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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  Tops in Quality - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DJoseph - February 17 - 10:00 am

  The most fun I have had in a SUV. Had a Nissan and an Isuzu before but 4Runner is the best yet. Forget the American name brand SUVs.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Kristy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Camry...I have always loved Toyotas but this Camry is the best ride.

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  The Finest Minivan On The Market Today - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By thrbek - February 17 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Sienna is truly the finest minivan on the market today. It has been completely redesigned and doesnt even compare to the earlier-model Siennas, or to any other minivan offered by other auto-makers. The refinement in this vehicle is amazing. Toyota designers thought of everything. Three-row side-impact curtain airbags are a HUGE selling point. This vehicle is one of the safest you can buy for the money. The 28MPG fuel economy on the highway, a result of advanced Variable Valve Timing technology, allows a peppy 3.3L V6 engine to put out 230HP when needed, while adjusting engine performance for increased fuel economy when cruising.

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  Best van on the market - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By nbscmom - February 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle. We waited a few months for a 2004 and it was worth the wait. We love the comfort and styling. The gas mileage on our recent trip was 30 mpg on the interstate at 70 mph. We have enjoyed it immensely and would definetely recommend it to anyone we know

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  Classic and dependable - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ds - February 16 - 5:29 pm

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By crocksntex - February 16 - 6:03 am

  We purchased the Camry hybrid in hopes of saving lots of money at the pump. We have done that and then some with the rising of gas prices. The features (Bluetooth, navigation, instrumentation, etc) are far beyond what we are used to in a car. The car has held to between 36-38 mpg in the San Antonio area. We do a lot of stop and go and some highway for 10-50 miles at a time. It is neat to watch your progress on the huge screen the camry provides in dash. I only wish the Bluetooth was a little better as far as picking up your voice. You have to be very quiet to have a normal conversation but it does the job. We also received the $2600 tax credit for being one of the first to purchase.

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  Toyotas done it again! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By BOB - February 15 - 7:00 am

  Owned a 97 4 runner and was extremely pleased, but needed something bigger to carry family to and from AAU Girls National basketball tournaments. Looked at all the competition and frankly they were no match for the Sequoia, in my opinion. The interior design and comfort is far superior to all the others especially in the rear seating area. The buckets in the second row are fully adjustable and also recline which made it great for the rear passengers. Not difficult to handle around town and its performance is well, outstanding. Recent long trip,passengers were very comfortable. Gas mileage low, but not why most will buy this vehicle. The Platinum has all the goodies,add entertainment system

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  Beautiful Automobile - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Brad M - February 14 - 8:13 pm

  This is the second Avalon that Ive owned, and the 2007 is much nicer than the 2004 I traded. Test drove Volvo S80, Saab 9-5 and Lexus ES 350. The Avalon, while not having the panache of the other brands, is by far the best value for the money. Beautiful interior, contemporary exterior and the powertrain is responsive.

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  True Comfort to Ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kenneth - February 14 - 5:16 pm

  This is the first foreign auto I own. Now I can see what I have been missing. Quiet smooth ride, all controls on the steering wheel. For a 4 cylinder engine what get-up and go,not to mention the great gas mileage. Duel air, Bluetooth, satellite radio and rear reclining seats set off this car.

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  Best for the Last! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By patriciaah - February 14 - 10:11 am

  I Love my FJ. Its a 07 and I only have 8000 miles on it, but... It has never failed me. Winter in Mt can be brutal and while I dont do 4Xing, I can count on it to get me anywhere I need to go. I drove it 1 block and said I want it! I have never looked back. I had an Toy extended cab pickup, and loved it, but this has got it beat, hands down. If you want one, better get one quick, because after this year, they wont be made any more. {It was a limited addition run}. Ive never had a bit of trouble, and I got all the bells and whistles, and then some. The brush guard gives it better cornering ability {I dont know why}, and the back up camera... perfect!