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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  Happy Driver - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Elaine A. Byrne - May 30 - 1:26 pm

  I have been more than surprised and delighted at my experience with the Prius. Having been a diehard USA brand driver - the high cost of gas and length of my compute plus the fact that no American company has a hybrid - drove me to try an alternative. Research and a trial drive convinced me that the Prius was the way to go and I have not regretted it. The car is comfortable which is also a big consideration for me as I am only 511. I compute 60 miles a day and have cut my gas costs from over $60 a week to approximately $20. What more can I say?

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Miller - May 29 - 12:13 pm

  I am extremely pleased so far with my 2005 Prius. The comfort and performance have exceeded my expectations. Quality is excellent and it is fun to drive. It is comfortable for four people on any length trip, but baggage limitations make it more practical for two people on long trips. There is plenty of cargo space with the rear seat folded down.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By ldk - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It drives smoothly, and has lots of interior space/storage for a small car. Visibility is great, I like being up high. Im glad it came stripped, because I can add the stereo and alarm I want without paying dealership prices for low quality equipment!

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  95% Perfect - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Toy-4-Ever - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Performance is exceptional given small engine. Lags a bit with AC on, what can I expect. Now have close to 45,000 on it. Couple of minor rattles, other than that, excellent vehicle. Rock solid and reliable, as with my 94 Toyota P/U (225,000 miles, less than $2,500 in repairs)

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  Catch me if you can!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By im_real_kewl - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited 5 months for my new Matrix, and it is well worth the wait. Ive owned a ford escort, a BMW 3 series and a Toyota 4runner. None of them gives me the satisfaction that I get from my Matrix. So far the only thing that annoys me is other drivers on the road. They ride beside you to get a closer look, sometimes almost hitting you. Of, course then I must down shift and say bye bye!!

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  A Fun To Drive Vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By William F Doherty - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles wonder at all speeds. I have had forty (40) vehicles in my life time so far, this 2002, 2WD RAV4 W/QP Package is the BEST.

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  Take the Whole Family for a Ride - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By LuvMySUV - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Previous owner of a 95 Isuzu Rodeo from 95 to 98, back to a car, back to a real SUV. My Toyota Sequoia seats all of my shopping buddies and accomodates the family on trips to the South with comfort. Its ride is oh so smoooooth! Mileage isnt great, but I knew that prior to purchase. Purchased 12/2001, drove from Chicago to Atlanta New Years weekend. No drama, no backaches or body aches.

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  Comfort - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By CherryJose - May 29 - 10:00 am

  At first I thought the inside would be small but theres more headroom than if you sat inside a Grand Jeep Cherokee. Theres also plenty of footroom and lots of storage space. Its a great value and it even decreased my insurance payments after owning a Nissan Maxima...overall great SUV that doesnt feel like an SUV at times.

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  My wife and I fight over the Keys - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Ruckus1 - May 29 - 3:40 am

  I bought this vehicle as a work truck/toy to hall various things for the house. My wife saw pictures of it and said it was to big&bulky and that I would not have to worry about her getting behind the wheel. After the first hour she suggested getting an extra key fob wich was priced at $240. She frowned when I folded the seats down and shoved a sink,counter and a power saw in the back. We absolutely adore this vehicle. its a joy to drive. We invite this winter season to do its worst.

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  Best mid-size truck available - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By iambigdan - May 28 - 4:40 pm

  I replaced my 12 yr old Toyota pickup with an 07 Tacoma double cab TRD Sport longbed. Nothing wrong with my old truck, just wanted something bigger and with more options/power. Only had it a month but I can tell I will be driving for many years. Decent power, smooth ride. Only problem I had was fitting it in my garage.