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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  Seriously poor interior - rattling gets much worse in winter - Overall "OK" - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By vvasireddy9 - July 25 - 5:01 am

  Title explains mostly..

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  Hybrid Happy - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Betty L - July 24 - 9:23 pm

  I still find it hard to believe I am already driving an SUV Hybrid. With the release date being June 2005, the best I hoped for was the end of June, and realistically, I didnt expect to be in one until the end of the year. My only hope was that my Avelon, with 120,000 miles held out until I was able to purchase the Hylander Hybrid. Much to my surprise, I got the call from the dealership the day they got their first Hilander Hybrid, and it was exactly what I wanted, Limited Edition, color, etc. 400 miles later I am very pleased with it. Its getting about 23 miles/gallon with city driving, and its a very quiet and comfortable ride. I highly recommend it!!!

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  Throttle Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - July 24 - 12:20 pm

  The brakes were replacded within a week of purchasing this vehicle. The throttle body was replaced @ 20,000 mi & again @38,000 (under warranty). Both times the car "stalled out" while driv- ing @ hwy speeds. I bought a Toyota for quality & have had more problems than my 04 Gran Prix that I sold @ 140K mi.

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  Pure pleasure in small size - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Japanese reliability - July 24 - 10:50 am

  An excellent fun to drive automobile, that just happens to get great gas mileage at the same time. Not the fanciest car but a well made solid, well engineered car. Would most definitely purchase another one.

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  Celica STX - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By dragonman - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a rare Celica ST (base 1.8L engine) with all power options and a sports package that includes 15" BBS alloy rims, a power moonroof and a spoiler, with the STX badging. Its been a great car so far, and I dont ever want to trade it in. Its taken me from Louisville to Memphis and from Louisville to Toronto, and runs like a champ. I drive with the pedal to the floor and the automatic transmission is the smoothest Ive ever felt.

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  I loved my car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Rozbud - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This was a great little fun car. Unfortunately I recently was T-boned at over 60mph and it is now totalled. The good news is that I only suffered bruises as a result of how sturdy the car was built. The handling is excellent. Very responsive to the road and never had mechanical problems. Not recommended for people with kids due to very little storage.

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  Toyota Of US - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Tuddy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Well I have had my 92 Toyota Camry for almost a year now. It has its moments of repairs. Overall it would say its a great used car for someone looking for something dependable. I would rather buy a used Toyota than a Brand New Kia! My baby now has 143,000 miles on it. My car was built in Asia. Now they make them in our back yards in the US. The workmanship isnt the same now & days.

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  get at least two - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By eyeland4u - July 24 - 10:00 am

  great mileage, peppy with shift button, have not had to align or change tires only rotate tires. Bought one for me and one for my daughter

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  XLS Platinum Edition - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon4me - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Oh, baby - if youre thinking about a 99 Avalon, take a long look at the Platinum Edition - Ive never seen a better color on a car! Oh yeah, the rest of the car aint bad either! Just as a basketball team works best when theres great chemistry, the Avalons combination of attractiveness, safety, comfort, reliability and resistance to depreciation really come together in a great package. I thought about buying an Avalon in 1998 - instead decided to save money and get a Sable. What was I, nuts??

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  Fun Fun!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By roberam - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Camry and it is by far the most fun to drive, I just bought this car with 60K miles but it still looks like new. This car was not in my shopping list, but after a test drive, I new this was more fun than any other car I tested, including a Lexus.It has everything you need and want in a car including a nice stereo and the reliability of a Toyota.