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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  Most dependable vehicle I ever owned!!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By jolene putnam - January 30 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased this truck with 32k on it, it now has 90k and runs amazing. I have towed far more than i should have and it still runs great. Only routine maintenance has been needed. This truck has been a blast in the snow, I have not had any problems going anywhere, even in 2 wheel drive I was passing trucks struggling in 4 wheel drive. I am planning on buying a newer model. All in all a great vehicle. I have never doubted it.

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  Impressive gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MM - January 30 - 1:33 pm

  We just leased our 2008 highlander hybrid and currently have 800 miles logged. We are averaging 27.4 mpg and utilizing the econ and ev modes. Without those, our average was around 24. The vehicle is very comfortable and fits my 67" very well. Overall, it is a very quiet vehicle.

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  What more could you ask for? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - January 30 - 1:26 am

  This car is awesome. Sharp looking, this car can go to the Country Club or the Country Store and never be out-of- place. Features are plush but functional. Good quality leather, good fit for trim, and very little road noise. Traded a "Big Iron" T-Bird and was afraid the Camry would be a step down. While not as quick as the big V- 8, this car should get as good as, or better than, raitings for style, comfort, and handeling.

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  I will buy another one - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Roger Downer - January 30 - 12:00 am

  This is my third one and they seem to get better each year.

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  Annapolis Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Lenny - January 29 - 6:30 pm

  Have had for 4 months and a very nice vehicle--was hoping for better gas mileage but only have 2,000 miles on it so hopefully after it breaks in---the onboard MPG display is strange- sometimes goes from 39 mph to 99.9 mph-- pretty sure that is not true or would never go to gas station-but overall i am glad I bought this

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  Very smooth and comfortable ride - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By garapata - January 29 - 11:30 am

  We got this van because i am fed up with my Honda CR-V because it is too small, bumpy, worst seat and has horrible road noise. I get stressed out every time i drive within the first 30 minutes. My family went on a long drive to Vegas just last week and it took us 5 hours to get there but it only seemed like 2 hours for me. The van is very roomy and the seat is very ergonomically designed, very comfortable. I like the bluetooth capability, connected the iphone to receive and make calls, and even play your music files wirelessly. I think fuel economy is not bad considering a V6 engine and at constant 85 mph speed. Overall, it is a wise decision to choose the Sienna over the Odyssey.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - January 29 - 6:03 am

  Hands down the best vehicle Ive owned.

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  Cute, but certainly not a NASCAR - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By DAWN - January 29 - 3:03 am

  The side front windows limit visibility, the transmission hesitates when shifting, the back seat passenger room is spacious, the stereo system has a great bass and the versatility of CD changer, satellite, iPod, etc., is outstanding. The Bluetooth hands free cell phone feature is user friendly, the 2.4l 4 cylinder engine is great, for in town driving, but there is barely enough power to maneuver interstate lane changes. Overall I like the Camry for its large trunk space, sporty look, the metallic red paint, reliability and low maintenance, Toyota warranty, Toyota dealer service department and better gas mileage than my full size truck. I would recommend buying the 6 cyl. engine.

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  exellent truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By haro - January 29 - 2:00 am

  exellent suv. no complains, so far I like everything on it

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  Loved this car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lacey Frey - January 28 - 7:26 pm

  I loved this car, great mileage, looks fantastic, handles well.