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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  Love My Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Andy - March 9 - 1:30 am

  I have only had it two days but I am already loving it. My previous ride was a 2008 Nissan Armada LE loaded with everything you could ever want, except fuel efficiency. I decided to sell the Armada and accept a sizable loss due to the outlook on oil/gas, was lucky to find a package 6 with nobody waiting for it and I only had to wait 3 weeks for it to arrive (with 1 mile on the odo).

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  The Best Minivan? - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Chico - March 8 - 10:30 pm

  This is our first foray into the world of minivans and we couldnt be happier. The V6 engine is like butta, the seat are extra-comfy, and the added security of the AWD is priceless. This is the nicest vehicle that Ive ever owned. We also paid about $3000 below MSRP. We also own an 07 Camry. Thats 2 Toyotas after years of owning Hondas. We may never go back to any of Toyotas competitors.

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  My little bubble car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jamielyn6705 - March 8 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my car last may in 2007. I saw it on line and just new I had to have it, its a fun car to drive and very reliable. The gas is great! The only bad thing I would have to say about the car is that it doesnt have great pick up, but you have to expect that because it a four cylinder. Over all excellent car!

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  Excellent, Solid, Reliable 4Runner - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dan - March 8 - 2:10 pm

  I bought the 4Runner in 1999, when it was 3 years old with 53k on it. Now it has 191k miles and I am very impressed with this truck. It drives as well as the day I bought it. During the 8 years Ive owned it, it had no problems whatsoever! This car did not see the dealership unless I took it there for regular maintenance. Its extremely solid and reliable, starts even in the very cold Chicago winters (I keep it outside) and it goes everywhere thanks to a very potent 4x4 system. The paint is glossy even now, after all these years. There is no rust. I cannot believe how strong this car is and I think it will last me another 100K miles.

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  Love my Corolla! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Graham - March 8 - 11:16 am

  I got a 2009 Corolla LE. My mom loves it and she and I think the handling is better than we expected, has great fuel mileage, tackles corners with ease, comfortable. I do not know why people complain about the steering, could it be the tires?

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  Good truck, 4-lo a liitle tricky to do - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By retired_newmex - March 8 - 10:43 am

  Fantastic truck. Lo-4 a little tricky to engage/disengage

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  My Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mtc - March 8 - 10:40 am

  Average about 30-33MPG with a healthy mix of city and highway driving. I can fit my 3 teenagers in the back seat, hockey sticks up the middle and two full hockey bags in the trunk. Car starts, runs, warms up, wonderfully.

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  Awesome!! - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By jsta - March 8 - 1:26 am

  This is the Lexus of minivans. Toyota is living up to its reputation. They definitely did their homework and researched everything. We have had the Sienna for a little over a month and it has not disappointed us in the least. We cannot wait to take it on a road trip this summer.

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  Great New Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By New Toyota Owner - March 7 - 2:16 pm

  Recently purchased the New 2009 Camry SE. I like nearly everything. Would have liked to see slightly softer seating but that is all I can think at this point. Lots of fun to drive, great gas mileage, and the design of the car is very cool. The SE model has average features for the money.

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  LOVING MY SEQUOIA - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mimisample - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. For the price, you cannot go wrong. We chose the Sequoia over other SUVs in its class because its more sophisticated. When we are dressed up for church or dressed down for a picnic, my husband and I look good in it. Of course, it drives well.