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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  Best Value In America - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By M Digman - February 18 - 9:53 am

  This is a great car, beautifully equipped with all the creature comforts you can want. As for economy, Im beating the revised EPA MPG estimates by +4MPG in the city (25 vs. the 21 Estimate) and by +3 MPG on the highway, (34 actual vs. the EPA 31 estimate!). Beauty, styling, luxury and great gas mileage... I love this car!

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  Gotta Love It - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim Thorpe - February 18 - 5:13 am

  Awesome. Living in the Pocono Mtns of PA this truck goes anywhere anytime and its a blast to drive on the winding back roads. Bought it to get me to the trout streams and ski slopes which it does just great. However, Ive driven it to SC repeatedly with no complaints and used it to build a couple brick patios out back. It hauled repeated loads of brick, gravel, and sand like a mule. No complaints about the 24 MPG for a truck either. Quicker out of the hole would be nice, but thats a compromise I knew I was making for the gas mileage when I bought it. I am an outdoorsman and "do it yourselfer" so this vehicle is ideally suited to my lifestyle.

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  Love my truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jolyn - February 18 - 4:40 am

  I have drove my Toyota Tundra for one year. It is the first vechile I have owned that did not have to go back to the dealer for repairs or adjustments. I just have it serviced as directed by the owners manual. It is the first Toyota I have owned but it will not be the last.

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  8 years and going strong - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyotofan - February 18 - 4:00 am

  Bought new in 2000 and never had a problem with it except when I had to replace the battery in the keyless remote. Oh, and when the car battery (finally) died a few months ago (it lasted almost 8 years!!). Great if you really need 4WD and road clearance. I put it in 4WD daily on our mountain road. We love our 4Runner. My husband wants to buy me a new vehicle, but Im not ready to give this one up! Conservative dash, no bling. Boring stereo, cd player skips on curves and mountain roads.

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  Ajax - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By a. Jones - February 17 - 6:13 pm

  Truck is high quality built and designed. Runs well with good responsive engine and smooth ride. All acessories are of good design, with exception of the clock placement. Solid construction with dependability throughout

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  Best Truck Ever - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Matt - February 17 - 3:13 am

  I have owned a Ford, and a Chevy truck this Tundra by far is the best I have owned. Mine has the bench with the fold down arm rest and I love it. I fit six pretty big guys in there with no problem. I have pulled trailers that weighed close to 6500 lbs and it felt like nothing was back there...The truck is rated kind of low for towing but I think it can handle most loads...I actually average about 19.2 mpg overall and thats a 6 month avg. Low maintenance Great overall truck...We are Toyota Family and would recommend this truck to anyone looking for one. I am ready for my next one in about 20 years.........

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  This truck is great - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By robin - February 16 - 6:53 pm

  We tow our toyhauler camper, garbage trailers and work trailers all the time. It handles everything like it was just part of a days work. We have two older kids who love riding in the back seat. We drive it around town and on the highway constantly. We travel 5 1/2 hours one way every other weekend and everyone is comfortable. Being a female, I wasnt sure about a truck but I love it. Its fun to drive and handles well. Yes it drives like a truck because it is one. We purchased an ARE cap and a bed rug for when we bring our two large dogs. For a truck the gas mileage isnt bad, the Pilot I had got 17/21 and we couldnt do half of the things with the Pilot that we can do with the Tundra.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Giff NY - February 16 - 6:50 pm

  We went from a Lexus to the Camry, you get a lot of car for the money. 10k less than an ES 350. We have 18k on it now and have been completely satisfied. Car is loaded with nav, etc. Would recommend with no question.

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  Great Car for these times!!! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By firetem - February 16 - 4:06 pm

  This is my first Toyota. So far I havent been disappointed. Very roomy and gas mileage is great.

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  Prius Fan - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jay - February 16 - 3:30 pm

  The world looks a lot greener at 50 mpg! Im averaging about 49 through my first 5000 miles. As others have commented, this car changes your driving habits; after watching the Prius information display for a while, you could probably learn to get better mileage from any car. (Most revealing to me is the realization that mileage is always lowest when the engine is cold. Link your trips!) But theres more to the Prius than great mileage. Its stylish, roomy, and comfortable; it performs well; and its lots of fun to drive.