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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  Not Your Average SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Randy Vorster - December 1 - 5:30 pm

  If you plan to go off-roading opt for the All Terrain Pkg. It comes w/ very nice 16" wheels (diff look from the 17"), great shocks, locking diff, A- trac, pre-cleaner & multi-info display. I ordered the TRD exhaust which I think is a plus, cool ellipse tip and sound. It came with blk running boards which will not work as rock rails, but will save you from car- level door dings. Ride quality is great for a 4x4. We have gone on fun adventures and seen things that would have required some serious hiking. With the right mind-set the FJ will make a great primary vehicle. As a 2nd vehicle to our German sedan we could not be happier. Hard to imagine the sedan is now a 2nd choice when driving to work!

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  Awesome SUV! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Ronn - December 1 - 11:26 am

  I purchased my new 2008 RAV4 yesterday, and what fun it is! The quality, fit and finish is excellent! I am 62, and have plenty of legroom. I find the V6 to be very smooth, and the cabin to be very quiet for an SUV. The leather seats are firm, but still comfortable. There is plenty of storage space, and easy access with the fold-down back seats. The options with the Limited are wonderful, and everything is easy to reach on the dash. The exterior is very sporty, and I love the new Savannah color. It is beautiful on this SUV. The safety features saved on my insurance. I added the exhaust tip, rear bumper applique, mudguards, and XM radio which is awesome with the premium 9 speakers!

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  Good truck - 1997 Toyota T100
  By thenetfoundry - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with about 90,000 miles on it. Had to replace the spark plugs, which improved the gas mileage also. Has about 113,000 on it now. Its been very reliable.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By kel - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Brought it new in 92 and it has been very reliable. I have 148K miles and just recently replaced struts and motor mounts. Good tires make a difference in how this car handles in the snow. Also replace brakes more than I have on other cars - but thats not too expensive.

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  2002 Celica GTS - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By ToyGTS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy it everytime behind the wheel. Too bad that Toyota reduced the cut off RPM for 2002, otherwise no complaint. Maybe we could do something for Toyota to reverse that. Brake & handling much better than RSX-S. Its a nice fun car.

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  My Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Angela74 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is responsive car. Handles well in any condition. The interior of the car is nice with the "wood" grain. Gives you a bit of luxury without the price. Road noise is not a problem in this car despite its low profile.

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  Nothing less the outstanding - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By artiefishill - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned ONLY Camrys since 1992. My 1990 still runs, little rusty, 141k, but runs like a champ, reliable car. My 1998, which this review is about is the same. 46k on it. Just bought a new 2002 5speed. Camrys have proven to be very dependable, good value for your money. Out of all three, only non- normal maint I ever did was replace steering column in the 90 at about 110k, and the power window in the 98 had track problems that have since be corrected. Other then that, never a worry.

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  fun to drive if only.... - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By soverdi - December 1 - 10:00 am

  ....they offered it with a third seat.

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  takes a licking...keeps on going! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By debbie - December 1 - 8:36 am

  Wonderful ride- great gas milage- was involved in fender bender and the other car faired much worse.Great vehicle for long distance trips. This car would benifit from Bose stereo as standard equip.All in all very dependable ride for the money.

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  Last of a dying breed - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Scotty - November 30 - 6:23 pm

  2004 Celica GT-S with action package is an incredibly stylish and fun ride. The only downsides are that it requires 93 octane Premium gas and has a fairly utilitarian interior. As far as 4 cylinder nonturbo coupes go, you cant beat a Celica for fun driving and quick thrills. The prices that Toyotas go for always reflect their longer lifespan and higher resale value. GT-S models feature Lift, similar to Honda V-Tec system -- with a second head kicking in at 6800 rpm for a quick turbo like boost to redline.