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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  best mid-sized suv - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By nfdeng13 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We drove the Trail Blazer, Envoy, Durango, Pilot, and Explorer. The 4- Runner blew them away. We couldnt believe it was in the same price range.We have 12,000 miles and love the truck.

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  best suv - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dennis larson - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED 4RUNNERS SINCE 1992 AND THIS IS MY 4TH....AND THE BEST....4WHEEL PLUS V8...AWESOME PERFORMANCE AND GREAT RELIABILITY...PRIMARILY DRIVEN BY MY WIFE, SHE LOVES THE PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY,SHE FEELS SAFE AND SECURE.

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  caoc - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Carlos Olaya - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im happy has enough power

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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By peter hoovey - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a very solid ride. I have owned three GM Blazers in the past and have never experienced the quality built into a vehicle such as the Highlander. I did own a 1995 Geo Prism for nine years and 77000 miles and never put a dime into it, that is what brought me to buying Toyota.

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  2004 Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By karyiola - March 23 - 2:00 am

  With slightly over 2K miles on this car Im a happy customer. The car is quiet, I never heard complaints from the rear passenger about comfort or ride. Ive gotten a lot more compliments from people on the cars looks than I expected. It is like a baby Lexus. A loveable car. A better choice than the Golf I was pondering about especially in regards to reliability. The Corolla reminds me of my friends VW GTi as far as quietness and body rigidity is concerned. There is nothing cheap in the corolla. All in all this is a great buy for a car with this much class and refinement with a decent price.

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  Top o the line - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jimfromva - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Best car made!!!!!!!!! Smooth ride, handles curves like their nothing and a great sound system to boot. Buy it!

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  True Toyota Reliabilty - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Jared Olson - March 23 - 1:33 am

  I purchased this car in 2008 with 155k miles. This car was properly maintained and because of that, it was in practically new condition when I bought it. The only thing that had to be replaced in its lifetime was the water pump, which almost any car needs replaced at that age. It also had new wheels and brake pads. I test drove a newer Mitsubishi for the same price. Compared to the Camry, the Mitsubishi felt like a golf cart. The build quality of a Toyota is like non other, except for Lexus (but theyre made by Toyota anyway). If properly maintained, this car could easily last 300,000 or more miles.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Liz - March 22 - 11:06 pm

  Ive always had small American cars. I was tired of throwing money away after 60K. Everyone I know that has a Toyota, loves it. I thought it was about time I owned one. I love my mothers Rav4 but it was too pricy for my budget. My Yaris has every single upgrade except a spoiler & is still a better deal than a basic Corolla.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By AV8R - March 22 - 5:43 pm

  Great truck for the daily driver. Rides like a car. If Lexus made a truck this would be it. Great everyday truck.

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  Sweet Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gene - March 22 - 3:53 pm

  I drive long distances and this car gets fantastic gas mileage, is comfortable, quiet, and fun to drive. I have the 2.4L and was surprised with the power. It gets 30-32mpg on the highway consistently. We love the ride quality and comfort. It gets lots of compliments wherever we go.