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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  El Mejor de los Mejores. - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RickyS - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I can only describe this car like the best, performance, QUALITY, and a lot fun to drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  My Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By michie - June 1 - 10:00 am

  We had a 2000 Ford Windstar with only 33,000 miles on it and already, it was starting to make noise and have complications. We bought the 2004 Sienna because finally, Toyota, reliable, trusted name in our books made a van that was roomy and comfortable. We love the self storing seats, the great handling and smooth drive. As long as they stay this size, I may never buy another brand of minivan!

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  my toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By alok - June 1 - 10:00 am

  ride quality is good,very quite,very reliable,cheaper than honda accord and fun to drive.Not a sport car and its kind of LE but still its a cool, nice and a good family car.

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  Excelent Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cesar - June 1 - 6:00 am

  I took the car to Las Vegas and San Diego almost brand new; the car gave around 43 miles per gallon going 65 MPG average. It is very comfortable considering the size of the car. My wife uses the car to daily commute to work and she loves it.

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  No surprises - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By FMH - May 31 - 7:20 pm

  Nice gas mileage for a family car. extremely smooth acceleration and the six speed makes it quick.Very happy with the first 3000 miles.The 400 watt stereo ugrade is a must and blue tooth is nice.Almost a Lexus es350!

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  Honest Prius Review - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Moore - May 31 - 9:38 am

  Looking for an adequate commuter vehicle with great gas mileage, this is the car for you.

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  fj dream - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By matt - May 31 - 8:10 am

  My wife and I fell in love with the FJ on first sight. The exterior styling is what caught our eyes. then we test drove it and had to have it. It is fun to drive as it looks and constantly gets compliments everywhere it goes. And the toyota name means we have nothing to worry about when it comes to quality and reliability.

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  Nearly Perfect Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Obie - May 31 - 5:50 am

  Everything you could want in an SUV with decent gas mileage. Im currently averaging just over 24 miles per gallon through about 4500 miles of mixed driving. Gas mileage on short (5 minutes or less) trips is disappointing while the engine is warming up. Best gas mileage is obtained in 30 to 40 mile per hour driving and stop and go traffic.

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  4-Runner Sport 4wd V8 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pat Mason - May 30 - 11:13 pm

  Vehicle is a pleasure to drive. 6,000 miles and not a problem one. Have gotten several compliments on what a sharp looking vehicle it is. Really like the looks & ride of the Sport Edition. Added a Yakima basket to the roof and really adds to storage capacity on longer trips. For a V8 Im pleased with the mpg. I get between 17 & 20 on the highway depending on terrain & how loaded I am and about 16 to 17 in town. Shopped & researched a lot before purchasing and not disappointed with my selection. Would buy one again.

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  This car is my baby - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Katherine - May 30 - 6:50 pm

  Where do I start... I loooove this car. My family gets mad at me because I wont let anyone else drive it, and I am very finicky where I park it, how close people get to me on the road, how close people park to me, etc. Yes, I am obsessive. haha. Whats not to like? It is a hot looking car, smooooth riding, reliable, dependable, well-built, great horsepower (I have the v6 engine), and feels like luxury. I love the color I chose, cosmic blue metallic. I have only seen a handful of them out there. This is my first Toyota but it certainly will not be my last.