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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  Hot! Pocket Rocket - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By James Fidelis - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent fuel economy, great performance, agile and fun to drive. For the size, has exceptional comfort. Needs more available options. I could have bought any car I desired. I tested everything from a Camry down and chose the Echo because its just so fun to drive and to cute to ignore.

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  My 3rd one - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By esther peters - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my third 4Runner..I have had a 1995, 1999 and now an 2002. They get better and better. Great quality for the money..You get what you pay for..Higher price that avg SUV,but, I will drive this rig for many years with no regret. Getting around 18-19 MPG with an TRD airfilter installed and have enough power to get me up the mtn pass at 90+,so, I am not sure why they are saying that it is way underpowered? Cool rig!

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  Very Reliable - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By radioman - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Have 140,000 on this car and have had no significant problems. A great value to buy used at 100K.

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  essai_cecilia - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Destuynder - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The manucfacturing is the best I ever for a car. The performance are top for the price. At low speed the consumtion is more than acceptable (less than 5000 rpm). But from 5OOOrpm uo to 8000 rpm this car is terrible. In mountains and turning roads none can have a better behavior.

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  a keeper - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By wintrcrsr - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Have put 14k miles on this truck since March 03 without a problem except that one manifold was cracked at purchase, dealer replaced under warranty. Added Bilstein shocks which reduced body roll. No comparison to pre-o3 4runnner i owned before. TLC is quick, fast, smooth, stable, quiet. Effortless and fun to drive on sand beaches, logging roads, in snow, rain, and all day driving. Bought off lease at auction for half of cost when new. Dont waste your time with chevys, fords or land rovers. The bang for the buck with LC is big.

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  Classic Camry Sedan. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By EdZebroski - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car has been flawless for over 75,000 miles with zero need for non- scheduled repairs or maintenance. It has had a mix of local short distance use (30 - 60 miles)and occasional high speed runs to Stockton, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles.

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  hell yeah! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By iluvmyceli - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and Im so glad I bought it. Its affordable and stylish, way beyond the hondas you see around every corner. Although, due to a misshift (not mine) at redline I had severe problems including 4 bent valves, costing about $1,200. Something this car is notorious for. Never overrev while going forward. Never let your b/f drive your car! Lil boys shouldnt play with womens toys! hahaha

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  Love this car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By JBK - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The wife and I spent several months looking at cars. After testing driving the dealers Avalon03 demo, we both wanted the Avalon. It has more room than the ES300 handles as good if not better, plus is much cheaper. Some reviews have said this car is slow. Ours is very fast and seems to be getting good mileage on the Hwy. This car is a pleasure to drive.

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  Toyota Fundra D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By vitikema - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a combination of luxury and heavy-duty. The spacious rear passenger seats make it an excellent family car and the normal sized bed makes it an excellent outdoors, adventurous vechicle. I recommend this excellent truck to those with varying degrees of needs.

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  Excellent overall - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Larie - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I waited 2 yrs for this truck the (4Dr) Crew Cab and I am glad I waited. My husband has the 2001 Access cab and after driving it, I wanted one too. This truck drives like a car, a very smooth ride. I highly recommend it. My 16 yr old neice saw me in it one day and told me later, that "I Looked Hot"! What better compliment could you get?