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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  Rave on Rav4 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Marjory - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car to buzz around the city in. Its height gives you an advantage compared to a sedan, and the turning radius combined with a compact body makes tough parking a breeze. The AWD has a great impact on winter roads and you feel very safe/grounded.

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  MY TOY - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By rab264 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  My sister purchased a 2001 Rav4 and I went with her when she picked it out and purchased. I immediately feel in love with it. I purchased my in September, 2001 and really enjoy driving it. It is perfect for me as I have arthritus in my knees and the fact that I can step down makes it alot easier.

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  Excelent SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By cbardakjian - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I had Pathfinder, but THIS is something else. You dont expect from exterior the quality of the ride nor the luxurios interior. Limited with leather and V6 is worth every penny, comfort, space and the drive feeling is a pleasure. I bought five new cars and a SUV in the past 18 years and four of them Toyota but is this TOP. Treat yourself...get one. No Im not a salesmen, Im a graphic artist. After all it is a TOYOTA. I wish domestic auto makers learn something and bring the honor and the excelence of auto making back to USA.

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  Honda Convert: Corolla no longer boring. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian G - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I too have been a Honda driver for over 10 years, and after considering the 02 Civic and the 02 Altima, but then found this 03 model that was the best value, size and design. (can you believe this is the once BORING Corolla?!!) It has a good price, great handling, great EPA MPG, great looks, bigger than a Civic, sits up higher, peppy/fun to drive. Its a Jetta, Lexus, and a Camry in one. The interior is simple, and comfortable, and has solid fit and finish. The flaws?: One major silly one... the driver side visor hits the mirror when you put it down (how did a designer miss this one!!!!?). Overall, this is probably the best value and fun in its class.

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  Second Camry - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By flbntz - July 5 - 9:19 am

  I had a 2011 Toyota Camry Base, which I liked, but this is better. Fancier, bigger, better gas milage, more powerful engine, more stylish. Also, got a great deal.

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  MY FJ - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dewayne Williams - July 5 - 8:42 am

  Love my FJ looking forward to owning for a while

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Cathleen Foltz - July 5 - 4:40 am

  Over the past 25 years I have owned seven different Totota Corollas. I keep them for several years and they have been excellent vehicles. I sell them outright and then buy another one new. I have never been let down and have never made any expensive repairs. One of them I put 65000 miles on and never did anything but change the oil and filter and put gas in the tank and sometimes put air in the tires. The quality of these vehicles speaks for themself. While it is sad that the Japanese build these quality vehicles keeping me from buying American made products, I cannot and will not buy American vehicles. My friends buy American vehicles and have nothing but problems. Go Toyota.

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  4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By chad - July 5 - 1:30 am

  Toyota really put the things in this vehicle that customers want from cupholders to performance. Comfort and convenience is a main concern for me and Toyota aced the test. 4Runners also have good gas mileage which for the vehicle I dont think anything compares plus their reputation for quality durability and reliability is awesome so pay more for the peace of mind which is what I will always do.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By rstancil5487 - July 5 - 1:23 am

  Toyota is the way to go. Dont buy anthing else people!

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  Great Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Don S - July 4 - 5:30 pm

  Best car (of about 15) that Ive ever owned. Only problems, drivers window mechanism, transmission solenoid, and struts - all replaced after 60k miles. Havent needed to replace orginal brakes yet with 88k miles on vehicle. (20k miles cross country driving included.)