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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  Turns Heads - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By The doctor - September 19 - 10:00 am

  A great little convertible , that is fun to drive and responds well. Unique styling and limited availability which means you dont see many on the road. Great gas mileage averaging 32 MPG. Only drawback: very limited storage space.

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  Pre Mid-life Crisis FUN - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marzee - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Toyota automobiles since 1984. We currently own three other Toyotas. This is a fantastic car. It is a total blast to drive. Everyone stops to ask questions or comment on the car. Its one of the best looking cars on the road.

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  the best 4 runner ever - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe125487 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  great truck, no truck in its class even comes close

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  A great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By JRBNH - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Im a car nut who needed a truck for home renovations, so I was a little hesitant of owning a truck. The more I drive this truck, the more I like it. The V6 is strong and smooth. Fuel economy is average; however, the tonneau cover has helped on highway trips (up to 24 mpg). Im very surprised at how comfortable it is-the seats fit me perfectly, the noise level is hushed, and the ride is very compliant. Heat and AC are both powerful. Parking and maneuvering is easy. Ive owned it so far for 6 months and 7500 miles with not a single rattle, squeak or problem.

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  My 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SUV77 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I chose the 4Runner over the Explorer and the Pilot. The 4Runner had a smoother ride and felt to me that I was sitting higher and had more of a command of the road. The leather seats are much softer and more comfortable than the ones in the Pilot and Explorer. The 4Runner has lots of power, great options and is fun to drive. I wish it were American made- this is my first non-American made vehicle and that fact still bothers me a bit. But hands down, it was the best of everything I looked at and I looked and researched for months before making my decision.

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  Why would you ever buy a domestic SUV? - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ZipperHead - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great! Japanese engineering with American wants and needs built into it. Large enough to handle the average American family, yet it has the quality and reliability of an import. My 4Runner looks great and runs even better.

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  Best Used Car Ever - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By telayla - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I could not be more pleased with my purchase. It is very fun to drive, smooth and quiet. When I first drove it I couldnt believe the engine was running! It has great pick-up, tight handling, and very comfortable seats (front and rear). This is by far the best used car purchase I have ever made!

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  Solid Mid-size SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By houstonjeff - September 19 - 12:13 am

  Considered Highlander and Chevy Traverse. Felt Highlander would be better for the long run. Like Captains seats in 2nd row. Very quiet ride and comfortable. Rear camera is nice feature. Good value for price paid.

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  Fantastic gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By New Mexico - September 17 - 1:56 pm

  We drive in New Mexico and get about 25.5 mpg going back and forth to work. On the highway at 75 mph we get anywhere from 27 to 31 mpg! The seats in this van are almost as comfortable as the ones in our old Mercury Villager but not quite. This is our travel car and we drive all over New Mexico, very fuel efficient and comfy.

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  TestOfTheNew4Runner-IMPRESSED! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JMErbrick1980 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Went down yesterday to look at the new 4Runner. A BIG improvement over the third generation. Pros: new V8 is quite peppy in 2WD form, seats are extremely comfortable, transmission shits smoothly, respectable fuel economy, extremely smooth ride, peace of mind that it will last. Cons: Wheres that 3rd row seat??? Not much space for cargo, a little noisy when sunroof is open, radio/climate ctrl. illumination not very bright at night; although instrument lights are bright. Looks like a winner to me.