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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  2005 Sequoia - Better Than 2002 ! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob Green - July 17 - 10:50 pm

  I traded in a 2002 SR5 Sequoia with 60,000 miles on it. Zero repairs, never a minutes trouble - loved the car. Wanted the new 5 speed auto transmission and larger engine. The trade in value was too good to pass up. The new 2005 has 4000 miles on it after 1.5 months. 2000 miles in one trip. 5 speed transmission is a plus. Some of the exterior features are not as "robust" as they were in 2002 (running boards) The extra 40 plus horsepower is a real "kick" when it is needed!

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  Great Not-So-Small SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ryan - July 17 - 9:36 pm

  What an impressive change from the previous style. This vehicle cosmetically is so nice, both inside & out. People have constantly stopped to look and see what it is Im driving. The build quality is perfect & the fuel economy is amazing. With no 3rd Row seat, the legroom im the back is great for even full size adults. Great Job Toyota!

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  2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By john holmes - July 17 - 2:40 pm

  The crew max is very roomy. The truck has a modern interior like a car and drives very smooth. Everything thing you could want in a truck - power, smoothness, and comfort. Better gas mileage than dodge but could be better (what can you expect for a truck).

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  Best of New Technology - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Judi - July 17 - 10:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever bought in my life. I save over 250.00 a month on gas from my previous car. Its good for the enviroment and the pocket. You can have socially responsible product and also save money. Who can ask for more!

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  The best car Ive ever owned. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Norma - July 17 - 4:53 am

  The Toyota Prius has delivered everything I look for in an automobile. While I have not yet achieved the 50-60 mpg range, I do average 44.7 mpg. That may be due to the fact I live in a mountainous area which requires more gasoline usage to pull up the hills. If you like to hear your music more than the roar of an engine, this is the car for you. Its so quiet you cant tell its running. Dont mistake it for a compact car, either. My husband is 65" and weighs over 320 lbs. and he fits just fine. We are so impressed with this vehicle, we each have one. I look forward to the day when every car on the road is a hybrid, because they not only cut down on air pollution, but also noise.

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  My Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By R. Kaplan - July 17 - 4:26 am

  Its a great car in almost every way. Just that the view out of the rear view mirror is awkward. Drives beautifully and handles well. Terrific brakes.

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  The one to buy - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mark - July 17 - 4:23 am

  Another great design by Toyota. Outstanding in all respects. Only issue is rearward visibility when backing up is not very good. I look forward to driving this vehicle every day! Highly reccomend it to anyone.

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  Would buy another - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By zipcode21804 - July 17 - 4:13 am

  Traded my 2003 Seville, not disappointed at all. The gas mileage is great on regular gas. Nav system leaves a little to be desired, that message gets on your nerves every time you start the vehicle. Should be easier to program. Sound is good JBL did a fine job although I did a personal upgrade surround sound is a great feature, Cabin is tight noise and rattle free. I bought 3 caddys before I purchased my Avalon. When it comes to comfort, its a no brainer. Avalon wins; wheels down.

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  Yaris Sedan - Excellent value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cheap Thrills - July 17 - 4:03 am

  Small on the outside, roomy on the inside. Material quality and fit are very good. Performance is surprising for a 108 HP engine. Brakes and handling are excellent. Fuel mileage in heavy rush hour traffic and steep hills is averaging 37 MPG. Fits four full-sized adults with comfort. Easy to get in and out of. Seating position is elevated with unobstructed view. Toyota has done their homework well and has produced a solid economy car with a styling edge. Add 17" sport wheels,a spoiler and some sport trim pieces and the car will definitely turn heads.

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  Its awesome ! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Veronique Bower - July 17 - 1:33 am

  Everyone tried to talk me out of it, but now they all want one ! I love it. I know it is a necessary step in the right direction toward saving our own environment. The navigation system is a real blessing. It has all the "bells and whistles" of the more costly Lexus, for a lot less.