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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  Great truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By reliable - March 27 - 7:36 pm

  My truck has been so great for me. I have however replaced quite a bit of stuff. The common 95 Tacoma leaf springs needed to be replaced. Also replaced 3 batteries, starter, altenator, and both rear shocks. Still has original clutch and transmission (thankfully). Adequate gas mileage about 18 per gal. Overall, this truck has been great.

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  Love My Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By dina c - March 27 - 4:00 pm

  I never thought of buying an avalon until I saw the new style...The minute I got into I loved it....When I test drove it I knew I had to have one..The pick up is awesome...the interior is enormous...I cannot find one thing wrong with this car...When I compared it to the ES 300 I found this car was bigger, faster and all the features were similar....The price tag wasnt...Before you pay more for the Lexus check out this car...you will be surprised just like as I was....

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  Everything I expected - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Hy Tech Green Guy - March 27 - 4:00 pm

  I have been very happy with this car. It is comfortable, zippy when needed, and quite economical. I am averaging 48 MPG, but expect more when I learn to drive it better. I highly recommend the navigation system, the bluetooth connection, and the leather interior. I have give my friends rides and they are really surprised at how comfortable it is to ride in.

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By highlandreview - March 27 - 1:36 pm

  I just bought this car 1 week a go with only 7 miles on the odometer. I put 900 miles on it in one week (went on a road trip). I have averaged 26 mpg both in city and highway. I drove over a nail and a warning light showed me that I was losing psi in one of the tires. Without this feature I could have been stuck late at night on the road with 2 young kids. I stopped at the nearest gas station, filled up with air, and made it to my destination safely. I have a fully loaded limited hybrid and love it! The kids watched movies on the dual tv headrests while I listened to my iPod and called family via the voice activated blue tooth feature.

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  07 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD Edition - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Black Beauty truck - March 27 - 1:03 pm

  We test drove other SUVs in the market and finally purchased this car fully loaded. Spouse loves the commanding view when she drives and it has power to push the car for a quick merge into traffic.

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  97 Corolla CE Great - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By flatoyce - March 27 - 7:06 am

  Starts and runs great and smooth every time. General maintenance only: oil changes, transmission fluid, anti freeze, new battery, etc. Would definitely buy again but think this car will run forever.

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By corona75 - March 27 - 5:03 am

  The technology wrapped up in this car is worth far more than the sticker price. Talk about a sound vehicle! My wife and I are competing to see who can get the highest score on the MPG gauge. So far, she is ahead with a 35.7, but its just our first tank. Hard to find, but well worth the effort. It feels like a far more expensive car. Plenty of power if needed, but who cares about power when youre watching the MPG!

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  Former Acura/Honda Owner Now Sequoia! - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Former Acura MDX Own - March 26 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is really fabulous. I have been a life long owner of Acura/Honda vehicles and now am extremely happy with my new purchase of a 2007 Toyota Sequoia Ltd. in June 2007. Ive had many knee operations and this vehicle provides me with ample leg room while all of my previous vehicles did not. Everything about this Sequoia is really perfect. And regarding the fuel mileage, I average 15.4 miles per gallon and that is almost as good as I was getting with the Acura MDX. If you are in need of a safe, heavy, roomy, and reliable SUV this is your one! My daughter convinced me to buy the Sequoia and it was a great move.

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  My Celica - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By marriedcelicas - March 26 - 1:53 pm

  My Celica is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It holds to the road and is very fun to drive. I have had no problems with this car. I still get complements on it everytime I go out. They are great to "fix up" with aftermarket parts, and they will run forever!

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  Love My Camry! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Sue of California - March 26 - 9:06 am

  I bought this Camry in late 2002. It had only 15,000 miles, & leather seats & a power drivers seat. Nearly 4 years later, its my favorite car ever. Although my 16-year old daughter gets teased by her friends that its a "moms car", I repeat over & over: "Its reliable, gets 30 mpg, its easy & fun to drive & the (leather) seats are comfortable." Ive only done regular oil changes & put a new battery in it. It now has 64,650 miles & Ive put just 7,300 on it this the last year, but will drive it even more as I am a new "mystery shopper". Its my 2nd Camry & hasnt disappointed me once.