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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  Best Car So Far - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Abel - May 6 - 6:53 pm

  I like the economy, the quiet drive and the fact that this car is the future of the way cars are going to be.

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  Weve switched to Toyota - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By OldsKidd - May 6 - 3:03 pm

  Ok, weve officialy gone Toyota since GM dumped Oldsmobile (fools!). My Parents were considering Camry, but I wouldnt allow it as there are just too many. I found them an Avalon a few weeks ago & they instantly fell in love with it (had it home within 2 hours!). It doesnt handle like a big car at all & its about the same size as the 92 Lincoln Continental that we had years ago. Mom loves the dash display that has the compass, date/time, and fuel economy info. I really like the JBL Sound System & the one-touch sunroof control. Dads sold on Toyota; said his next car is going to be a Lexus as my younger sister will be well out of college by the time they get another car.

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  Toyota is simply the best! - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By judy - May 6 - 10:13 am

  Ive owned 3 Toyota trucks and have loved them all. This one is my personal favorite since I have owned since day 1.

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  4Runner Ltd 4WD - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rockpik - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota 4Runner LTD 4WD and I am planning on getting another this year. Handling is outstanding. Fixtures and fittings excellent. Reliability is outstanding. Not had 1 problem with either of mine - 1999 or 2002.

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  Classy, Tough, Reliable - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gregorio Franko - May 6 - 10:00 am

  138,000 miles to date, and plenty left on this truck. Have commuted 100 miles round trip the past 3 years, and never a worry in any weather. Head Gasket replaced at 30,000 per "recall" notice. Around 100,000 miles finally had the brakes replaced. Rear wheel bearings, too. Other than that, smooth sailing. Still has the original exhaust! Some small rust spots finally showing under the window weather stripping, and the bottom of the rear window. The rear hatch latch is getting pretty rusty; might soon it wont operate. But the truck has operated like a champ through thick and thin. 96 was the last year the 4-runners style was best in class, in my opinion.

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  Loooooooooooove this car! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By EchoBill - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2002 Echo for about 3 months now, and I cant get over how enjoyable it is to drive! It has a neat, fairly unique style; incredible interior room (for a 6-2" person, thats a huge plus :-)); a very smooth, quiet ride (especially in comparison to my old Ford Festiva!); marvelously panoramic drivers view; wonderful get- up-and-go; and the mileage is terrific. The 6-speaker CD system is great, as are all the storage niches throughout the car. My highest recommendation to this little giant!

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  highly impressive - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GBlobel - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful engineering,quiet and solid, almost unnoticable transitions of engine systems (how did they do that?). The car is surprisingly roomy, and one gets the feeling of driving a bigger car. In all, there are virtually no compromises in ride quality and performance when driving this green car.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By breeyet - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I was expecting sluggish pickup and was pleasantly surprised that it accelerates fine and I routinely find myself surprised that Im moving along at 80MPH without realizing it. Ive driven it on the highway and even in the Appalachian mountains it was fine.

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  Frosty Dream - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Curley - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is a dream to drive. Smooth, peppy, and chics dig it. I love the plethora of features that one might not expect to find in a car with the SolaraÂ’s price.

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  New Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Fermin - May 6 - 10:00 am

  it a good car