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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  Great Choice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By chad - July 24 - 12:06 pm

  Ive only had this truck for about three weeks, but Im so glad I bought it. This is my first Toyota and after driving it Im sure it wont be my last. Ive been a loyal Dodge fan for nearly 20 years, but the Tundra beats it hands down. It has more room, a much better ride, more power, more standard features... simply more. I loved the look of my 02 Ram and still think the 02 through 05 models are the best looking trucks on the road. The current styling and lack of options are what made me look at the Tundra. I am sure glad I did. It was by far the best choice Ive made on a vehicle for a long time. I couldnt be happier with this truck.

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  Love my 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By christine - July 24 - 8:46 am

  I bought my Toyota 4 Runner Sport Edition 4WD as an executive demo (guess I was in the right place at the right time) and I absolutely love it. I do a lot of cycling and both my mountain bike and road bike fit nicely in the back with the 60/40 split back seats. It handles extremely well; many of my friends cant believe how smooth it is on off ramps and turns. I love the head room; front and back seats and have received many compliments on the color (charcoal gray).

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  Great SUV Looks Like a BMW X3 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Mark - July 24 - 5:36 am

  I have had my RAV4 limited about a month and really like it. I am only getting about 19-20 miles a gallon but I am doing a lot of city driving to work. The V6 is very quick and I am usually up to 60mph before I am aware. (about 6.4 seconds) Excellent quality. Great ride, stereo, and acceleration. The 4 wheel drive will be great this winter.

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  Love the 2013 RAV4 - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By geegee444 - July 24 - 4:39 am

  Bought XLE June 26 2013 and I love it!!! Have 2000 miles and get about 27 miles per gallon in city. Have not made any road trips yet. I am 511" and my husband is 62" and we both are quite comfortable. Vehicle has good pick up so no worries about merging onto interstate. Test drove Mazda CX5 and Honda CRV. RAV4 offered more options in the base price and the cabin was not as noisy. Black carpet shows every speck of sand. Floor mats are a flimsy for the extra cost (nearly $300.00). Ordered an extra set online (must more cost friendly) to have on hand. "RAVen" (I have named her) is a real looker. Removal of "barn" rear door was the best thing ever!!!!

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  Transmission Problem - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Jenn - July 24 - 4:33 am

  I bought my 2001 Celica 5 speed with 34 miles on it. I have never ragged on it. At 60,000 miles my transmission went out. Love the car, other than that, but you should not have to get a new transmission before you have to get a new clutch.

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  We Love It - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By normiedus - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My family and I have traveled halfway across the country in our "Land Crusher" as we like to call it, and we have never been more pleased. The comfort and handling of this vehicle is like driving on air. We will never drive anything else, and we also have another one on order. Worth the price.

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  Im A Believer - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By James C. Harris - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and need maximum fuel economy for our 70 mile round trip daily comute. Our new Prius started with approximately 46 mpg. After the break in at 20000 miles, we are now experiencing 50+ mpg on our daily comute. We are strong believers in the hybrid design. Our driving habits now are geared to maximizing our fuel economy.

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  Vesten reviews the 03 Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Vesten - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun, different, and exciting. It is fun getting into a car that told you how your fuel economy was doing as you are driving and how the power is being used with a visual display. It is very different sitting at a stop and feeling the engine just turn off and realizing the car is still running. It is exciting to see how far you can go on a tank of regular gas and challenge yourself to see what your best milage can be.

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By mejulia - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my little car. It is perfect for all the work related driving I do. Most of my driving is on city streets but my Prius is perfect for the few freeway trips I make. Others are always surprised at how comfortable and quiet it is.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Erin882 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  SMT is a lot of fun to drive. Car handles great!