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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  Sallys Car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jack - May 21 - 6:33 pm

  Bought my Camry with 23,000 from auction in 03. Had brake and water pump fixes from sitting. Recent fresh paint and minor age repairs only. Great interior room and seat comfort. The usual maintenance keeps my Camry going. No replacement payments keeps me happy. As low mileage users this Camry will carry me to the retirement home. Good for additional people hauling with great trunk space for the grocery store stops.

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  Benchmark of excellence - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By VG - May 21 - 1:03 pm

  My first car was a Toyota Camry and this is my second after taking a break from Toyota.I rented this car several times and contrary to what the reviews say, the Camry is definitely the most refined automobile on the road wish Lexus like qualities.The ride is well worth it and the V6 works upto this.The first Camry was a 4 cylinder and was exceptional in every aspect except power, but Toyota has came a long way since then.One aspect that Toyota should make an option as Nissan has with some of their models is the option of HID lights.HID lights are available on Camrys big brother,the Avalon on select trims.Overall the Camry is definitely reliable,great quality,sporty,luxurious,worth the money

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  fun fun - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dreasy420 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  this car is great fun to drive turns alot of heads look good for summer buy this ride

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  Toyota ECHO - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By clock - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car to get around town in. gas mileage is what primarily attracted me to it.I get an average of about 300 miles out of a tank in the city.The sound system is great,and provides enough oomph to please the ear.The car is pretty good with roominess for what you are getting.Id say 4 adults can sit comfortably inside.This car has enough power to get up to the mid-90s comfortably, top speed, like110mph.It cruises on the highway pretty well, good amount of passing power.Its not a sports car,Handling: in a crosswind, it feels like the car is may want to drift.This is only at high speeds. A/C is decent, same with heat. LOTS of headroom.Good car!

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  Good on Gas! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Brandon Frye - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I got 43 miles to the gallon on a 350 mile trip and I was averaging 75+mph! Great car with stick. Ive driven the auto and it was way to slugish for me. Has alot more body role then my celica did. There is a whining sound from my rear tires when I drive on the highway on windy days. I think its because the car only weighs only 2000 lbs.

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  What a car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tim Edwards - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a $60,000 car with a $25,000 price tag. Outside takes some getting used to, but inside is like a state of the art luxery car. The high tech accessories are fantastic. The 2004 Prius will surely go down as a classic car in the league with the Ford Model A. It is clearly the best car choice I have ever made.

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  What a great car. Just love it! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert T - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Best car that I have ever owned (including Mercedes and Lexus.)

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  must have - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bertbee - May 21 - 10:00 am

  road hog with a bit of green. Prius is a must have for every family. Great for commuter/city drives. Good quality and above avg. performance.

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  nice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By hot one - May 21 - 10:00 am

  real nice suv that stands up well againt others suv in the middle of the pack!real nice

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  2001 Tacoma Long-term review - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By OKHunter - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck new in 01, at a price well below sticker. Added a bed cover, nerf bars, Flowmaster muffler, and most important, a K&N Cold Air Induction kit. The FM and K&N gave it a measurable performance boost. This is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Has been to the shop once for replacement of fender flares, covered under warranty. Spend a considerable amount of time off-road, truck does everything asked of it, which is a lot. Towed a buddys 24 Crowne ski rig 200 miles when his BMW SUV crapped out, and it pulled like a dream. Ill likely never own another truck, cause this one will probably outlast me.