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 Wagon - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By JeffB - April 10 - 11:53 am

  Bought as certified used, so far a wonderful trouble free vehicle. Lots of space in the 2nd row and rear cargo area that works smoothly and efficiently in our part-time service biz. Nice misc storage including water bottles in the door, and love the flexible multi-compartment console. Four cylinder has more that adequate power. I get 26-28 MPG in mixed driving and 30+ MPG on the Hwy, but I have a light foot. Radio and environmental controls are easy once you get used to them. The backup camera doesnt work too well in bright sunlight, but works great in lower light conditions when its needed the most. The leather is very nice, and the overall interior design is well thought out.

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  Love My Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By JIm - April 10 - 4:13 am

  I traded in my 04 Durango for the Sequoia. This truck is amazing. Rides and tows excellent. It was well worth the wait! It was way more than I expected!

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  No Worries Mate - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyotaDownUnder - April 10 - 3:13 am

  I was asked to look for a reliable car for my wife and found the much loved Yaris. We have the four-door hatch here in Sydney, Australia and its heaps user friendly. Its modded with Toyotas bigger wheels and low profile tires which help the handling.The gas mileage is exceptional especially in Sydney traffic. It has all the pep you need for an engine of that size. Off in the bush however, it needs more torque. Trunk space is good and the back seat is roomy enough for two taller set people due to the lack of the drive shaft hump on the back floor. The experience has been enjoyable and weve had no dramas in Toyota country.

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  A Big (pleasant) Surprise - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bird - April 10 - 2:00 am

  On the outside this SUV can look big but once inside and behind the whell it feels like a car. It does not even compare with any other, its in a class by itself. I was most surprised by how incredibly quiet this SUV is. It has the feel of a Lexus in quietness.

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  AWESOME - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By HJKL - April 10 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME SUV. RIDES SMOOTH, ALONG WITH GREAT LOOKS, QUICK TAKE OFF. NEEDS A LITTLE MORE HP. I AM NOT REAL BIG ON 3RD ROW SEATS. IT SEATS 5, ANYMORE AND YOU SHOULD GO AHEAD AND GET A FULL SIZE.

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  run little car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Dourian - April 10 - 2:00 am

  it is the only car that is high enough off the ground for me not to hurt my back getting in and out of it plus it alot of getup an go

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  Best Economy Car Ever - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Simon Beltz - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 Echo with a manual transmission for $13k just a few days ago (11-09-02)Its possibly the best car Ive ever driven for the price. The seats are high and comfortable (Im 61), theres plenty of head room. Cargo space seems endless (almost makes we want to buy stuff just to fill them!). The engine is a only peppy at high RPMs, so dont expect great acceleration which one shouldnt for a small car. I did notice the manual performs better getting on the hwy than the automatic. Knowing Toyota is very very reliable, I highly recommend this car for college kids or first time buyers, this was a great buy!

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  The Great Sienna CE! - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By T-Man - April 10 - 2:00 am

  CE has it all. It has safety, looks, ride, comfort, essential power items. I do not want power sliders liftgate, not reliable and slow. They add to the cost. Honda-arrogance at buying at sticker, more $$. Chrysler has trans and transaxle problems, shift funny, Gm- unrelaible, no resale. CE is VALUE! LE/xle, too much $$! Prediction,Honda below invoice in summer as Toyotas 2004 van will force them to swallow their arrogance and get on knees and ask customers to kindly come back. Too late!

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  Think of it as an investment - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma, california - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Tacoma Ive had. Im keeping this one as long as it keeps running. If you are looking for a small truck (S10, Frontier, Ranger,etc) do not make the mistake of buying anything but Toyota. Reliability and resale value do not even come close with the others. The first one I had I sold because it didnt have the xtracab. It had 34k on it and never one problem. The new one has 13k and is much nicer than the first (3-in-1 stereo is a great standard feature). The gas mileage is great and the ride is much better than the 97 I used to have.

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  Happy with Purchase - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tom - April 10 - 12:20 am

  I happily moved from a 2001 Rav4. This car offers more pickup, a quieter interior and a generally more pleasant driving experience. The handling is fairly sure-footed, though it turns like a larger, heavier car. The hybrid system is unobtrusive and can be ignored. I dont love the intrusive console/bridge between the front seats-- would have preferred elbow room. The iPod integration is so bad that its not worth paying more for it--it came free with the NAV, so I dont feel too ripped off.