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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  Poor in Snow, Item Fall Out Tailgate - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Anne - July 1 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this SUV last winter. The "run flat" tires are very poor in snow. Need snow tire alternative in "run flat" tire, as there is no room for spare tire. Also, buyer beware that when one opens tailgate items fall out onto the ground. I warn that a small child could be seriously injured if standing nearby when the door was swung open, because items, large and small fall right out of SUV. Watch those toes!

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  Sienna2002 - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By dicroda - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great family vehicle; reliable; comfortable; has all the features needed - and ITS A TOYOTA!!

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  4RUNNER - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By 007 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS MY SECOND 4RUNNER.I HAD A 97 4RUNNER PREVIOUSLY.

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  4RUNNER - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ARTHUR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS MY SECOND 4RUNNER.I HAD A 97 4RUNNER PREVIOUSLY.

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  review - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By zm - July 1 - 10:00 am

  i traded in my acura mdx for this suv that should say enough right there. excited to see the new model with V8!

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  surprise! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By bruce bagnell - July 1 - 10:00 am

  driving the Prius is a surprise. It handles very well, turns on a dime, gets great gas mileage without being tied to an extension cord, has many luxury vehicle features, and lots of power. Toyota did not scimp on this one!

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  THE BEST SUV EVER MADE - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By WA - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Hi all, just wanted to voice my opinion. I just purchased a 2002 Landcruiser, this after owning a 2001 Landrover...enough said! Prior to my owning a Landrover I had a Landcruiser for several years. I can honestly say, a Landrover DOES live up to its reputation of being an un-reliable car that falls apart! Also they depreciate like CRAZYYY!!! I appreciate having my LC every day, as I know it will NEVER fail me, sure it does not have that fancy Rover symbol, but that is not nessary as the LC is a legend.

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  Where you buy - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Im sorry - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has all I want! Economical reliable, cd player, abs. Not sporty, but rides good for this size car.

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  Love My RAV! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By juggs - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck; its a great all around vehicle. I commute 50 miles round trip daily, mostly freeway and in heavy traffic, and so far am averaging 23 mpg. Visibility and acceleration are good. Do your research; test drive more than once; drive it at night; take it on the freeway; take it up a hill; make a u- turn. The RAV is a lot of fun.

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  toyota corolla sport - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JohnC - July 1 - 10:00 am

  so far ive been extremely satisfied with this vehicle. this is my 5th. toyota in a row!!!!!!!!!!!