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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  Solid - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By pkb - August 25 - 1:30 am

  A feelling of superb no-nonsense reliable power to pull a big boat and to weather the worst storm.

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  It was fine for me! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By 2handsonwheel - August 24 - 11:50 pm

  Theres a bandwagon going on re:electric power steering stuff, that I myself felt strange at first. But after reading through complaints @ highway safety website and test drive one on a freeway, I think I could get used to the new technology and guess what? I did! There are lots of complaints about having to "put two hands" while going over 50+ miles and paying attention to the road all the time but HELLO? You have to anyway! Its not the car, its you who are not following proper rules of driving at high speed. If thats too tiresome, perhaps one should hire a limo driver. Sorry for my rant but I found eps is just different and if you dont like it, you should consider other cheap car.

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  2003 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner - August 24 - 10:06 pm

  Great SUV for anyone young and old. Great looking, great handling. Just need help on gas mileage.

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  Solid as Expected - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By jefe_gonzo - August 24 - 9:33 pm

  Toyota makes a solid vehicle--this is not news. The 08 Camry SE is large enough to be comfortable but still a nimble performer. Keeping true to Toyota form, the interior is closer to spartan than luxurious. Its well-laid out. Controls are easy to reach and more or less idiot-proof. The 4-banger has enough power to safely merge onto a busy highway or pass a fifth-wheel on a 2-laner. Its lines are clean, but a little ambiguous in light of the Accord. What the Camry lacks in a clear identity it makes up in its overall build quality. All in all, a great car. Wont turn many heads, but it also wont make your head spin at the gas pump.

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  Best Convertible Ever! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By captnben - August 24 - 8:26 pm

  Number one for comfort, quietness, design, inside and out, easy and fun to drive and cant wait for spring.

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  2011 Sienna XLE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By siennabragg - August 24 - 5:41 pm

  Driving XLE for almost 2 years. Put on around 31K miles. Still on first set of tires, but looks like will need new ones within 10K. Bought brand new in January 2011 in Newnan, GA. Pros: 3.5L engine, V6. Definately a way to go for these cars. Cons-a little slow response to the acceleration. A little bit cheap plastic interior, though easy to clean and no reflection from direct sun. Free 2-year dealer service is good, but nothing tremendous. Usually includes 2 oil changes, 3-5 tire rotations and cabin filter replacement. Has a lot of trouble with sunroof. Rubber pieces are coming off the rails constantly, though dealership replaces them under warranty. Gas economy averages 20mpg. HWY 25mpg.

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  Good Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By kara - August 24 - 3:16 pm

  Very fun to drive. Compact enough to get into any spot and large enough for leg room for all 4 people. Cute bubbly body style. Cup holders are a bit weird because they block the AC, but you can cool your drink, which is really handy, and they are not on the floor by the seats where your purse keeps knocking them over. I took it to the dealer and had the passenger seat belt chime disabled so I can put a backpack on the seat without it going off (very annoying). Gas efficiency is very good. When I use 76 gas, the car gets 5 mpg more than with other gas. Chevron: 35, Arco: 28.

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  Happy - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marcus Demagio - August 24 - 11:53 am

  I have owned this 4Runner for only a month. I like the feel of quality and I feel safe in it. My only quible is that the gas mileage is not better. Besides that I could drive it all day long!

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  Yahooo! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By beczter - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to own. Not only is it fun to drive with suprisingly good pick-up on freeways, its gas mileage makes me smile as I see all of the hefty SUVs filling up at the station. If you are a commuter, this is the perfect vehicle. And you will waste no fuel when sitting in stopped traffic! This car requires the same maintenance as any other non-hybrid.

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  My Toyota - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Mehulsingh J. Rajput - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I Love this toyota corolla. Eventhough I bought it slightly costly I love it very much. It gives a great milage and it is very smooth on the roads.