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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  Unbelievable - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By dirkpitt - March 28 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my Sequoia in 2001 with just the dealer miles on it. Now, it has about 190,000 miles. I have done the regular services on it. It now needs the 180,000 timing belt change, etc. This SUV is incredible. It is still tight, quiet, and like new inside and out. It still does not burn any oil between changes. I stated using synthetic about 4 years ago. At this point, I wonder how long it will last. So far, no problems at all.

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  Great Car for the money! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By James Lumbert - March 28 - 5:43 pm

  This car is about as good as it gets without spending a lot more money. I have everything from alloys to spoiler and a V6. I could have spent more on an Impala, but why? I know my Camry will be around a long time and be worth something even longer!

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  Great pickup - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By grocers - March 28 - 2:40 pm

  This pickup has been dependable, trouble free transportation. Most of the miles have been highway for me. It is very comfortable on long drives and performs well in different weather conditions.

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  I love my car!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Gina - March 28 - 9:30 am

  Ive had my Toyota Corolla for about a year now and I have no complaints what so ever. It is probably the best car Ive ever had besides a Toyota Camry. When we drove the Toyota it was very quiet in terms of road noise. Last summer we went on vacation to the Smokie Mountains. We are a family of four and were able to pack everything we took there and the extras we brought home in the trunk. There was plenty of leg room for both of my teenage boys and my husband. I work in Home Health and drive a lot - the gas mileage is great on this car. If you are looking for a great little car for very little money this is the one!

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MsMerl - March 28 - 9:00 am

  Everyone told me I would regret buying this car but I just love it! For the first time in my life I go for a drive just for the chance to be in it! It fits me perfectly and it makes me feel good. I enjoy driving it on country road and in town.

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  Underrated Car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Ron - March 28 - 8:00 am

  Im 66" and the Echo is the only economy car with enough headroom for me. Its surprisingly quick and Ive averaged about 40 mpg overall...38 in town and 43 hiway...the combination of mileage, space, and quick accelation in a modestly priced car is unbeatable to date...once you get accustomed to the center dash...its a better design from a safety point of view.

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  05 Tacoma Off Road - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By nickotto7 - March 27 - 10:46 pm

  Have only had it a few months but all seems like expected so far. Have one small rattle from engine compartment which sounds like a loose heat shield that I am going to get fixed in a day or two. Comfortable interior, very little road noise, handles like a car. So far so good.

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  King of V6 off-roaders - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By alex_fj - March 27 - 10:12 pm

  If you are in need of a full capable 4x4 low cost and low maintenance, the Fj Cruiser is for you. I have a 2007 4x4 5speed auto. Kicks butt on road and off. 100,700mi on it and no problems at all. Only replacements have been bulbs other than that it still runs like a champ smooth as ever. Will out preform any other bone stock 4x4s and I mean WILL.. If youre willing to get intense it will need some mods but other than that your set for some mild of roading. This powerful little monster will leave you in awe if you mis judge it, take it for a test drive you might fall in love.

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  Another one? In a heartbeat!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By TOGOB4 - March 27 - 7:03 pm

  This the most enjoyable, totally satisfying car Ive ever owed in my 48 years of driving. It leaves almost every offering from American, the European and other Asian car companies in the dust. The technology is typical Toyota - well engineered, well manufactured and ultra reliable. Besides that, the Prius is a blast to drive! Performance and comfort are excellent. 550-600 miles from a fillup of only 11.9 gallons is only one of the Prius high points. The only problem Ive had with the car is the LONG wait to finally get it after ordering. And did I mention that the Prius is a blast to drive?

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  My Dream Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By puuloke - March 27 - 6:03 pm

  I drive 200 miles per day to and from work over a mountain road that takes me from sea level to 10,000 ft elevation and back down the other side. My commute is over highway, roughly paved and gravel roads. I have driven Chevy, Dodge, Ford and Nissan trucks during the 20 years I have had this drive. This is absolutely without a doubt the best truck I have ever had, in all categories. Traction is superb, and I bought the truck for reliability so everything is heavy duty. I dont mind the rougher ride with the TRD offroad package and the CD player doesnt skip like in my Dodge. I cant wait to take this truck camping next week.