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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  Mr Yao - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike Yao - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Steel wheel design not enough pretty; Power of engine need a little more boost up such as 5.0 or 5.5 liter engine will performance better. Color of vehicle not enough for selection in Limited edition model.

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  96000 miles and no problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim Schmoll - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I now have 96ooo miles and am just as happy as my last Toyota. It had 370000 miles on it. The only thing that I dont like is the metel thickness of the body. Great truck good price. jim

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  Good choice. - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Brett - June 23 - 8:50 pm

  I bought my Highlander about 3 months ago. Previous to this I drove a BMW X5 and wanted to get something with better fuel economy. I always liked Toyotas but did not like the prevous Highlander. When the redesigned Highlander came out I figured the time was right to get one. My biggest disappointment was the navigation system. First the way it is packaged becomes an expensive option as you have to get the rear seat entertainment system with it. Second, you can only put information in it when the car is stopped which really makes using it aggravating. Third, it is a complicated system and fails to find a number of streets that it should. The system in my wifes Honda is much better.

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  Best SUV I ever had - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Phil Wilson - June 23 - 6:56 pm

  This is my 3rd LC and so far this is the best and most powerful of the three.its fun to drive and my wife approves it to be the best of the LC I have own. I had an 05, 06 . It is well built and solid. I will go on a long trip anytime with this vehicle.

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  zippy - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By Mr.Kimball - June 23 - 11:20 am

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  Surfin Safari - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Surfinjoe - June 23 - 6:20 am

  Three words... too much fun! Fit and finish are great, as always with a Toyota. Doors open wide and provide good access to the rear seat area. The base option stereo is just fine and with the Ipod jack, music selection is unlimited. The water resistant seat fabric is perfect for morning surfs and with the 4WD... Baja is just around the corner. Best fun Ive had with a vehicle in a long time.

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  Nothing Better - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By LoveMySequoia!! - June 23 - 4:20 am

  We bought this as a replacement to our Ford Explorer. After 2 lemons from Ford will never go back! This vehicle is the best value in a large SUV. Smooth, quiet ride, good visibility and plenty of power if using it as a family vehicle. The headrest DVD players are a must if you have 2 children or more. With the wireless headphones and the pleasure of driving this vehicle, long trips are a dream. We researched, drove and compared all full sized SUVs and not only thought this was the best vehicle, but also got the best price. It was worth giving up the extra size from the Suburban.

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  love my avalon - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By i love my avalon! - June 22 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned this car for a few months and I love it already. It rides beautifully and is very classy. Also this is a very strong and solid car, I was hit by a large pickup truck and there was minimal damage. I have a lot of faith in this car. I am very glad I bought it.

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  Engine problem - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Artur - June 22 - 10:07 pm

  Engine eating oil problems with my car and my friend same year same model LE 2009

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  High Expectations - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By HNSNFN - June 22 - 4:06 pm

  Just purchased our first Toyota vehicle. Needed a 4wd with the power to pull trailers. We are absolutely over joyed with the comfort and quietness of the ride this truck provides. I have always believed that Toyota builds the best quality vehicles available, and we have high expectations that this pickup will deliver the quality we expected when we purchased. Dont see the harsh ride mentioned by other reviewers. Could be our minds will have changed towards Toyotas after having owned this one awhile. We certainly hope that will not be the case, and dont expect that it will be. Happy owners here so far!