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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  Excellent Vehicle!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By regwaw - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my vehicle it is just excellent! The seats are comfortable, its all just so perfect. I used to always buy fords until my corolla, now ill never want a ford again. The only flaw that i have found in this vehicle is its lack of power compared to the weight of the vehicle.

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  Great Van!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Northern Virginia - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Great van! I traded a 01 Mazda Mpv for the Sienna. I love how the Sienna drives it is very smooth and quiet and the transmision seems flawless. I love all the room and the fact it has cup holders and storage bins every where.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By seldom - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful smooth riding car, after driving it for 5 years it is still drives like the original condition when brand new, I wish I bought it used and saved money, it would not have made any difference in the pleasure of driving it.

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  First impressions - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By drewm - November 10 - 8:40 pm

  I really appreciate how smoothly it switches from electric to gas and back. You dont even notice it. The pick-up is remarkable. It is very quiet, and rides like a car... not quite as smooth as my Sienna, but close.

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  Hybrid Rip Off - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Brian - November 10 - 5:36 pm

  Bought the hybrid for the great mileage claims which turned out to be a complete lie. Vehicle gets 21-22 mpg from normal driving which in no way justtifies the price premium.

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  Love It! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob S. - November 9 - 10:56 pm

  The big 3 especially GM wonders why nobody wants their cars. Second Toyota and never seen a shop.. Love the 4-Runner.. Smooth handling, Good on fuel, fun to drive. Wish it had a scoche more headroom, but I was unwilling to buy the poor mans SR5. The Limited with the sunroof is the only way to go. The Nav needed help as the one in my F250 rocks! But durability hands down no worries with Toyota!

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  Proved me wrong - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sidekick - November 9 - 9:53 pm

  I traded in my 04 mustang in for a Yaris at first I was unsure but due to gas prices it was a must. After owning driving this car it surprised me. This car packs a lot of PUNCH and gets good fuel economy. 3rd gear makes it fun to drive even more especially up hills. I thought this would be a boring car but it proved me wrong.

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  Extra options? - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Louis A DAndrea Jr - November 9 - 4:43 pm

  Pro: Nimble quick and easy to drive! Exceptional safety system. Very fuel effecient for large V-6. Exceptional tourqe coupled to a smooth refined drive train. On road 4x4 capable. Comfort and ergonomics are excellent. Cons: Below averge sound system lacks fedelity. Skimpy on the underseal. Sunroof noise.

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  Technological Marvel - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Houston - November 9 - 4:03 pm

  The Camry Hybrid is a technological marvel enabling more efficient, but safe and comfortable, transportation (reminds me of when CDs replaced records; the hybrid is an ingenious automotive development). The vehicle accelerates well with the combined electric and gas engine. The electric engine works to conserve fuel in all phases of driving (converts kinetic energy to electric). Trunk holds my golf clubs and more. The hybrid is the perfect urban car, thriving on stop-and-go traffic. It is quiet. Relaxed drive. Maintenance on the first 100K miles should be nothing but routine. Drives and looks like a Lexus ES 300, but costs much less. I got a lot of value.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ssiffermann - November 9 - 2:06 pm

  I have driven many makes and models and this is by far my favorite! Easy to drive, lots of go, good on gas, easy to park. I highly recommend this car.