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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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Rbagzis - January 23 - 5:43 am

  Love it - seats are a little uncomfortable for long hauls - but over all not too bad - great mileage (27 hiway/24 town) - lots of room - cute style - love the color - love the extras - easy parking - sharp turning - AWSOME VEHICLE

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  Performance and reliability - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By stanley szczurko - January 22 - 9:06 pm

  Excellent starting, road handling, and driving comfort during all seasons. never had mechanical problems. The only interior design flaw is the location of the windshield wiper control. I have accidently engaged it many times when making a turn.

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  Love My RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Jay-Jay - January 22 - 7:43 pm

  We wanted a vehicle that had lots of storage space. We went with the V6 for the tow package, if and when we may need it. Taking our daughters to and from college was a little tight in my 99 Camry. So Im happy to say that I just love my RAV, I got a car that looks great, handles great, and is truly fun to drive. Plus serves the purpose of the purchase. Just got back from picking up daughter at college 2200 miles round trip and average 25 mpg, thats loaded right up for the trip home. I would make this purchase again in a heart beat.

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  2010 HiHy Limited - As Promised - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Virgin Toyota Owner - January 22 - 11:16 am

  Its cold in NW Indiana and when the vehicle is warmed up we average easily over 27MPG. We make many short jaunts and sometimes warm the vehicle up which brings the total mileage down to around 22MPG right now. The vehicle has been rock solid so far with absolutely no problems. Were retired and enjoy the comfort and total ride more than any vehicle weve had, including a past DeVille and Pathfinder. The interior has impressed my friends and is luxurious. I docked the reliability even though the HH has not been recalled only because of recent problems and possible future resale value problems.

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  Sweet Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By David - January 22 - 5:03 am

  This car is fun to drive. I went over 600 miles on my first tank of gas (in a12 gallon tank, you do the math ;-)). Many of the standard features were nicer than my Mercedes. It is obvious the Prius gets awesome mileage, but what you dont expect are the nice standard features and comfort...

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  only the best - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By only the best - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Why cant the American vehicles be built as well?

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  My 2000 &2002 Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By John Le - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Tundra is a really nice truck that can handle pretty much anything. I owned a 2000 Toyota Tundra (36,000)then I got the 2002 Tundra that now only have 5000 miles(Nov.6 02) and this time I got the 4x4 which really works well. I plan to put on a 3-4 inch lift kit for the suspension and other things to it but so far the only problem I had witht he Tundra was on the 2000 which had a belt bigger than it was made for so it made little nosies.

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  Good car, while I had it - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By silversword - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Was a great little car, got a S fully decked out, was a great little car, with good pickup and a nice ride. Sound was great in that car, wish the tape player had a reverse direction button. Highly recommended for a nice econo car. Pay a little extra for the nice S features, and you look good doing it!

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  Traded Civic for New Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By WCT - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Honda 2001 EX for a new Corolla S. I have been a big fan of Toyota - owned another Corolla and a MR2. So far I have been real pleased with the switch from the Honda Civic. The Honda was a good car but I liked the body style and interior design of the new Corolla. The Corolla S is a manual and loaded with all factory installed options: sunroof, all power with keyless entry, cruise control, side airbags, upgraded stereo, upgraded wheels, rear spoiler and ABS. Real nice car. Would definitely recommend.

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  best car I ever had - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By gtsai - January 21 - 11:10 pm

  Toyota highlander is the best car / suv I had ever had; I had honda accord, vw, mazda, ford, acura integra and TL 3.2; but nothing like highlander; the quilty the drive, the look. Its the lexus make toyota; enjoyed this car very much. if you thinking of buying a car or suv, you owe to you self to check this one out, about 30k!