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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  I love my PRIUS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Abearlover - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I love saving all the gas, I love the GPS and the 6 cd player...I love giving the oil companies the finger.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By mrwojo - June 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle combines the best of styling, performance, and comfort that can be found for the price. No warranty work was ever required. Fuel economy is a solid 30 MPG highway. No repairs of any kind, just the usual maintenance.

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  OK its a Toy - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By deadfred - June 12 - 10:00 am

  It was and still is and will always be one of the best if not the best truck made

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  i love my 4 runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By charisse nixon - June 12 - 10:00 am

  i love it and it has a very smooth ride for a suv

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  GREAT!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By amycat05 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  TOTALLY COOL AND AWESOME

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  Initial Evaluation - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sharon m - June 11 - 8:20 pm

  Just bought the car. Have to get used to the larger window view blocking caused by airbag adjustments in the cars design. Between the adjustment and accommodating to the cars slower take off response it is a little tricky learning to move out into traffic from a side road. I am beginning to catch on and adjust. The car is responsive, but who wants to full throttle a hybrid when you are not in a pinch? It has a smooth quiet ride, sometimes eerily quiet. It took me a while to figure out how to dim the night light level on the instrument panel. There is a lot of light around the CD player. I am getting about 38 miles to the gallon, local non-expressway.

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  Best Compact Yet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By zeeno - June 11 - 6:10 pm

  I love my Yaris 3dr hatchback. Its fun to drive with an incredibly small turning circle which makes u-turns a snap. The mileage is fantastic, the automatic transmission is very smooth, plus I can choose to shift it when I want and the ride quality is great. The looks of the 3dr hatchback are very different and I like how unique it is.

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  Senior driving around SF Valley Ca - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By xls 4dr sedan(3.5l 6 - June 11 - 3:56 pm

  Smooth handling on freeways and city streets of Los Angeles, Orange County California. I am retired senior, male, 6 tall, long legs and I have generous leg room and ample view of road. This car will remain a vehicle I can remain proud of and comfortable in as I age.

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  Love It So Far! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By carolinagirl66 - June 11 - 3:28 pm

  My husband and I just traded my 2006 Toyota Solara Convertible for a brand new, still on the lot, 2011 Venza. This vehicle has every option including AWD. I LOVE IT! This vehicle is so easy to drive and I really aprreciate all of the cargo room-especially coming from a 2 door convertible. The back up camera and navigation are nice features and I am sure that the AWD will come in handy this upcoming winter. Ours is a V6 and it will pick up and move on the interstate. The best part is that we feel we received such a good deal because they needed to move it before the 2013 models arrive!

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  Most impressive for the money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Richie Rich - June 11 - 7:03 am

  The missus and I really fell in love with the new styling. We have now owned for 9 mo, a very competent performer indeed. The gauge cluster is a big hit with the different modes at the touch of a button and the sound system is awesome. Plenty of room abounds in the back seat for the adults and the reclining seats are a nice touch on the long trips. Driving is quiet and refined for a 4 cyl.,handling is good as well.The factory choice of tires could be better, they are not long lasting tread, they will need to be replaced before 25K miles. At 65-70 we can average 32-34 mpg - 27 overall mpg. If we were not so tight we should have gotten the V6. We wouldnt hesitate buying another.