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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  Perfect FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Keith Humphrey - August 8 - 11:26 pm

  I just love my FJ. I get people on the street that ask me if they can look at it all the time. I have already taken it to pismo beach, Ca. (on the sand) with stock tires and no problem at all.

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  DuckTapeEngineer - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By ducttapeeng - August 8 - 11:34 am

  Great SUV. Our purpose was to have towing capability of 7000lbs easily and have an interior (eliminating trucks). All SUVs in this category have great front seats and comprable 2nd rows but the 3rd row was the best by far. Around town, gas mileage can be all over the map. Driving without trying to be efficient - expect 13 mpg / but if you try hard and learn - 16 - 17 is possible. Remember there is substantial push after getting off the gas. Speed is the key to mpg with something of this size. For 2011, getting in and out of 4WD occurs below 45mph - resolved in later models.

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  Love my Toyota - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By hannahsmom - August 8 - 7:00 am

  I traded in my 2005 Volvo XC90 for the 08 Highlander and this was the best decision I have made in a long time. The Highlander has many "extras" and is much roomier than the Volvo. I can actually stretch my legs in the 2nd row!

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  Fun but Thirsty - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By richard - August 8 - 2:46 am

  After 5 suburbans, this is fun. Goes where I want to go but couldnt go before. Fuel mileage is not good. Have yet to top 15.5 even on a 600 mile hwy run. I am in the dirt every day and love the rubber floors. Easy clean. Very agile, eye catching and peppy. Wife drives a V8 Touareg which is great on the road but the FJ is a fun vehicle. Other than mileage, I believe.

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  celicas rock - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By amyjstewart327 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  wonderful car, couldnt ask for more

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  Still luvin my Matrix!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Cath - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for a year now and I still smile when I get in it!! I have been SO pleased with it. And you have to admit: it looks really cool! :-)

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  Prius Sedan - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By a prooouuuddd dad - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Pruis, Prius, Prius, and one more time - Pruis. Ingenius, ingenius, ingenius, and one more time - ingenius.

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  LOVE THIS BABY! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By TikiDikiDoo - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car this weekend and so far I truly love it! It rides like a dream and perfect to use for work and pleasure. Toyotas are one of the best cars you can buy. The price was right too!!

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  2004 Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Wynn Scott - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The truck is fun to drive. Ride is excellent. No problems after 3000 miles. Only thing I dislike is the gas milage

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  Great all around car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By thighlander - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought a few days ago. Drivability is great. Rides better than my Lexus IS300. 4cyl has good pick-up and smooth. Engine noise is moderate and all amenities for around $25,000. Very reasonable and has Toyota reliability. I like this car.