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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  maxs 05 avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By maxavalon - November 8 - 12:20 pm

  This is a big, comfy ride with lots of goodies (270 hp, 360 watt, 12 speaker sound system, dynamic laser cruise control, heated & VENTILATED front seats etc.) that you would otherwise have had to pay much more for. My only issues with it so far is a bit of torque steer on quick acceleration (it DOES GO!) and a pronounced nose dive when I had to stand on the brakes recently.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By cpaman - November 8 - 10:40 am

  I bought this SUV used with 40,000 miles. I just returned from a 3500 mile trip through the Rockies and was very pleased with the performance in the mountains. So far, I have had no mechanical problems.

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  Avalon xls 2005 - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kathie - November 8 - 10:10 am

  Had a Sequioa went smaller, but still have all the luxury. Fast,Fun, comfortable. Lots of Trunk space. Can fit 2 sets of golf clubs plus golf carts. My kids like the room in the back and how the back sits tilt back if needed. Very smooth ride... feels like a lexus in every way.....

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Jay in NC - November 8 - 9:00 am

  This is a great driving SUV! It has a quiet ride on the highway, and it has all the creature comforts I need. The center console is easy to manage. It offers plenty of room for 5 passengers and the rear storage space is more than ample. I was pleasantly suprised by the acceleration of the 4 cylinder engine. I am very pleased with my Highlander.

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  Torque and horsepower are intoxicating! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Warren - November 8 - 2:40 am

  When you live in the Rocky Mountains, 7, 8, 9 or even 13 per cent grades are not uncommon. How do you get a 6000 pound vehicle over such obstacles? Toyota has done it with a magnificent 380+ HP 400+ pound foot of torque, fire breathing 5.7L variable valve V8. Combined with a silky smooth 6 speed automatic transmission, 4.30 monster rear axle and enormous disc brakes on all four corners, Toyota has delivered a powertrain that will move this beast from 0-60 in just a hair over 6.0 seconds. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Once you have put your foot into this 1/2 ton truck, signing the sales contract is easy. No buyers remorse here!!!

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  Cool Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By DDUCA - November 8 - 2:00 am

  IS A REAL FAST CAR FOR A 1.8 LITER

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  I hate to see U go!!!! - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Tisha - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my corolla since I have had it I have driven it from Texas to Ohio it has been a great car for transporting my children when they were little. Though now they are older and my son 15 and at 311 playing football, when I pick up he and his friends from practice the joke is how many football players can we fit in a sardine can!!! Other then that this has been the best car I have ever had!!! I HATE TO SEE HER GO!!!

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  Big Nasty - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Luciano Gonzalez - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is so much fun to drive and its really fast. i had driven this car from Philadelphia to North Carolina and me and my kids were so confertable. Im glad they made this car. Thank You Toyota!!!

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  Toyota Sequoia Review - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By DeanGregg - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the Sequoia for almost 6 months and this is the best vehicle that I have ever driven. Ive driven BMW, Mercedes, you name it and the Sequoia beats it. I test drove the competition and there is no comparison to the power, agility, handling, and quality of the Sequoia. I dont know why, but the competition have horsepower ratings well in excess of the Sequoia...all you have to do is step on the accelerator and the numbers mean nothing...this thing has POWER! The best thing is Toyota quality. Ive owned Toyotas for years and they just dont have problems. period!

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  Dependable, quality ride! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Touc - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I like this truck because of its smooth ride. I look forward to many years (hopefully) of dependability with this one. The bed is incredible, too. It is so big, it makes the hood of the truck look almost small. I wont have any problems loading up for family camping trips now. Not the greatest in accelleration, but smooth, quiet ride for a truck.