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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  Only 500 miles on it so far - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By echowrangler - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier - Have an XR with both sport packages, moonroof, in white. Very nice car - not as squishy comfortable as a full-size American sedan, but not bad. Lots of room, Im 6, 250# and theres plenty of headroom and legroom. I like the way the cargo area configures with the back seats folded down.

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  Great Mom Who Looks Single SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Former Camry Lover - March 31 - 10:00 am

  It was a shock after I bought it because I was used to the comfort of a Camry; however, after driving it for a weekend, I fell in love with it. Now my daughter looks forward to riding in it and it is just too much fun to drive!

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  2001 Tacoma Extended Cab Limited Edition - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Smitty - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, I had always wanted one and now I got it. I looked at a Dodge and a Chevy too but neither one matched the track record of a Toyota, not to mention the bang for the buck. It has a ton of Power for a V6, big bed, very roomy interior that is comfortable and quiet and it handles great in the snow! I liked it so much my best friend bought one too, and he loves it more than I do. Buy one, you wont be dissappointed!

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  COROLLA S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KEITH - March 31 - 10:00 am

  THE COROLLA IS GREAT THIS YEAR,,,THE NEW BODY IS REALLY NICE...I BOUGHT THE S HOOKED UP WITH RIMS AND SUNROOF THAT IS THE WAY TO GO POWER PACKAGE ALL THE ADD ONS YOU CAN GET IT CAME OUT TO $18,200 NOT BAD YOU WOULD THINK THE CAR WA WORTH ABOUT $30,000 WHEN YOU SEE IT .............SO IF YOU GO COROLLA GO WIT THE S MODEL....AND IF YOU HAVE EVER OWNED A COROLLA YOU GET WHAT YOU EXPECT AND MORE JUST TO BAD THE SEATS DONT GO FURTHER BACK

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  A Pretty Great Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By grooms - March 31 - 5:26 am

  We got this car in late 2006 just as the new 2007s were coming off and got about $3500-$4000 of the sticker price so Id say it was a pretty good deal! The Performance is pretty good; however, it does occasionally take a second for the car to start accelerating after you push the gas causing the car to lurch but it doesnt really happen enough to be a real problem. I also did notice when I was driving the car through a turn and I pushed the gas the car downshifted when it really shouldnt have and the rpms shot up like 1500-2000 but I probably just caught it in an awkward spot. The ride is pretty soft which I personally like (although its not as soft as a Buick or something) and is very

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  Great little big car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris Fan - March 31 - 4:53 am

  Have had Yaris for 1900 miles or 2 1/2 weeks. Trip to Maine and 103 miles per day work. Its ride is very good for its size. Handles on highway much better than I thought, hugs the road and can change lane in a flash when needed. Gas mileage is way better than EPA states. I have averaged 42 plus miles per gallon since first day. 42 the lowest going to Maine averaged 78 MPH A/C on and I got 42.18 MPG. Best so far 43.50 MPG. That is combination city and highway. I dont race or see if I can beat everyone to the stop sign or light. I get there 1/2 second later and about $3.00 cheaper. If you want a car that is great on MPG then Yaris can not be beat for the money.

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  My only complaint - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By T Bone - March 31 - 3:30 am

  Besides the dealer themselves... Younger Toyota is notoriously snippy and they cater to their Mercedes Customers... Anyway, the seats are so short, that they do not support your legs well. After a few hours in the seat, your legs really hurt and since I have long legs anyway, this is a bad feature. Also the feul Economy is less then stellar. If you commute a lot, I recommend sacrificing horsepower to the gods of the Gas Pump.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By aaammgb - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I previously had a Volvo 850 Turbo and traded it in for the Avalon. Ive found the Avalon to be far superior in every aspect except acceleration, but that is only because the Volvo had a turbo engine. The avalon is bigger on the inside and the trunk is also bigger, which I didnt think could be possible. Great car for the money!

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  Just drive it - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By whitelightning60706 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  A test drive convinced us both that this was our next car. Our Prius has 50% more horsepower than the Fiero it replaced (when needed, the 44 HP of the electric motor assist the 90 HP of the gas engine.) At 110 miles we are already getting 43 MPG, even in stop and go traffic. This car is both twice as clean pollution-wise as most new cars, and twice as efficient in use of gas, plus doesnt need special gas. The hybrid technology and batteries are covered essentially for life. If it fails, the risk is Toyotas. It is surprisingly roomy inside. Contrary to some reviews, Prius includes Traction Control. The car was delivered defect-free except for under-inflated tires.

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  Alright car for an alright price - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Celicagts - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The car is fast but only at high rpms, but at that time you will be losing the race. The gears on my gt-s are to close and I haave almost gotten rear-ended twice because I shifted wrong, so be carefull