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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  Awesome! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By M. Hawkins - June 30 - 1:26 am

  This is one awesome vehicle. Ive owned three other different make SUVs, and they couldnt touch this Toyota with a ten-foot pole. I purchased it off the show-room floor, and wouldnt sell it for anything. I only have 30000 miles on it, because it was stored for one year while I went overseas. I only drive it on the weekends and when I what to spoil myself. After owning this Toyota, youll never want another make.

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  Feels Like a Tank! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Cruisin - June 29 - 9:40 am

  Yes, it has a lot of plastic parts and yes it has poor visibility rearward and off to the sides but I think its still the coolest thing to hit the roads in many years. I love the fact that Toyota put utility back in the SUV; everything in this truck is designed for easy cleaning and functionality. How refreshing! Behind the wheel, with the huge hood, triple wipers and all the blind spots, it really feels like a tank. Off road, it is so rugged, you are almost convinced you are driving an invincible tank!

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  Try Camry Before Buying a Sedan - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dark Joan - June 29 - 5:40 am

  Only 1700 miles so far but had to speak up. I love this car! 25+ mpg daily on 50-mile mixed commute. Great seats front and back even for two people with chronic back problems. Quiet, almost soothing ride. Precise and responsive handling. V-6 gives immediate, smooth power when needed and can really fly! Driving position like a cockpit, nice for those used to a smaller car. Passengers love individually reclining back seats and pulldown sun shade. Compare stats - back seat space is huge versus most sedans thanks to extra legroom. Tight build, no rattles, flaws or gaps. Cars design is elegant and stylish. Build quality and ride better than Cadillac. My first Toyota and Im impressed.

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  A great car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Grandpa - June 28 - 6:46 pm

  We just purchased a Hybrid Camry. We want to use the car on the long trips to our daughters. We just took the car on a 750 mile trip out west. The car performed great. We used 17 gallons of gas. We drove the speed limit 70 miles per hour on the interstate and other posted limits in towns, etc. The car was loaded with luggage and gifts for our family. I was amazed at the mileage going out, so I was even more careful to note amount of gas used and miles coming back. Sure enough we drove the 750 miles on 17 gallons coming back.

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  2006 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mrs Smith - June 28 - 6:00 pm

  The cabin is spacious and the acceleration is wonderful. Every feature is right at your finger tips. You do not hear outside noise and the chassis takes bumps well.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By allysonb - June 28 - 5:22 pm

  Just traded in my 2007 Ford F-150 for the Rav4 to get better fuel economy. I was a little hesitant going from a v8 to a 4 cyl., but this car did not dissapoint! I recently had a spinal fusion and I can drive this car all day without it bothering my back. I am also a single mom of a two year old, this car has room enough for him and all of his "gear" as well as another friend. The gas mileage is great(especialy compared to my F-150).

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  need for speed - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Johnny D - June 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car with plans to turn it in to a pocket rocket, i suppose that is my only dissapointment. toyota marketted the celica as an economy car in america, using heads with smaller valves gives them the awesome gas millage they get. but for speed enthusiasts like myself, we have to spend twice as much as honda and acura owners to get the HP we desire. but i love the look and the suspention is great, especially with a set of TRD springs, and i have done a few performance mods that have probably put me up to the GT models status, but untill i change the heads ill never have the power i originally intended it to have.

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  Great But... - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By KevinJackson - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The Car is great but this car makes you CAR SICK easy after a while. It does NOT have a clock inside!

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  Trust Us to Use the Navigation System! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By lamban - June 27 - 12:33 am

  My husband and I love the Prius we have. The only issue (and it is completely unacceptable) is that Toyota does not trust the driver (or the passenger) to use the navigation system safely while the car is moving. Either restore the 2005 and previous override or only disable the nav system if no one is in the passenger seat. If we had known what limited functionality the navigation system provides while you are actually enroute, we would not have bought it!

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  2 Words - Reliability and Capability - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Matt07FJ - June 26 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my FJ on March 28, 2006 and so far it has been perfect. Ive racked up about 16,000 miles so far and not the first hiccup. Ive thrown mud, sand, rocks, streams, and any other offroad obstacle you can think at it and it has performed flawlessly... great vehicle!