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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  Finest built truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By rob220 - February 22 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this truck with 218k from my good friend right before he passed away and he used it not only to commute around 130 miles a day but also on a farm towing full hay wagons through fields and other farm stuff. It now has 237k and in that distance the only problem I had was the starter went.Yes the exhaust manifolds leak but its been that way since I got it one year ago. the timing belt is probably original along with the oxy sensors but I toasted a 2010 f150 5.4 triton last week with it and it didnt care. I have yet to this day found anything that my stock 01 tundra couldnt do, It still runs and stops great.

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  Great First SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Great First SUV - February 22 - 4:30 am

  If your looking for your first SUV, this is your car. The V6 AWD has a very smooth ride. When you first get in the car and look around you will find that their are no blind spots! Which is a plus for a SUV. The standard features are ample, and you really feel like you are getting the most for what you paid for. The third row seat is a nice feature. The only problem I see with that is the very limited leg room and the inability to easily get in and out. All in all, this is a great vehical. Have no regrets and Im sure you wont either.

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  Good SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mag - February 21 - 9:13 pm

  The V6 engine has great performance. Quiet engine. Fun to drive, easy to park. I like the controls and fold down seats. Good gas mileage, 23/25 town, 27/29 highway. I am very disappointed in the ride, it is more like a truck, not smooth at all. Also the headrest are not comfortable.

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By george norwood - February 21 - 4:20 pm

  I traded my 07 S for this one for the new body style and all the airbags and antilock brakes. The car rides and handles great. It is a lot roomier on the inside. Love the blue dots on the seats. Its like a baby Camry.

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  Great little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By kernal - February 21 - 12:50 pm

  I have a 2007 Camry XLE V6 which I use for long trips. I wanted a small economical new car with good mileage to drive around locally. I compared the Chev Aveo, the Smart car and a small Kia. I felt the Toyota Yaris would meet my needs and I have not been disappointed. The mpg is very good above advertised. The car is comfortable, fun and easy to drive. For a small 2 door hatchback it has a surprising amount interior room. With the rear 60-40 rear seat down it has a great cargo space in the back. I added a few options for comfort and appearance. As with any small car it sways on the highway in high crosswinds. Overall I am very pleased with this car. It does cost a little more than similar.

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  Boberts Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Bobert - February 21 - 6:13 am

  The Corolla is Toyotas best kept secret - in my opinion it is even better than a Camry - just about the same size with way better gas mileage and about $5K cheaper. The LE model is equipped with all the options needed to be comfortable. The engine and transmission is so smooth. Driving on the interstates you have to be careful because you cant hear the engine and the ride is not compromised at 85 MPH. No scheduled maintenance tuneups until 120K miles due to new technology iradium spark plugs - antifreeze good for 100K. Other people can not believe that my car is a Corolla because it is not a little car - they also love the luxuious Indigo Ink Blue metallic color - used on Avalons.

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  2003 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Wes P - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased 03 2WD Limited. Fantastic SUV. Ultra-smooth drivetrain. Great interior ergonomics. Factory DVD system is awesome. Had GMC Yukon but was going broke from fixing it. Little pricey but compared to others in class, its OK. Super-sized sunroof, fun. Have high expectations for vehicle and hope they are met.

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  Toyota Camry LE - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By DanC. - February 21 - 2:00 am

  We baught this car new and it has been a great car. We like the performance of the 4 cylender engine and the great gas milage. I was suprised at the power of the 4! It is very comfortable to drive. I am 62" and 220 lbs. and my wife is 52" and petite so it was had finding a car to match both of us. This is our 2nd Camry and we plan on buying another one when the time comes.

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  Good, reliable car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Karel - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought it last year with a 50000 miles on it. Still runs great and has been very reliable in snowy and cold condition. Very good handling, no snow tires needed.

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  We love it review - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Fillers - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I drive this auto to work but my husband loves to drive it also. We usually end up taking it on trips because of the good gas mileage and because we like to travel in it.