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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  Originally a Chevy guy - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By aspry - February 17 - 12:40 am

  Never thought Id buy anything "foreign" but Im glad I did. This is one great truck and can actually be used like one.

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  Good But....... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By James - February 16 - 6:30 pm

  I think Camry has come a long way and made a outstanding, solid and remarkable car but sometimes, even the best of minds miss the simple things the customers are looking for. Where did the sun visor extension disappear Toyota? I feel theres a little more road noise then the previous Camrys. Overall, its a great car but dont take away what customers really want. Why cant Toyota can give standard Stablity and Traction Control?

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  Loved our Rav - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Warren - February 16 - 6:10 pm

  Our Rav was one of the best cars weve owned and we were so impressed on Toyota that when we needed a larger vehicle we bought a Sienna. The interior was so cool and everything was well placed and plenty of compartments to put stuff. Great car!

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  Unhappy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mike williams - February 16 - 4:46 pm

  The appearance of the new camry is great. I had a 1995 camry and loved it. This 2007 camry does not live up to the camry tradition. Gas mileage is poor, 25 mpg. The gas pedal & transmission are out of sync. At lower speeds when you try to give it gas an intermittent delay occurs between the gas pedal & transmission. This is dangerous. When it finally decides to engage the auto jerks forward. Car looks good but it is seriously dangerous. Dash also rattles.

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  Security, Handling & Comfort Winner - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By AWD4Safety - February 16 - 12:16 pm

  If you bought your previous vehicle five years or more ago, you will find the Venza a major step up in security and comfort. As a package, the multiple air bags, stability control, AWD, and crash scores top anything one could have bought, at any price, just a few years ago. Dual climate control, exceptionally well lit info displays, sound system, seating, and navigation system provide excellent comfort. This is a quiet car that gives one a feeling of confidence in a variety of driving conditions. We looked at Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, Audi Q7. Venza is a newer platform and many, many thousands less with competitive handling and all the important comfort features.

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  Fabulous - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Laren - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Incredible! I waited 4 months to get this vehicle and its worth every moment. Huge interior, seats 5 comfortably! A touch screen panel! Huge trunk! Compact car! Great turn radius! Im so enthusiastic about this car, I LOVE to drive it! It has taken me up and down a mountain pass, its all the car Ive ever wanted! Im in love. :)

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  Tacoma, Extended Cab. - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ricko - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Toyota for years, but this is better than I thought it would be. The 4 cylinder engine is more than enough to get around with, with or without a cargo. I have seen reviews saying it is under powered, if you want a sports car, buy one! I love this little truck, looks good, drives good, all that a new car should be. Great vehicle, really nice.

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  Toyotas Lure - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By SFcacique - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding Vehicle. My "test drive" was when I needed more cargo space for a trip to Wash DC last year. I rented a Highlander for the 14 hour, one way trip. It was so comfortable and tracked so well on the highway! I bought one a couple of months later. I hadnt planned on this major purchase, but the long trip decided it for me. Great gas mileage, the cargo I needed, nice styling, and drives like a car. Absolutely no problems, and complete satisfaction except for "annoyances" of cup holder and OD select mentioned below. 3.0 six cylinder is engine of choice.

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  Great car, but ... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By KARL A. ELLISON - February 16 - 8:50 am

  Great car, just a few things need to be worked on. CD player door sticks, passenger front seat belt metal hits side beam knocking sound when you hit a bump.

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  Anytime Anywhere - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Robert Finley - February 15 - 6:10 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned, and I have had some of the best. Roomy and can pull a ton and still stop on a dime.