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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  Really Cute Fun Car! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By sampleuser04 - December 4 - 11:13 am

  Let me just say, 3 years ago when the Yaris first came out, I hated it. But now I own one in Jolt Yellow and its such an awesome car! It drives nice, better build quality and material then my 06 Corolla. Lots of standard safety features. It gets so many looks, with the colors alone. I love it and I am very happy! Most people really like my car too! Its not meant to be a speeder, but it does take off quickly when needed! The brakes are great too! I love the little side blinkers on the 2 door.

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  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Marcia - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the vehicle and have had no problems with it. Sharper looking than some of the other Large SUVs on the market.

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  First Truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By kentuckycat - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Tacoma used, but it was in great condition. I love driving it around town. 2.7L engine is peppy with the 5-speed. The highway is not a fun experience. Alot of rattles and shakes. NO RUST whatsoever. Perfect for off-roading. I would recommend it to anyone who just needs an around-the- town truck or weekend work truck.

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  poor quality but comfortable - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By pchang - December 4 - 10:00 am

  interior is roomy and comfortable. however, ever since i bought the car brand new three years ago, i have had it fixed at least $2000. besides the 36,000-mile only tires, all four of the suspension had to be replaced when it was about 42,000.

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  Best Car for Money Period - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By John H - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Only fault is cheap tires. Factory tires were General. Sorry, sorry tires. Hydroplaned awfully. Had it not been for ABS, would have wrecked at least twice in last two years. Bought Goodyear tires, all is well. Still, a car that sells for $28,000 should have Michelins. Very quiet! Very comfortable for 62", 300 lbs guy. Gas mileage only 21 in city (20 with AC), but close to 30 on highway. I would like power & handling more like Maxima. However, Maxima is no where near as comfortable for big men, no contest here. Fit and finish better than any other car Ive owned in my 55 years, period.

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  Great! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By manny - December 4 - 10:00 am

  A great truck! If you can go the extra bucks, get the V8 4WD. Great ride and no problems or worries.

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  Great car ever had - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Serg - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Have no problem at all

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  Lincoln Man tries Toyota Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By kjemiso - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Roomy enough for easy access for the handicap w/the bench seat and to accomodate a large walker or wheelchair. Only the 1990 Lincolns could do the same. Better buy. Taking it in; doesnt shift to low; door closes hard and just doesnt cool like the American makes. Like my Casis Pearl color; very attractive...

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  great car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By james frost - December 4 - 10:00 am

  great car, design, price, build.

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  A Camry or a Lexus? - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By dc_sports_rule - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the purchase of my Camry LE back in June of 1999. The car is 4 years old today and rides just like the day I picked it up four years ago. The OEM General Tires were replaced by Toyota within the first two months of ownership. The General Tires were defective and replaced with Michelin XW4s. The car is very quiet on the road and the reliability has been flawless.