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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  256k and still going! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Lindy Lykins - October 18 - 7:18 pm

  I bought this car with over 200k miles on it, and it is still an extremely good car. The front bearings needed replaced last year, and the hybrid battery finally quit at around 253k. But it was such a great car that I decided to install a refurbished hybrid battery ($900) and the car has been working fine since then. For a prius with this many miles, I am very satisfied with the continued reliability. It is unfortunate that the hybrid battery went out, but it had had so few other problems that I think it was worth it to fix it. I intend to drive it until the wheels fall off :)

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  Happiness/satisfaction - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By len - October 18 - 1:00 pm

  This is our fifth toyota camry in the past fourteen years. Each years model got better than the previous one. This 2007 is the epitome of the Toyotas quality.

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  Finest Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Carol Huot - October 17 - 6:20 pm

  This is the 3rd RAV Ive purchased. My first one was a 1997, then a 2001 and now my 2005. Its the most functional vehicle Ive ever owned (except for the 97, two doors, too small and front- wheel drive only). The 2005 drives really tight, and the four-wheel drive gives me the confidence I need for winter driving. Superb stereo system. I do a lot of camping, and my RAV provides plenty of packing space, with the features of roof rack, removable rear seats a plus. For an SUV, its very economical on gas, another plus with gas prices the way they are today. If I have anything negative to say about this vehicle is that I just dont drive it enough. Maybe a drive across country is in order

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  Great car, great mpg, great value - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By sctam1007 - October 17 - 3:20 pm

  After having SUVs, my concern was being able to haul stuff around. With the folding rear seats, Im still able to haul 2X4s and other home improvement items. Great gas mileage (remember the SUVs). It feels much larger on the inside that what you would think. My husband is 64" and has plenty of head/leg room. We also have had 4 plus size people inside and still lots of room. Ive found I can fit more into the trunk than I could in the "trunk" of my Jeep Liberty. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is a great value.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By nutsy - October 17 - 2:55 pm

  This has been a great van. Bought new in 6/2005 and has over 122,000 miles on it. Only problems were maintenance items: tires, brakes, batteries, timing belt, alignments. Runs just like it was new.

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  Riverrock Cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By brittho - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Finding a 3 year old TLC on the market is a very difficult task it seems like. After months of searching we found a Riverrock Green cruiser. Without a doubt this must be the best looking color out there. Very rare color and have yet to see another in the area. With it being certified with a bumper to bumper warrenty until 100k it is like owning a new TLC for half the price. It is a dream come true to own one!

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  The best car in the World - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By CMRY4US - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I know I have not had my car for long but I brought it used with 112000 miles on it. I was in such need of a car (my nissan sentra had blown up) but this car has been the best car I have ever gotten. It is a perfect size and very roomy. My son has more then enough room in the back to play and kick his feet. It rides very smoothly. If you are looking to get a new car the Camry is it. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be disappointed at all.

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  #1 Light Truck on the Road - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By quickspy66 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the truck for 6 months and I havent had any problems. I noticed a slight jerk when braking; like I was hit in the rear, and found out that it was the slip joint on the drive shaft. Those experiencing a similiar problem should grease the slip joint on the drive shaft. I wish it had slightly better gas mileage, but I did not buy the truck for fuel efficiency, and niether should a prospective buyer. I am 66 and the interior leg room is great! I would reccommend Toyota over any other vehicle, I will never buy anything other than a Toyota or Lexus now. Toyota definately puts out a quality product that holds its resale value!

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  Toyota Rules!!! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By alikhan - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Just got rid of my chevey. Best truck i have ever drove. Drives like a car with V8 power to it. Excellent handling on road!!!!

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  Impressed with little SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Jetmyke - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this RAV 4 used with 12000 miles on it. I was looking for something a little larger but with gas prices at $2.00 a gallon, my wallet was my guide. I have been very impressed with this vehicle. It is very responsive (5 speed manual) and has excellent handling. While it is not suited for rugged 4 wheel drive terrain like my truck, it handles rough roads well and climbs well for not having a low range transfer case. As far as the daily commute, I am averaging 26.5 mpg. Other than an occasional dash rattle, I am very happy with the RAV 4.