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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  At long last its a 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Umfog - April 8 - 10:00 am

  After years of saying no to SUVs and months of research,I broke down and purchased a 4Runner SR5 RWD V6.If I was going to buy and SUV it had to be a real SUV. The ride is smoother than I ever expected. The truck feels solid and tough. The V6 is powerful and fast on the pick up. Very comfortable interior and rugged yet stilish exterior. Sold on Toyotas history of quality and durability. Could not have made a better choice.

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  2004 Sienna - Were SOLD! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mjriggins - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We are extremely pleased w/ our purchase! I cant believe how quiet and smooth the ride is. Though the horsepower is allegedly lower than competition, this engine has plenty of get-up-and-go. We love the "fold-flat- into-floor" backseat; it adjusts at the simple pull of a strap. The convenience of the movable 2nd row captain chairs provide an added sense of security by allowing us to put our 2- yr old closer to the center of the vehicle. This also allows him a better view of the portable DVD we carry wherever we go. My wife loves the fact that on rainy days, she can get all the way to the back row w/out exiting the vehicle. Would recommend to anyone!

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  Doesnt seem like a - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Slappy - April 8 - 10:00 am

  When people see it they say, "THATS a CAMRY?!?" It looks too good. 17" wheels, Driving Lights, Premium Pkg.

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  lovin it - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By ladie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Reliable smooth ride, extremely comfortable for long drives(particular compared to accords) Dont like position of ea radio control button..tend to get in way. Be sure to have lights in visors mirror! excellent acceleration for a 4cyl

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By keggo - April 8 - 9:20 am

  My wife just sold her standard cab Tacoma and after a couple weeks of searching for a Scion tC, we decided to look at the Yaris. I WAS a little hesitant as it was fairly small looking. When we got there to see it and test drove it, we knew we wanted it. Its a great car that gets GREAT gas mileage, is fun to drive, and feels really solid. I could only go up to 10 on the rating, but if I could, Id go well above that. Great car, great price, great mileage!!!

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  Best Money Ever Spent - 1998 Toyota T100
  By kaywye - April 8 - 8:00 am

  Built proof, reliable, near perfect...I bought a 98 SR5 4x4 in 2002 with around 25k on it. I have driven it as my primary vehicle (commuter, highway, hunting and camping) for nearly 14 years. The truck has 155k on it now. I have done regular maintainance and a few minor repairs (small wiring issue at around 70k), nearly no issues. The motor lacks power, put it serves most purposes other than towing. I love this truck. If you find one with less than 150k, buy it. I cant wait to give it to my daughter and she is only 5. I know it will still be around.

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  My Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By delaina - April 7 - 6:06 pm

  I upgraded from a Camry to an Avalon and with two kids and husband there is plenty of room for all of us. When driving this car there is little or no road noise. I love it.

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  30 hours in traffic - 5 gallons of gas - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John J. Zipay - April 7 - 5:56 am

  I was forced to evacuate Houston during Hurricane Rita. In the ensuing traffic jam, I spent 30 hours in traffic, but since the Prius does not burn fuel while stopped and runs off the battery at low speed, I used only 5 gallons of gas! I had the A/C on low and saw thousands of people stranded on the road with families, elderly folks and children all night hoping for help. Huge bottlenecks were formed around gas stations where hundreds of cars crowded the pumps. If everyone had a hybrid car, people might not get stuck in those situations because their cars wont burn gas while idling. During the summer I average 47 mpg in both highway and city driving. In the spring and fall, I average 52 mpg!

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  One year in. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By lvboardwalk - April 7 - 5:10 am

  We bought our Prius on the last work day sat. feb 27, 2010 and got a great deal. It was quota time and with all the recall news on Prius we ended up saving $4,200. We also found a Toyota dealer on line to get and extended factory warranty for $820. as opposed to the dealers $1399. After some 7,000 miles we were amazed to get some 53mpg warm weather and around 47 in the Ohio cold. Very pleased with the mialage. We have never driven in anything but ECO gear. We will replace our 2004 Pontiac Vibe (Matrix) with a new Prius once we see what the new ones have to offer. The Vibe has been excellent but is now obsolete. My daughter will take it over.

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  Love My New Van - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Kathy - April 6 - 2:50 am

  Although I only have slightly more than 300 miles on my new van, I really am enjoying it. I have owned a 1986 and 1996 Dodge Caravan and the Toyota drives much smoother. The interior is plush, the seats are very comfortable, and the ease of stowing the third row seat is perfect!