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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  The Best - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Sarahh - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The best coupe avalible.

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  New Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Carl Overy - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The thing that I first noticed when I drove the vehicle that I eventually bought was how stable it felt when cornering. Appointments inside are adequate for the price range. Engine is quite snappy, good excellration.

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  A Lexus in Toyota clothing - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By CPMiller - May 20 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is what a car. It has all the things it needs to suceed.

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  Great car. - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By nick28powell - May 20 - 8:53 am

  I just recently had a unfortunate traffic incident where an ignorant woman ran a light ad hit my back end. i have a small dent in the body work no larger than a football. however her car was cremated her hood is screwed lights smashed wheel arches bowed out. good safe strong reliable car and not to bad on gas either.

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  Unexpected Quality - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By luvtoyota10 - May 19 - 11:09 pm

  I have a Toyota Venza, this is my fathers car and I thought it was just some slow, floaty old man car. I was kind of wrong. Its not slow and floaty at all, but still kind of an old man car. This touring model almost drives like a camry but the sterring is light and vague, like my Venza. Its pretty agile for its size. The ride is very comfortable even with the touring suspension, unlike my 2010 venza... There is still more body roll than I expected but I like its stability. The HID headlamps are cool but expesive in the long-run. I wish the display for the radio and climate controls were a bit better. I really like the color scheme too its Blue Mirage exterior and Black leather interior.

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  getyourtaco - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Diane Graham - May 19 - 5:14 pm

  Test drive and decide for yourself I just bought the v6 limited double cab and I love it!

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  Odometer says 127,000 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By PlainJoe - May 19 - 4:26 pm

  This is my ultra reliable work truck. I clocked 127,000 in less than 3 years. I only change oil, did not even get a tune up. Changed front brakes, rotors and a set of tires. Will change tires again soon. Hows that for reliability. In 2 more years, will change this truck with another Tacoma.

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  Realtors Ride - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By dottie macdonald - May 19 - 2:50 pm

  My second Highlander. No complaints from my clients on this car.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Annie - May 19 - 12:53 pm

  I love this car- SUV! I have had no porblems at all with 50,000 miles so far. Great storage, love the third seat option, and great visibility. I once had a "neck problem" and most SUVs were too "trucky"- not the Highlander- drives like a real car. Great in the snow! The only little annoying thing is that the tire pressure sensor light comes on (on the dashboard) and has to be reset frequently.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe - May 19 - 5:36 am

  I just bought this car and Im very satisfied with it. Im still in the process of breaking in the car, but its still a plesaure to drive it. Just feathering the gas makes the car accelerate quickly.