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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  Fun SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dave - January 5 - 10:13 am

  The FJ Cruiser has been the most enjoyable SUV to drive. Everything about the FJ has been great. The craftmanship is excellent. I dont have enough praise for it. Its no wonder that Toyota is going to dominate the auto world.

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  A GREAT CAR - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By LEONIDIS - January 4 - 7:30 pm

  I have driven Avalons since 1996. I have owned the 1997, 2001,2003,2005,2006, and now the 2009. This is by far the best Avalon of the bunch. It is the most refined, the best handling, and the most comfortable. My car is loaded with everything, but the remote starter. I noticed that handling on back, winding country roads is much improved over my 2006, and I have more road feel. I happen to be a car nut, and an Older Gentleman, and this vehicle fills all of my current automotive desires. Of course, I do not expect it to be a racing machine, and know what to expect, since I have driven Porches, Maseratis, and Citroens. Bottom Line, this is the best Avalon yet.

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  Great Quality - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jim Linne - January 4 - 11:50 am

  This is my first Toyota. Ive owned 21 cars over the past 30 years of driving. The camry is quiet, roomy and totaly trouble free. Just under 40,000 miles and still rides and handles like the day I brought it home from the dealer. I love the dash layout, everything in easy reach. 192 HP is more than enough for passing quick acceleration when needed.

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  Dodge, Chevy, Ford, WHO? - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By ML Lejeune - January 4 - 9:26 am

  everyone thought I had lost my mind. A Japanese truck? Like riding in a Caddie, electric everything, smooth ride, v-6 plenty of power, but a bit easier at the tank. Great body style and the dependability of a toyota. Seats are plush and comfy, plenty of leg room. mirrors re-adjust with ease so both my husband and I can drive with little adjustment. If gas were a little cheaper I would go get another for myself, as it is the Nissan sits in the garage more than the Tundra.

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  I LUV my PRIUS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By KNB - January 4 - 4:43 am

  I love the virutal zero emissions more than anything else!

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  You Can Feel the Quality - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - January 3 - 1:30 pm

  With 6,000 miles on my 2005 Corolla now, I am very impressed with the performance and feel of this car. I do not have even one small complaint about any aspect of the driving performance - good acceleration, good cornering, good visibility, good breaking, etc. I am 62" and have plenty of head room.

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  Still Smiling - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tain Utah - January 3 - 4:33 am

  This is the 4th 4X4 I have owned and none of them have been this much fun. I have only put 1800 miles on my FJC but they have been great miles. My wife drove it the 120 miles home from the dealer but all the rest are mine. I have traveled the far reaches of the western Utah desert and the close reaches of the Buckhorn draw desert. I have gone up hills and over terrain that I have never been in an SUV, only a honda 4 wheeler. The heater and music are a lot better than the 4 wheeler. I enjoy the music even the woofer for a 48 yr old, Never been around MP3 but Im an expert now. TRD exhaust wasnt necessary but enjoy that too. This new FJC is like the fountain of youth to me behind the wheel.

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  Cant go wrong - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Ron - January 2 - 11:16 pm

  This truck if you want to call it that - it is more like a car and is fantastic. The 4 cyl is plenty peppy and gives good gas mileage. The back seats also recline which is comfortable for the passengers. The build quality is very good and attention is paid to detail. It came standard with stability control and abs brakes and traction control so even without 4wd it is good in the snow. I dont regret buying it for one minute.

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  Proud owner of a VENZA!!!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Helen&SteveN - January 2 - 8:00 pm

  My husband & I just went to look and left owning a Venza. Its gorgeous in tropical blue. We are big folks, both 65 years old and cant wait to hit the road for a long trip. The comfort of the seats is unmatched. Had a couple in the back with plenty of leg room and perfect temperature. We have been stopped and asked about it several times. Getting in and out is a breeze as it is the perfect height. Its turning radius is great and my 90 year old mother gets in and out it with ease and there is plenty of room for a walker and a wheel chair and groceries! Proud to be the owner. We even named it... Victoria. Check it out asap.

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  Awesome Car and Fun to Drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By RP Messenger - January 2 - 3:30 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. In almost two years of ownership have put 46k miles on the car with no issues. Unfortunately, last month my husband was in a car accident that totaled our beloved car. This car is so well designed that with the total loss of the vehicle my husband walked away with only a seatbelt rash. The airbags are amazing and did their job perfectly. The police were surprised he was not hurt. If you are looking for a safe, reliable, fun, high MPG car then this is the one for you. We miss our car are waiting to the 2010 Prius to replace the 2007.