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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  Good Car not many standard features - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Sarai Graterol - September 25 - 12:20 am

  The driving has been great and the experience has been good, the only thing I feel not right is that in order to have basic features like power lock and power windows, I needed to pay extra, it is not included and in todays world those feature are a must!

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  Good, reliable truck - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Bob A. - September 24 - 8:33 pm

  Bought new. Only major problem was rebuild of rear axle at 59K miles covered under powertrain warranty. Probably related to pulling boat at close to 5K tow rating limit. Consistantly gets around 19mpg. Seat belt retractors suck, they never worked right from new, but thats the only real complaint. Aftermarket accessories limited compared to American big 3.

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  Toyota Won My Wife Over - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By mars_25 - September 24 - 6:36 am

  The Sienna is the best "bang for your buck" vehicle on the planet. Versatility, quality and comfort are unmatched. Many of the features on our Sienna exceeded our expectations. In fact my wife went from cringing at the thought of driving a minivan to becoming a big fan. That alone is no small accomplishment... in fact its more like an automotive miracle!

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  2006 Rav - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By car guy - September 24 - 6:03 am

  Absolutely love the vehicle. It is almost as big as the Highlander but with more power and better fuel economy.

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  While the Sun Shines - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Stone - September 24 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle has the typically great Toyota quality. The mileage is impressive, 26 MPG around town and 32 MPG on the Thruway. The "Absolutely Red" color is terrific.

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  A truly great SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Runner - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck for the money.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By John D - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle for 3 years and love it! Typical Toyota quality. Fantastic in 4WD, great on and off road stability. Tires last about 25,000. VSC an annoyance when taking a corner!

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  the toyota matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By trekker - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is fun to drive and it has great performance. At todays gas prices it fuel economy is greatly appreciated. I like the way the seats fold down to allow room to carry all sorts of things.

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  Neo, we found the matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By zume - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car, pick-up is four cylider style, a little weak. But I love the car. Doors are a little hard to close, and sunroof sticks a little. but doesnt matter in the long run.

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  Our Space Shuttle - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By levertz - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We got one with all the bells and whistles. It is by far one of the best vehicles Ive ever driven. The ride is smooth and quiet. It has tremendous pick up when you need it. Toyota has added features that are usually only found in higher priced luxury vehicles...dual interior ceiling lights, door lights, assist handles above all four doors. Standard tie down on floor of hatchback. Sporty steering wheel.