nothing to hold the gas cap. Overall, I am well satisfied.

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  Best small car on the road - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Scotts Echo - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that i love my Toyota Echo .I get 42 MPG on gas and its alot of fun to drive and the get up and go is great .It will move for a small car ill be going 85 befor i know it .Its a great car for the money and its a Toyota so what more could you ask for .

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  best car I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By tod - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This Echo is the best quality car I ever owned beside our toyota seinna. I use this car everyday for work and since I purchased it in May of 2000, I have never taken it back to service only for routine maintence. I have over 125,000 miles on it and plan to buy another toyota next year.

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Robert Connors - September 1 - 10:00 am

  saved on gas and easy to ride in and comfortable and more space and roomy in the car.

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  Da Bomb - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By EvanLew - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Its one of the best cars ever

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  my toy - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By pavel g - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I wish it was a little more exciting in its exterior styling. It is comfortable and I enjoy it. I wish it had an exterior combonation lock like my old Lincoln, and I would like the trunk to pop up more.

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  My First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By MikeofPA - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable ride, lots of room both front and back. Makes the trip to and from work enjoyable. A truck rugged enough to put through the mud in the morning then clean it up and its stylish enough for a wedding in the afternoon.