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 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dr gonzo - January 6 - 10:00 am

  perfect so far the 4 runner has gotten better then exspected mpg. toyota made it wider and more roomy inside. the 4 runner is soild and performs perfectly

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  Highly Recomend Highlander to families - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By MrMnico - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the money, esp if your looking to purchase instead of lease. We bought the 4cyl because it drove almost identical to the 6cyl and it was way better on gas. Ohh lets not forget that the 4cyl has a timing chain compared to the 6cyl which has a timing belt which means cost savings in the future. We did have leather and a towing package added to our model.

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  I Love My Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By vhines57 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  After quite a bit of hunting & test driving, I chose a Camry as my next new car. The ride was nicer than the Altima or the Mazda 6. It was more comfortable than the Passat and the Accord. With the upscale interior and standard features, its hard to believe I only spent 17500. The trunk is gigantic, perfect for luggage & groceries. The interior layout is nicely designed & the engine is quiet. For a more sporty look, I opted for the model with the rear spoiler. Its definately a family car, but the spoiler adds a bit of punch to an already beautiful exterior. I also test drove a few domestic mid-sized sedans and there was simply no comparison.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Michael Daytona - January 6 - 5:56 am

  I just got this used with 6,612 miles on it. It has the security alarm and L package along with roofrack and moonroof. I love its handling and how easy it is to drive and park, though it looks much bigger than it actually is. I would highly recommend looking at one of these SUVs. The RAV4 is awesome with storage and room as well. The seats can recline, move back or forward or be taken out completely in the rear.

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  noise - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By endangered - January 5 - 3:10 pm

  Love the vehicle, very noisy on highway. Toyota needs to solve this problem, if they cant solve the noise will trade for highlander.

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  value for $ - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By bigboy - January 4 - 11:06 pm

  Ive owned many toyotas, and traded in a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid to but the new LE Corolla. Why did I do this. Close to the same gas mileage, more fun to drive and about 1/3 lower payment. First, I helped a friend by one, then a girl I dated, liked it so much I got one myself. Definitely a high value purchase, solid on the road, maneuverable, and low cost to operate, considering gas mileage and inexpensive tires. I feel this car is the best for the $ out there.

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  Best truck Ive ever driven!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Sarah Smith - January 4 - 10:03 pm

  When I first got behind the wheel, the truck seemed enormous. Almost too big if you can believe that. But after a few miles of driving, I quickly fell in love with everything in the truck. It has everything and more a driver could want. You can haul groceries, building supplies, kids, kids friends, tow the boat, camper etc. and on and on and on. There is almost no limit with this truck. It also handles and rides really really good.

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  Long term review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jabo - January 4 - 11:36 am

  Got mine 20 months ago when it first came out and reliability has been absolutely perfect. Vault solid vehicle that easily handles all hobbies ie kayaking, hiking in remote spots, towing a utility trailer, skiing (and getting there in awful weather). Not fazed by anything except gale force winds since it is not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road. Easy to clean after the dogs mess it up. Love the "glove" compartment on the driver side dash. Honestly all cars should have it.

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  What a gas! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bill - January 4 - 10:10 am

  Driving this car is as much fun as you can have with your clothes on. Ive owned two Miatas and while theyre nice little cars, compared to the Spyder theyre roadkill. Handling is phenomenal, the SMT is responsive and ideal in traffic, and the styling makes people pull up next to me on the highway and say, "Great car!" Sure, theres little storage space, but cruising around the Florida Keys where I live with the top down and the sun shining and the Bay and ocean around you... well, who needs storage?

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  Taco love - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Todd - January 3 - 8:40 pm

  I love my toyota to death however when you have to move you gotta learn to let them go. I think its an excellent truck however they have started lacking on things recently such as metal durability...they dent so easy now. It doesnt bother me that much but i could sure use some better gas mileage, but i know thats a lot to do with me cause i cant keep off the pedal its just to much fun.