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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  Safest Car Ive Ever Seen - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By whisper292 - April 28 - 8:04 pm

  Overall performance was great, but the car really pulled its weight during a recent accident. My 17-year-old flipped the car three times going about 70 mph and landed on the drivers side in a ditch. The car was totaled, but thanks to seatbelts and side airbags, she walked away with barely a scratch. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  2001 Sequoia owner - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By brian - April 28 - 2:23 pm

  Love it! It has been a perfect vehicle for family of 2 kids and a dog.

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  4Runner XP Edition (off road tires) - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Peter from Florida - April 28 - 11:56 am

  I traded in a 2010 Ford FX2 F-150 for the 2018 4Runner and love the vehicle. Fit and finish are excellent. When I slam the door, I dont see the metal waver like I did with the F-150. I felt like the Ford, while being a great truck, was flimsy in many respects. This 4Runner feels solid as a rock. So far, Im truly enjoying the vehicle, and even with the off road tires, it rides smoothly and road noise is hardly as bad as my old truck. For me, a great upgrade and a nice compromise between owning a pickup and an SUV. If the wife doesnt want you driving a truck anymore, get one of these. Youll still be up high and have the flexibly and covered cargo area of an SUV...

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  Great car! - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By genethegeek - April 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car new in 98 and besides regular maint. and a $1 muffler repair (no joking, a bolt came loose) this car has been problem free. Not bad for over a car with more than 100K miles. The ride is comfortable and handling in the winter is much better than I expected. I also like the fact there are *no* rattles or squeeks. I dont think you can do better for a inexpensive small car.

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  Great car plus milage - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pbrook - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this sight unseen after new york auto show in 2003. Wanted commuter car with good features. Mileage depends on the driver. Drive it hard, and you get less.

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  V6 Prerunner - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug Mummertz - April 28 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine in the Tacoma Prerunner makes this a spunky vehicle to drive. V6 is a smooth running engine with the torque necessary to carry or pull those weekend loads. Extra cab model gives the owner that additional storage space behind the seats which is definitely a convenience worth getting. Interior design is good except for the clock location. Toyota has met its usual standards in quality and reliability. Optional TRD package allows the driver to select differential lock at slow speeds which is definitely helpful in slippery driving. Tacoma is an all around well built truck.

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  Sequoia Truths - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToyMan - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Like :) Ride is smooth and its a toyota... who can ask for anything more... You dont see me but I am jumping and am still in the middle of the air now with my right fist up and a big smile... just though Id let you know.

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  love it! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By J_S - April 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Solara, and I love it. I bought the first model when it came out in 1999. I got an SLE with a V6. I loved that car, but the SE v4 is just as nice. The look, feel, comfort and the driver are excellent. The pickup is surprisingly quick too; even when I when I was driving up a mountain.

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  Almost the best convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gary L - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I would say except for the boot that covers the top when its down, the 2004 Solara convertible gives you about as much bang for the buck as anything out there. Lots of pep and a great ride. Nice sound system. Not the best but more than adequate. Would we buy it all over again? You bet.

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  New Beast - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By oldtom - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Ride is okay as compared to my Highlander. Handling is good and performance supprising. Towing of my boat is excellent very stable, and plenty of power for normal driving. Interior is very attractive. Toyota quality is excellent as always (3rd vehicle)