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 it - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Marie - May 22 - 4:40 pm

  I just got my new Prius 5 days ago, and I love it. I have 220 miles on it and I got 53.4 mpg. It is very easy to drive, and I agree you do have to learn to drive it if you want good gas mileage. The next thing is we will have to tow it back to Mi this spring. We usually towed with all four tired down, now we will be towing with a dolly. Every one says you wont know its back there. All in all I love the car appearance and all. I was driving a stick shift before so it really is different.

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  FUTURE TRUCK - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By GLEN - May 22 - 4:38 pm

  After test driving the rock warrior i will be purchasing in a couple of days when the bank calls.

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  Cant get enough of it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By omigosh - May 22 - 2:53 pm

  Acceleration is thrilling. 300 ft/lbs of torque from the electric motor (added to the engine power) is available immediately - not like the wind it up til it screams and then it finally moves out with just an engine. When moving slowly, on electric only, its so quiet I end up sneaking up behind pedestrians - they never hear a thing. Driving downhill in the mountains, beside a mountain stream, we could hear the water babbling. Very nice! The DVD navigation is just like having a local in the back seat, giving directions. Some buildings are labeled, mostly shopping centers, schools, govt buildings, etc. I drive 75mph to work, get 50MPG. In stop & go, 60MPG. A total delight to drive.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - May 22 - 7:06 am

  I thought my wifes 2001 Acura TL was quick but the engine of this Tacoma is impressive when power is necessary. Very fast! Rides like a truck which I enjoy but is still very smooth and comfortable to travel. Decent room for passengers in the rear although a little tight if you have tall people up front. Very nice interior although Ive noticed a tendency to inadvertently push the steering wheel radio controls during turns. Overall a great looking and great performing truck.

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  Great first car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By senioritis - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Had the car for about two weeks now. Im 17 years old and am satisfied with this car. I wish I had gotten the v6, but the 4-cylinder engine has proven to be more economical, getting a lot of miles to the gallon. Wish that it came with 17 inch rims like the SLE models. But other than that, its a great car.

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  this is the best of the best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4 by 4 monster - May 21 - 6:50 pm

  awsome ride. v8 has 282 hp, UNBELIVABLE. get fully loaded

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  2000 MR-2 Spyder - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Sonia Allen - May 21 - 5:10 pm

  My Spyder turns heads everywhere I go. It is so fun to drive and it handles like a go kart on rails. I have had many sports cars in the past but this one is my favorite.

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  Bouncy Bouncy - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By magnolia - May 20 - 5:26 pm

  Overall, a great car. The ride is bouncy on side streets at slower speeds. Our other car, a Focus, is also small, but has a smoother ride.

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  I love this car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By dave_hudson71 - May 20 - 9:33 am

  I love my Camry. I chose a straight drive. It seems to give me more power, and better gas mileage. I cant say enough good things about my Camry. Everyone I know that has one seems to feel the same way.

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  Just Bought Another Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimmy - May 19 - 9:43 am

  Have 43,000 on 2006 Prius, will pick up my 2008 Touring Prius tomorrow. Car exceeded every expectation, to include overall engineering (to include human engineeering). I believe the Prius is the most misunderstood vehicle on the road and everyone that ride in this car leaves with an outstanding impression.