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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  Pure fun with a practical side - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyderflash - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for over a year and still love it. It is so light and responsive. Many would-be sports cars feel like trucks in comparison. The brakes are world class and I average 30 mpg on regular. It is my daily driver, and I have taken it on road trips with minimal driver fatigue. This is a car that knows what it is and doesnt compromise its basic purpose. The top raises or lowers easily from inside the car in about 7 seconds.

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  Truck Mother - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Windwood - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Most solid and comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. Came w/third row seats that I removed. Minimal service needs. Fuel mileage typical for 5100 pound vehicle, 14 local, 18 on moderate speed trip. overall about 16. Slow frequency is too fast- Best one I ever had was in my old Mercedes- you could set it for a sweep once every 2 minutes if you liked. Ladies can have a bit of a struggle getting in but thats the price you pay for a 10" clearance. Road noise more noticeable w/winter tires.

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  red egg - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By echonala - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Echo. Very reliable, easy to drive, really good sound system. The mileage per gallon is about the best I have seen out of any car. I have never had any problems with this car.

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  gentle beast! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By willowvt - December 19 - 2:00 am

  love this rig! even with all the SUV bashing pressure, im still proud to drive my 4Runner. rugged and high with a solid, smooth ride, its incredibly reliable and ready for anything, with never a problem! i started out leasing, and when my lease ran out i was faced with leasing the 2000 model, which had been re-styled more like a soccer mom SUV, yuk! so i bought out my lease on the 98 and now will drive it forever. it still looks/acts new at 93K miles; i do all the recommended maintenance and all ive replaced is tires and waterpump! and even after 6 winters in vt, still no sign of rust! wow

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  Best car your money could buy - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By curtis cumberbatch - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun car, its a pleasure to drive to work every day.

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  Still love this car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ontrack - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After almost a year of driving my Highlander, I still love it. After driving vans for many years I wanted a smaller vehicle but just couldnt get comfortable in a regular sedan. The Highlander is perfect for me. It drives like a car but functions like a small van. The gas mileage is great. I will keep it for a long, long time.

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  Awesomely Surprised - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MNSargent - December 18 - 10:46 pm

  I am surprised in the performance and most of all the gas mileage. I live in Los Angeles, my mom found this car in Hayward. I drove from Hayward to Los Angeles which was about 380ish miles I used a little more than a half of a tank. And still had enough to last me for the work weekend which ended it 500 miles to the tank. I have a lead foot so I was perhaps speeding. WOW. I like the V6 power and the sunroof. It is a fun car and I know Toyota are reliable. And I got the car under 65k miles so it is has a lot of life to go.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By David Green - December 18 - 11:30 am

  I just bought this car as a replacement for an aging Lebaron and cant be happier. It is very quiet and rides very nicely. My only gripe would be that ABS should be standard in this day and age but overall this is a great car for what you pay.

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Erik - December 18 - 9:10 am

  Love this truck! The truck only has 320 miles on it, but its been a joy to own so far. Lots of power, handles great, and comfortable. Rides better than my 02 Tacoma 4WD did.

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  2005 Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By notop4me - December 18 - 4:46 am

  Bought when we went into showroom and saw on floor. Took on test drive and fell in love with it. Have had no reason to return to dealer other than service. (oil change, etc). This is a well built car, and if you want a very comfortable highway driver and a convertible to boot, I would recommend this one.