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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  very nice Suv - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sweetmellisa23 - June 29 - 11:53 pm

  I enjoy the comfort and safety of this vehicle. I have always owned toyota and owned a Highlander limited as well. I love the feel of the ride.

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  Excellent Value/Cannot be Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David S. - June 29 - 9:33 pm

  Since buying the car in early October we have put about 6000 miles on it, including a 4500 mile trip from the Central Coast of California to South Padre Island, Texas and return. I kept careful records on the trip to Texas and my overall mileage was 33.8 mpg. Understand that many of these miles were at 75-85 mph across West Texas, AZ and NM. It is a great driver, long days on the interstate were comfortable. On a twisty two-lane mountain road in New Mexico it showed that it is not a BMW, but I knew that. The trunk is more than adequate carrying two carry-ons, a small duffle, and other items. This car is a technological marvel.

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  Camry Rocks! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Otisspunky - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car a few years now and have had no problems with it whatsoever. Granted after I passed 100K there were minor adjustments needed (new O2 sensor, new starter). Toyota builds a great car. And the 94 camry should last well over 200K miles if you make sure to change the fluids regularly.

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  Im gonna RAVE about my new RAV!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Bella0724 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have only been driving my new RAV for a short time, but I am already impressed by its power, roomy interior, and thoughtful cabin design. I zip around town and on the freeways, all with little interior noise. The car has great pickup...much more than youd expect for a 4 cylinder. Its so much fun to drive and kind to your wallet at the gas station.

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  New Sienna Owner - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Creck - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a Chevy Astro for seven years and loved the great cargo space and roominess for eight passengers, but the Astro needed many repairs. I gave up cargo space for comfort when I decided on the Sienna, but I am very happy with my choice. I was unhappy with the limited availability of the Sienna and that we had to drive to a dealership three hours away to get the color we wanted. But the car is very luxurious and the ride is so smooth and quiet. It rides more like an elegant car than a minivan.

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  Fun truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By happy camper - June 28 - 10:26 pm

  I have owned every make of truck, and this Tacoma is the best truck by far. I drive a lot of freeway miles, the ride and handling is perfect. I will never own anything else but Toyota.

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  Best Large SUV out there. - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By mg - June 28 - 7:56 pm

  If you have a chance to drive this, please do. I found it much more enjoyable and responsive than any of the large SUVs out there. I know Toyota has been hit with reliability issues, but it is Toyota...they will resolve it. I hope to drive this thing to the ground...and should be able too, but right now I only put about 4000 miles a year on this beast.

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  Love my Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By wayne kaczowski - June 28 - 4:43 pm

  I previously had a 2005 Matrix. The dealership enticed me to stop by and consider a trade in. And I did. My first Matrix XR was the dark shadow grey. Now I have the dark blue which is really beautiful. I recommend the Matrix to anyone who wants a roomy car both in the front and rear seating areas. Lots of head room and leg room. I am 6 feet tall and these were 2 important factors. Plus I get an average of 30 MPG.

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  Yaris Sedan 4 door 2008 - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By lonlac - June 28 - 2:33 pm

  I just love this car, Ive had it for six months! Great on mileage, the odometer in the centre cluster makes so much sense rather than everything hiding behind the steering wheel. Very spacious and roomy, great pick up and go and handles very well! Its a ten in my books! Great Toyota value and quality.

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  Best of its class - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tntraveler4wd - June 27 - 7:13 pm

  The FJ does it all. Ive owned a lot of domestic and foreign SUVs including Land Rover and the FJ is the best all round. After 25,000 miles, no problems. Comfortable on long trips. Complaints Ive read are too analytical. This is not an Aston Martin folks!