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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  Like the Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dennis W. - January 26 - 11:30 pm

  Approximately 8000 miles into it, and I still like to drive it. It is quiet and smooth running, enough power to keep out of the way of the SUVs and trucks. I have the GPS and keyless entry. I like the GPS, but the keyless entry is iffy. Mileage is about 75% of advertised, 45 mpg in summer, 42 in winter, with mixed driving. Does have a problem with stiff breezes (notice I didnt say gale force winds)and the rear window isnt easy to see through with the bar going across the lower half. The windshield wipers are childlike and cute. Cruise control awkward. Dash lighting poor. Cup holders dont work with coffee cups or mugs, just fits fast food drink cups. Wiper controls in poor location.

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  Nice But It Aint A LandCruiser - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By David C - January 26 - 10:00 am

  An overall nice, well built car. Selected Sequoia over 2003 LC due to the $ value/interior size comparisons. Despite its attention to detail, the interior fit/finish does not compare to the my 99 LC. Yet kids love the interior size and sound system; wife likes the exterior looks. I guess things could be worse (like owning a Ford).

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  GREAT COMMUTER CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By boggerguy - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car specifically for commuting(gas mileage) it turned to be great..the car has 11.9 gal tank and I get about 400 miles to tank and thats going 80 mph everywhere. I also travel alot of dirst roads around so I developed a window alignment problem fixed by dealer... overall great commuter car highly recommend it

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  Cant beat it. - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Bobkat67 - January 25 - 3:46 pm

  PRO: We have had it since 1999 and purchased it used. We have had no problems. We traveled cross the US twice and never had a single need other than gas and oil changes. Great car. CON: cup holder in bad location....

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  Its Not My Saab Aero and Im Glad! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By jsw - January 25 - 12:43 pm

  Having moved from a 6.5 sec 0-60 very comfortable sedan to a Prius is a lifestyle change that I am willing to accept. However, the Priuss winning suit is because of its technology. Despite the lower ratings I gave, I think it is a remarkable car. We will grow older together.

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  15000 Trouble-free miles and counting... - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Pondhockey5 - January 23 - 3:40 pm

  Smoother ride than several cars we have owned. Handles well for an SUV. Excellent safety features.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By mbenecke1@aol.com - January 23 - 10:00 am

  The truck rides great and seems as though it could use a littl more horsepower. When you pay $30,000 for a truck you should get some floormats. Also your hood bug guard is astronomically priced at $165 just for the part!!!

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  Satisfied Overall - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By firesire - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle feels very well balanced in turns and grades. Overall good quality. I may be somewhat biased because i have owned an 87 runner with over 300,000 miles with only 1 unexpected break down. This 04 runner has enough power for my needs.

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  my SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By magda - January 23 - 10:00 am

  1. Interior color is beige and exterior color is white- manufacturer lacks sense of color coordination. Interior should match white, such as gray. 2. The cost of fuel is high. The gallon/milage is higher in reality than advertized.

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  04 Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel589 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Great, reliable, fun to drive.