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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  My 2nd 4runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By bubbs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 2 4runners now and I believe they are the best SUVs made. My 1990 had 262000 hard miles on it when I sold it, and was still running fine. Ive had the 2002 for over a year now, and its even better than my old one. It pulls my boat like it isnt even there, and does great in the snow. I would highly recommend a 4runner to anyone wanting a solid SUV.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By check - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This Celica gets more stares and comments then any car I have ever owned. Kind of funny to see a 58 year old women driving it I guess, from young kids to adults it is an eye catcher, and handles great. My husband talked me into buying it, at first I was not sure and now I am glad I did!

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By europe redins - April 5 - 10:00 am

  my fathers lease on his suv was up and my parents had desided to buy a toyota rav4 and went to the dealership. when they got there they were dissapointed that the seats were uncomfterable and were about to leave when my mom saw a black xr matrix that had just been unloaded. soon they test drove it, fell in love and got it. when i saw it i freaked out! I had seen few of these on the read yet i never thought I would own one. Soon my father went over seas and the old car that I owned didnt work for me and my mother gave me the matrix as a birthday present.

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  best and sleek - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solarich - April 5 - 10:00 am

  great, sleek, stylish, sporty, economical, affordable, reliable, quiet, fast, magnetic and simply toyota

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  SUV sports car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By rick kinn - April 5 - 5:03 am

  Have had the Rav Sport V6 4x4 for 5 weeks and 4000 miles. This vehicle is fun to drive, fast, gas mileage within stated range and Impressive safety features. We added Leather and heated seats locally which gives the RAV a Lexus look for a Toyota price. Back seat has room for two adults with amazing back seat room. Seats are comfortable, ride is firm, the Limited may provide a softer ride with the 17 inch tires. We prefered the exterior and interior styling of the Sport over the Limited. I would have liked the Bluetooth JBL stereo system, power seats and the automatic air which are standard or common options on the Limited models. Overall the RAV V6 Sport is a great value and a great SUV.

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  Lexus Wannabe - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Thomas Corcoran - April 4 - 11:21 pm

  I bought this car because it had the same drivetrain as the Lexus ES that year, except the Camry was lighter (therefore quicker) and $7K cheaper. I enjoyed the car all the way, and am only selling it after 138,000 miles because now I can afford a Lexus ES.

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  Great Used Vehicle Choice - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By pdliggett - April 4 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this vehicle on eBay with 90K miles for $10850. In the 3 months that Ive owned my 4Runner Ive driven it almost 4K trouble-free miles. No rattles, no broken interior pieces, paint is awesome, and the vehicle runs flawlessly. Transmission shifts smoothly but is on a flexible hanger system which causes it to move around as evidenced by the gear levers moving;it also appears to build up tension on stops and then releases when you move forward...this is apparently normal for these cars. Ride is quiet and smooth; a very comfortable interior. Havent used 4WD yet. 16" wheels are really nice. The crazy aftermarket alarm may have to go. Fuel economy is B+/A- (17 overall/21.5 on highway).

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  Style, Comfort and Drive - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tyler - April 4 - 1:03 pm

  The fit and finish on my liftback was better than expected (even for a Toyota). The doors sound firm and heavy when shut. I am a long time Honda owner (6 total). I think I just converted. The seats are quite comfortable for what is described as entry level. They have enough side stability to keep you in place around tight turns. I fit two- 220+ lb, 6 ft adults in the back seat for an hour ride with no problem. The manual transmission is very responsive and sounds like it should be driven at a higher rpm in 2nd and 3rd compared to what I expected (a tach would be nice). Freeway on ramp acceleration with the manual is quite good. You can u turn on a residential street with feet to spare.

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  my 5th - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By PBucks - April 4 - 10:40 am

  This is my 5th Tacoma and like all the others like it a lot. My son took my 04 4 banger stick access cab to college. So I picked up this automatic version as a replacement. So far I really like this bigger body style. I normally get the easiest color to keep clean but this new Barcelona red called out my name when I first saw it. I get many compliments on the look of the truck. Must say though I miss the manual transmission. Ive been checking the fuel mileage and it is 24 MPG. I was thinking about getting a full size Ford or Chevy this time for less money but Im really glad I stayed with the Tacoma. I think they are the best and most useful mode of transportation for my needs.

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  wow - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By vinny - April 4 - 7:23 am

  This car is a real pleasure to drive, the new design is a big improvement from the previous years. I traded in my 2003 avalon for this and I am very happy,