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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  2005 Toyota PreRunner Auto - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael - July 12 - 12:20 am

  This truck is great as far as easy access to the back because of the access doors. It rides and drives great and feels solid on the road. It is good on gas but of course I wish it was better with the current price of fuel today. I love the way the truck sits up higher than most 2-wheel drive pickups because it gives you the feel that it is a 4-wheel drive and your vision of the road and traffic around you is much improved over lower 2WD Pickups. I love the style and design of this truck.

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  I love this SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jose Duarte - July 11 - 10:00 am

  For a growing family this vehicle offers comfort and space. it is like flying a plane.

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  MR2 Spyder Toyota - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By mnacoste - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance and road-handing

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  Great Truck.....No Problems after 70,000 - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By PA Bound - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck brand new and have put 70,000 plus miles on it so far. Nothing, and I mean nothing has needed repairs. Only an oil change once every 5000 miles. Great truck and a great value!!!

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  First SUV...Love It - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Louisville Runner - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. Im very impressed with all aspects of this vehicle. Toyota merges comfort, reliability, style, and utility very well.

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  Bang for the buck... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trebz - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The V8 seems to have adequate power, and the torque will no doubt make pulling a trailer a breeze. It is amazing that only Toyotas have the sliding rear window. Our dogs are going to love that feature. Stereo seems adequate (we have the base model), but would have liked to see an AUX port or an MP3 capable CD player. My only regret is that we didnt get the auto-dimming rear-view mirror/compass. The trip computer is nice, but previous posts have questioned its accuracy. I will be looking at that more closely over the next few fill- ups.

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  No Regrets - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dan - July 11 - 7:13 am

  I have owned my Camry for only 2 months; however, I have not had a single problem with it. As everyone says, the ride is very smooth and quiet. The car is truly a pleasure to drive. All of my friends and family compliment the car. My passengers are expecially happy with it and love the room, comfort, and adjustability. On longer trips, however, they have a tendency to fall asleep--which I think emphasizes how comfortable, smooth, and quiet it is. The car is also well loaded with features--many of which are adjustable. The 4 cylinder Camry has sufficient hp and acceleration for reasonable merging and passing; however, a bit more would go a long way.

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  Great car. - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By LS - July 11 - 12:26 am

  Smooth ride. Comfortable. MPG dropped when cold weather hit. Went from 32 mpg in town to 26 with temps hovering near zero. Temps back in the 40 degree range and mpg up to 28. A highway trip netted me 44 mpg. Traded a Prius for the Camry. Prius mileage suffered in cold weather, too. I loved the Prius but the Camry excels as the best combination of mileage and comfort.

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  Excellent Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bridgeguy - July 10 - 9:03 am

  We have had our Sienna for 3 years now. The van was purchased in lieu of an SUV when we found out we were having twins. Our oldest likes the third row single seat, while the twins take up the captains chairs in the middle. The split third row gives us a lot of flexibility in storage or an extra two seats when needed. We love the van and have had no issues/complaints with the reliability or quality. The only issue that has risen is the battery has died many times. Each time has had a cause, i.e. a light left on. However, I dont think one interior light should kill a battery. My 2002 Tundra has never had battery issues. It may be time to upgrade the battery.

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  A car to be enjoyed for all seasons. - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rita - July 10 - 3:03 am

  When you get behind the wheel you can feel comfortable and relaxed with all the luxurious appointments. Everything is easy to reach and understand. It feels designed with the driver in mind. I love my Camry LE. Im over 70 years old and havent felt better about any other car Ive owned.