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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  Nice Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Great Truck - August 1 - 6:00 pm

  I sold my 8 yr. old Ford F150 extended cab. Wow, the Toyota is awesome in comparison. I did look at the new Ford and Nissan. I ended up choosing Toyota based on overall value and feel I made the right choice for my usage needs. Pulls my boat as though I didnt know it was there, takes me down the hunting roads and through snow and mud without a problem. Plenty of room for my family and dog. Very comfortable ride and nice handling truck. I recommend it hands down!

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  great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dean wilson - August 1 - 12:40 pm

  Its a great little car. Plenty of pickup and cruises comfortable at 75 mph. Its very responsive, great maneuverability, and runs great like all Toyotas.

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  New Taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - August 1 - 7:23 am

  The 09 is a great truck, lots of smooth power, good ride, bigger and more comfortable interior than my 97. Love the 4 doors (clamshell style). Happy with fuel economy overall, getting advertised numbers or a little better. Looked at 4cyl 5spd for better MPG but decided to go with V6 auto and no regrets. Stereo is OK for me, like the MP3 playback. Didnt get TRD, not worth the difference in price for me. Lots of new safety features on the 09 played a big part on my decision to go new. This is my 4th Toyota, 3rd truck and all have proven reliable so far. I loved my 97 taco but this truck is way better in many ways and Im sure we will have a long, happy life

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  excellent choice - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By colleen - July 31 - 11:30 pm

  Had my new Rav for one week, put 150 miles on it already. Im finding excuses to drive it! I opted for the manual transmission because of the 4cyl engine....feels like a sports car. Very responsive and it is very tight in the turns. Not what I expected from an suv. Being 5ft, it is a pleasure to be able to see out the front and sit up high, and when getting out, you dont fall out! Has all options except leather heated seats. Looking forward to putting 150thousand plus miles on it, and having it still be worth something.

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  7th gen celica - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By 00carbonbluegts - July 31 - 5:23 am

  this car has a lot of great features like great handling and suprising acceleration. this is a great car for teenage driver looking for something with a little speed and not the big price tag. this car also has a lot of aftermarket mods, which is great for someone with a mechanic in them waiting to get out.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By TGIX - July 31 - 2:06 am

  I am crazy about my Rav4! In well over a million miles of driving over the past 30 yrs, & that includes a lot of varied vehicle types, the Rav4 is my absolute favorite. Design is tops (I get stopped/asked about it an avg. of once every few weeks, twice in the past 4 days). Love its exceptionally high safety ratings. No car Ive driven before gets ABOVE the rated miles per gallon as this one does! I average 30 mpg or better of city and highway combined! Got 33 mpg going up and down steep mountain roads with two kayaks on top! Never get less than 27 mpg!

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  Excellent Value - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Susan - July 30 - 7:00 pm

  I havent had any problems with my Rav4. The only work Ive had done is normal maintainance. The only things I dont like about the car is that it doesnt turn on a dime. It is a pretty wide turn and it is difficult if not impossible to u-turn on a two lane road. You will inevitably need to go off the road a bit. Other than that I love my Rav. It is really fun to drive, has good pick up and is very reliable.

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  I love my car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By laura giglio - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car. It was worth the wait. It looks Great, Drives like a Lexus, and I just love it. Ill never not have a toyota!

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  Great Choice - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By deenie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Toyota I have purchased. They are stylish, yet built like tanks. Thus far my Sequoia has not disappointed. Its a well built vehicle, great power for a large SUV, it handles very well, great for climbing steep grades. My only complaint is the turning radius. Ive recommended it to everone who inqures about it.

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  LUV THIS TRUCK - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By SPRELL1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  LUV THIS VEHICLE IN EVERY RESPECT