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 SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By V-MAN - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Test drive the six and the four cylinder. The six cylinder is definately the choice model. It has been about a year since i picked up the 2002 Highlander and it has been perfect. Smooth and powerful v-6, comfortable interior, great handling for Suv and good gas milelage. Everything you need is a mid-sized Suv.

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  my opinion - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By leonid - May 3 - 9:53 pm

  I have it olmost 2years and i like it very mutch.everything is fine, the only thing I can think of: beter tires.

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  Outstanding Buy - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sacheen - May 3 - 4:03 pm

  I bought a 4runner and I could not have made a better decision. It is fun to drive, with a rugged truckish looks and okay fuel econ. Interior looks great and handling is outstanding. I looked at most mid size SUVs in the market and must say 4runner was way better than most in terms of combined value.. For those looking for a mid size SUV, if youre not overly concerned about fuel econ, then 4runner is the one for you..

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  towson - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By TOWSON - May 3 - 7:06 am

  I chose the Sequoia over the Land Cruiser becasue it is much larger, with tons of room behind the third row seat and the rear door. It rides well in 4WD, much like the Mercedes ML320 that we traded in. We love all the extra space compared with the Mercedes.

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  Fun and great - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jessie Yopp - May 2 - 5:30 pm

  The best truck I have ever been in. Fun to drive plus easy to drive also. When you buy toyota you buy it for life.

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  Fresh Whip - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By NDubK - May 2 - 12:56 pm

  Ive had my Red 2000 Toyota Celica GT for 2 years and have had only few repairs done to it. (Tire router, Tie rod, O2 sensor) and it runs amazingly. The Celica does not have the strongest engine, seeing its only a 1.8L engine with an inline 4, but it does have a surprisingly fast acceleration due to its light-weight design. My Celica has been turning heads everywhere I go, and thats half the fun of driving isnt it? She hugs turns with amazing grip. I can go 45mph on a highway ramp without any body roll! Ive kept her in amazing condition, and babied her for as long as Ive had her. I highly recommend buying a Celica if your looking for an inexpensive sports car.

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  lexus minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ktanza - May 2 - 10:00 am

  have had this van for 5 months now and put 5200 miles on it and still love it! gas milage has been 17.5 miles per gallon according to the computer which seems less than other reviews here.And i find the head rest to be a little annoying .(protrudes foward to much). may still need to break in .otherwise this is the best minivan out there.

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  Enjoyable - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Battapohpz - May 2 - 3:26 am

  My wife and I got a very good deal on our base 2009 Venza, and we are very pleased. Very comfortable seats and interior room. Cargo room is excellent and large adults can sit comfortably in the back. Really like the aggressive styling of the Venza.

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  Awesome switch from SUV! Why did I wait? - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Dawn - May 1 - 8:50 pm

  I was a Tahoe holdout, until the kids started school. I drove everything and nothing compared to the luxury of the Sienna. Comfortable seats- plus Stow and Go! I love the clever features inside-compartments everywhere. They thought of everything to make driving a family around a breeze. Tons of compartments- I love not hearing the video while the kids watch. The power doors/hatch are great- no more kids hitting their heads on the doors. 2nd row windows that roll down are awesome. I could not be happier and now I dont know why I waited so long because the convenience of driving this van far outweighs any "Im never driving a van- SUV holdout" feelings! It is a fantastic vehicle.

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  Most fun ever, even wife agrees - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dick - May 1 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car because of style and price. The Miata is severly under powered and too bland. The MR-2 looks like its bad-assed brother, and runs circles around it. I bought the green model because it was different and the compliments are amazing. Talk about fun, 0 to 60 in a heart beat without wheel chirp, handles like a dream, like its on a rail. Even my wife admits that its way too much fun NOT to take anywhere. The only problem is storage space, there isnt any, so you make do.