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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  This is a great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By watlerules - September 4 - 9:13 am

  I drove an Accord, Altima, and the Hyundai. I believe I made the right choice for sure. This is the quietest car Ive ever driven. The JBL audio system is superb and the bluetooth was standard on my XLE. I drove to California and this car made all the difference in a drive Ive made many times. I cant imagine a quieter car. There is virtually no road nose and I like the steering feel. It takes much less effort to control on the open road than my 05 Accord I traded in. I have received many complimentary remarks about the color (Magnetic Gray) which I only got because it was the only color they had with the Navigation System. I love this car and I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  In Need of Redesign - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Bjelic - September 4 - 8:40 am

  This is my 5th Suv. After having owned Nissans and Jeeps I purchased the FJ for my wife to haul around kids, dogs and ski gear. It is a disaster of design. The interior is dark and visibility is terrible. I can get by these issues however, Its the worst SUV Ive ever driven when it comes to performance in snow. We hit the slopes whenever it snows and this vehicle is brutal. Regardless of tires, its not safe to drive. Coupled with its nervous anti-lock brakes its a dangerous vehicle to control in a blizzard. Our Xterra performed much better, with the Jeep being the best. The stain proof seats get dog hair caught in the open fibres and I have to use duct tape to clean it.

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  Love It Already - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By H Coffey - September 4 - 2:50 am

  Just bought my 4 Runner SR5 4wd a couple of weeks ago but now drive it all the time everywhere. Friends are astonished that this is a ten (10) year old vehicle! It has logged 115,000 miles in Canada and was used all year in all weather conditions. Granted the first owners took good care of it but I seen many GMs, Fords and Nissans that were babied but notwithstanding the care, still turned to junk. Matter of fact I previously owned an Explorer and Pathfinder. The SR5s interior is like new and except for a few minor wee dents the exterior and black paint are perfect! The 16 inch alloy wheels have some very minor corrosion but way less than one would expect for enduring ten winters.

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  In Love with the Beast - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By tundragirl - September 3 - 10:46 pm

  This is my 3rd tundra and Toyota did a great job on the redesign. If you do not need all of the "bells and whistles", the Tundra grade is the way to go. My husband also has a Tundra with everything on it (sunroof, leather, satellite radio) and I plan to steal it from him. The new and improved truck pulls a trailer without hesitation and still stops on a dime. My previous tundra would let me know when I had a trailer behind it. I take 4 and 1/2 hour long trips in it at least twice a month and it is such a pleasure to drive on the highway. Rainy roads lookout because this Tundra is staying on coarse and wont let anything get in its way. The truck rides well and I have roughly 13000 miles

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  Super Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Winston - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This sporty little roadster packs a boatload of fun into a small, inexpensive package. Youll get a lot of looks, too. The car sprints from a stop to 60mph in 6.6 seconds (or faster, once you get good), handles like a true racecar, stops quicker than any car less than $50,000, and has the reliability and ease of maintenance of a Toyota.

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  Excellent car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By brando - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is excellent. This is the best car in the world for the money. very very reliable. cranks up and go everyday. the ride is smooth. The car is so quiet, I have to turn my stereo of at red stop lights to try and hear the engine. THIS IS A BABY LEXUS" shop around it has great resale value, and cool styling. Mine is a 1993 4dr LE drives like a 6. This is not the flashiest or most powerful car on the market, but it is an affordable solid buy. I promise if you take care of it with minimal maintenance it will take care of you. 200,000 and 300,000 miles is not out of the question. I wrecked mine with 160,000 miles on it and it still pures like a kitten.

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  2001 Toyota Celica - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By tmille31 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  It has been a great car and it is a pleasure to drive.

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  great car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By daaf - September 3 - 10:00 am

  practical, fun to drive car, tight in the corners, totaly worth the money and very very reliable. have not had any problems. besides the scheduled maintenance only had to replaced the battery once and thats it.

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  Reliable car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By mike2002 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is very reliable. We bought this car in 1997 and have not had one engine repair necessary. Braking system is only flaw. Very noisy! Been to dealer about 20 times and is never quiet for long.

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  My history of owning Toyotas - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By PMD - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Just comments to share of my experience of owning Toyotas, they are one of the most reliable cars made. The only thing that I changed on my Toyota is the struts. I had Monroe struts installed and it improved the handling greatly and also the Monroe struts are cheaper in price compared to Toyota struts. I also put better tires on my Toyota, Michelin X ones.