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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  Built to last! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By TonyVee - December 12 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle has the perfect mix of comfort and muscle. Its a vehicle that is just as comfortable at a formal occasion as it is off road. But by far its number one best feature is Dependability! Love this SUV!

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  140,000 miles and still going strong! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By mgirardelli - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 93 Camry SE V6 seven years ago and it is still as great as the day I bought it! Tons of power, blows away other comparable V6 vehicles. So far I have 140,000 on this car and I have no intention of selling it anytime soon. The only major issue I have had is that the transmission had to be rebuilt at 130,000. I should point out that I have been harder than usual on this car.

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  coffintruck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By gts996 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck for a retired guy Ive ever seen. If I still worked Id want an 8 bed but now its just right. If things continue like they have so far Ill probably keep it until I die and they can bury me in it.

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  Love My 4Runner Sport Edition - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Paul Anderson - December 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had our 1999 4Runner SR5 Sport Edition for 4 years. It has been an absolutely flawless vehicle. I dont know who J.D. Powers is talking too to give it such poor reliability ratings. The only thing our 4Runner has been in the shop for is its normal oil changes every 6,000 miles. The fuel mileage averages around 20 mpg, which is fabulous for a 6 cylinder SUV that sees mostly city driving. Our next SUV will most definitely be a Toyota, probably a Sequoia due to the larger size.

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  great purchase! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By billie72 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I think the RAV4 is a great purchase. It has a sleek body design and handles exceptionally well. It is very comfortable and I am very impressed with the miles per gallon.

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  Great decision! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt97 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 97 Tahoe for the Runner 3 weeks ago and never looked back. Other than missing the seemingly 1 million cubic feet of cargo space, the Tahoe is but a memory. The i-force V8 and 5- speed auto in the Toyota are easily the best motor/trans combo in any truck I have ever driven. I find that even with my heaviest lead foot, I am still getting 15/19 mpg. Solid build with only one minor interior issue. X-reas suspension removes all body roll.

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  Awesome SUV - Best value around - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jpr9454 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a new SR5 V8! This SUV is awesome, the engine is super smooth and quiet! The interior is made of high quality materials, my only complaint is the placement of the fuel door latch being next to the hood release; The climate controls are unique but easily manageable; the double decker rear cargo shelf and storage galore round out a beautiful interior. The ride is excellent and very comfortable. Build quality is very very impressive. Test drive one 2day!

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  Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By toyotah - December 12 - 10:00 am

  8,000 flawless miles. For me, the perfect vehicle.

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  Toyota Camry xle v6 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By nole60 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Althought I have only approximately 2000 miles on my Camry, I believe I have formed some clear opinions on its quality. The ride is terrific. It is not a sport sedan, however it handles quite well and should satisfy the vast majority of drivers. The v6 has enough power for the preponderance of American drivers and is quiet and smooth. The overall build quality is excellent.

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  Skimping on a great minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By LAS - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Great all around minivan. Meets most of our need for three babies under the age of 2. Im a bit disappointed with the manually operated adjustable passenger seat and manually adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel. A vehicle that cost this much should have these features automatically adjustable. Also the wind noise is quite loud and even forces us to turn up the radio volume. The dealer was great!!!