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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  The Best Truck I have had!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason - March 30 - 9:23 pm

  I absolutely love this truck! I had no idea what a great truck it was, I mean, I knew it was good just because of the Toyota name, but, IT IS AWESOME!!! I did all my research at Edmunds, and then I went to buy it. It has more power than my 01 Tacoma, and it handles much better now. The ride is comforting, almost like you are in a Camry. My wife is short, and she can drive it comfortably also. Great buy, and a good price too! Congrats Toyota, you have hit the spot!

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  Wish I wasnt getting rid of mine - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By calimama - March 30 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car with 92,000 miles on it several years ago, using it for commercial (livery) use and then driving from Massachusetts to California in it. I now have over 152,000 miles on it. I had to replace brakes/rotors as well as the shocks (which I didnt bother fixing for 4 years, actually), but absolutely trusted this car all the way (no major repairs, just routine stuff). Unfortunately, my husband crashed it recently, and would rather spend $7k on a Honda rather than $3k to fix the Avalon. Im heartbroken, but well still hold on to it in our garage and perhaps fix it later.

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  Great Car for the Money!! - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By norjud55 - March 29 - 8:34 pm

  This car is really nice. Easy to drive. I got the XLE model from Mark Jacobson Toyota in Raleigh/NC. They were nice to deal with. I like the drivers seat, it is very comfortable. The electronic gear shift, is also very handy. I got 32 miles on HWY. I had the front windows tinted and that helped out from the heat. I think Toyota builds the best car for the money. The one thing I would change is when you open the hood, you have to use the rod to hold it up. Not a good idea.

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  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Serbrew - March 29 - 6:30 pm

  This car has exceeded all expectations. I drive to maximize mileage, live in upstate NY where I am getting about 33 during the winter, 40 during the spring and fall and 36 in the summer. Because of the battery, truck is limited but fine for us. Absolutely amazing vehicle. Can run on battery at 40 mph and under and will almost always take advantage of electric when necessary.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Luxury - March 29 - 3:26 pm

  I have owned many luxury cars, this by far is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Texan - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Expedition. The Sequoia is no comparison. You pay more, but you get much much more.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By KSB - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have the sequential shift 03 model. This car is like a big go-cart. It takes corners well and shifting is smooth. This car is a lot of fun to drive and garners a lot of envious looks by passer-bys.

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  My Spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By spyderdriver - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Car is a real eye catcher, and since mine is bright yellow, I dont think there has been a time where people havent stopped or turned to check it out! It is one great looking car, fun to drive!!

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  My Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Arnie - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The performance is awesome. Whenever I need that extra power, its always there. Ive never had a problem with it as far as reliability.

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  The Best Car I Have Had Yet - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Love my car - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Usually it takes me a few weeks to get used to a new car. I felt completely comfortable with my Solara on the test drive.I dont even like to borrow cars because I am nervous, this just felt right. I still love it six months later. My husband wanted me to get a Toyota for about 20 years, I finally did and will never go back.