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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  Saved my life! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By erin770 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when it was 4 years old and never had to do anything except change the oil, get a new battery and replace a motor in the window. I had an accident where I hit a highway barrier at 70 mph and walked away with a few bruises from the airbag. I would reccomend this car to anyone, especially young drivers, or those who have to drive long distances.

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  I wanted a 1998 TT Supra but no luck - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By babyblue0844 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I like my car just that i think a supra is the way to go. Especially since they are coming out in 2004 i am going to be first in line to get one .. Man I cant wait to buy one.

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  Meets Expectations - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By marcus aurelius - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Well built, reliable vehicle that meets expectations. Not exciting, and definitely not a style trend setter, but does a lot of things well and provides great value. Never had a single problem in three years of ownership, with lots of family and pets hauling along the way.

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  4 wd limited V6 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By scottp999 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Got the 6cyl limited in titanium w/ stone interior. Traded in a 2000 bmw 3 series coupe. The leather interior in the toyota is better than the bmw. the handling is wonderful. The look of the machine is amazing. I bought it loaded with every option except navigation. I couldnt recommend this thing any higher. Buy one today! I am 64" and I have plenty of head and leg room.

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  excellent - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By yembre33 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  excellent, could be a little more roomy in the back though

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  Great Luxury Mid-size SUV for the price! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By reviewthiscar - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a few other comparable SUVs and the highlander was the most luxurious inside verse the Hondas Pilot/Nissians Murano; furthermore, the SUV drives very quietly...like a car. The interior of the Highlander is very similar to the Lexus SUV-300 except the Lexus has more of a electronic dash, and obviously...the Toyotas price is a lot less.

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  I have had it 2 Years - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Doug V - April 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Highlander for almost 2 years now. It is an incredble vehicle. I drives like a car, handles like a car and accelerates like a car. We have not regretted this purchase for a moment.

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  Made a great choice. - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By ADD - April 12 - 1:53 am

  I traded in my Jeep Liberty for the Matrix over the summer due to rising gas prices. I didnt want to lose the cargo space I had with the Jeep. I made a great choice. Ive been able to haul quite a bit with my Matrix. It has been the perfect substitute for an SUV without the high cost of gas. Im surprised more SUV owners arent switching to these as an alternative. I can see myself keeping this car for a long time. Its easy to drive and Ive saved quite a bit of money on gas.

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  OK but not great - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Curtis - April 12 - 12:37 am

  We purchased the 2011 4Runner with a 3rd row seat for our growing family. The one thing I cant get over is how under powered the V6 engine is. It will not accelerate unless you floor it, and even then it isnt that great. The interior is nice and functional, but another one of my pet peeves is that it doesnt have auto headlights, which is strange considering it a 2011. The car works well as an everyday driver around town, but struggles on hills and on the Hwy. I wont be buying another Toyota after this one.

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  Superior reliability and performance - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scuba - April 11 - 3:16 pm

  This being my second Tacoma X-Runner I must say that this is without a doubt the funnest truck i have ever owned and considering the fact that my girlfriend and the children always want to take the truck over the Camry has to mean something. We have never had a problem with this truck. Also pulls the boat and jet skis well within the weight limits. Well designed and executed truck. Thanks Toyota associates.