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 bang for the buck. - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - March 10 - 2:33 pm

  After a lot of reasearch, I decided on the Corolla. I traded an 02 Altima and wanted something sporty and economical. I cant begin to tell you how impressed and happy I am with the Corolla. It drives very smooth at speeds of 70+. I dont know why "car experts" bash the driving experience. It does everything I want it to. You just have to remember its not a race car, but its great on the highway. Everything on the inside is within reach and easy to operate. I gotta tell you, when I drive it, I forget its a Corolla, it really feels like much more. Great job Toyota!

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  Typical Toyota! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By CanGuy - March 10 - 11:53 am

  I found a used one and bought it. Goes like hell, rides nice, quiet, great looking, functional, fun and for the most part is built very well. Wouldnt have considered any other make, especially now that they are no longer cheaper up here in Canada. Toyota will always be my only choice unless they prove me otherwise!

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  Great Car - Terrible GPS - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug - March 10 - 7:30 am

  4 adults w/ trunk FULL of luggage on a 1700 mile road trip and got 31 mpg in comfort! The $2000 navigation system is awful. My $300 portable Garmin is MUCH better. I complained to the dealer who said "Thats a common complaint." Toyota hasnt replied to my complaint letter. I want them to take the GPS out and give me my $2k back!

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  The best V6 truck of its type - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ejerdak - March 10 - 12:16 am

  This is my first Toyota purchase. I never seen such quality interior and exterior even on Luxury vehicles. I got the TRD Sports package with 17" wheels.

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  City driving was never so much fun - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Unagi - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Contrary to many other reports, we are happy with our gas mileage as we are averaging between 53 and 55 mpg in mixed driving. We love this car (have package 7), especially fit and finish of vehicle. Enjoy very much the display screen that has made us more peaceful and calmer drivers! Neighbors laugh that they never hear us coming. Other owners in town always smile and wave at us - its a small, but proud, club.

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  2004 Toyota Prius with Package #9 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dan P Russell - March 9 - 10:00 am

  So many new and moderan things to play with I felt like a kid in a candy store. The gas milage is unbelievable.. On a recent trip of about 340 miles I got 58.6 MPG. At age 68 Ive had 8 new cars and this one with out a doubt was been the most fun to drive.

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  Recommend to Anyone - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By kinnywayne - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my purchase. Bought it used. Took it to the Outer Banks, NC and rolled all over the beach. 4WD and power through the sand very surprising, considering I bought the 4 cyl. Good size and easy to park unlike some of the other trucks in its class (not real bulky but still rugged looking.) Would definitley recommend this vehicle to everyone.

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  Loving new Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rabinsslaw - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Used to drive the Volvo C70 and love the extra room in the trunk and back seat of the Solara. The few little "extras" you get with Volvo arent worth the additional $10,000 or the loss of extra space.

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  Best Choice in Minivan Class - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dailem - March 9 - 10:00 am

  While my wife was less than pleased by going to a minivan, the need for additional space was a necessity- & the Sienna offers an ample supply of it. It drives & rides like my Camry. Looked at many other vans, but just kept coming back to the features offered by the new model. Very nice!!

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  Great Car!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dwight - March 8 - 6:03 pm

  Traded a 2003 V6 XLE for a 2007 V6 XLE. Couldnt believe that Toyota could make a better product, but they did!