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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  Fun Car to Drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JLB - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car! First converticvle since a Fiat Spyder nearly 10 years ago ... this one "feels" solid and muscular. Also glad to have Toyota quality and reputation. Drove it off lot not knowing mileage and have been EXTREMELY happy with > 30 mpg. Would buy this car again and wish I had done so sooner!

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  4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By docinmiss - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice smooth ride with the V8 fuel econmy same as 2 Exploerers I have owned ample cargo space and rear seats are easy to fold down..rear door closes with ease also..I don t like the plastic bumper and sides..Not enuf lighting of the door switches..

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Matches - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cyl. Highlander is the best of both worlds in that you have a Utility Vehical that gets very good gas milage. Not for off road use the 4cyl,FWD Highlander is a great buy. I average 25 mpg city/hwy.

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  Best Ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jusjone - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Owed a 2000 Sienna and just bought the new 2004. They fixed everything I didnt liked and then some. It is totally awesome - roomly, luxurious, comfortable, organized and SAFE! My family of 6 all love it!

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  Worth the extra money - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By salaud365 - July 25 - 8:23 am

  Beautiful, practical, roomy and comfortable car. It states the gas mileage is 36-40 mpg. I average 31. I dont feel I accelerate to quickly so I am not sure why it doesnt get better. Also, the interior material on the dash directly in front of the shifter rubs and makes an annoying noise. I am going to take it in and see what they can do.

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  Tacoma still the best midsize truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By azwipe - July 24 - 8:53 pm

  Not for the budget buyer! But if you want the best you get it with this beauty. Try it for a test drive I really enjoy it!

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  Great SUV, with minor improvements - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By beary2 - July 24 - 7:50 pm

  FJ styling... theres nothing else like it out there. Ride is pretty good, just a little bumpy, but to be expected. Great power/acceleration. Would like a tan interior option. Black really shows dirt/crumbs. Kids dont have any problem getting in and out of back seat (except for tight parking spaces). Do away with ceiling "speaker exciter", that thing is junk.

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  Highly recommend - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Lori - July 24 - 6:33 pm

  I was looking for months for the right car for me. I have always driven an SUV and had no intentions of going smaller. Once I drove the Venza AWD 4cyl - I was in love. I never wanted a 4cyl, but the pick up, is that of a 6cyl. The interior space is as much if not more in comparison to the the GMC Envoy I drove previously. I find the car handles very well. All space on the interior was maximized by the design of the storage. The center console has ample storage. We already own a Toyota Camry, so overall trust the Toyota name. Only 3 months in, but the Venza is living up to the brand. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a car/suv and interested in a crossover!

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  Really delivers the stated MPG! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By enzospeed - July 24 - 11:23 am

  I have been getting a true 40 mpg through the first 3,000 miles in Seattles mixed terrain and often slower paced traffic. Extremely quiet car, great for trips. We love it. However, I would upgrade to leather, as the cloth in my car feels cheap and has stained easily. Hitting the brakes very hard in emergency situations gave me unpredictable results. An extremely minor complaint for a car that delivers so much.

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  Go anywhere in comfort - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By craig - July 24 - 10:30 am

  Best truck around for all kinds of driving. Cannot be beat for build quality and onroad/offroad combination in stock form. I live in Colorado and need one vehicle to do it all and have never been disappointed