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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  Not bad - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Sean - June 16 - 11:13 am

  Overall Im happy. Great power. Haul heavy loads all the time and have had no issues with ride. Ride actually gets better as the bed is weighted. Empty bed on rough roads cause entire truck to resonate... this is common in trucks though. Inside plastic; radio and dash material is cheap (planned to get aftermarket nav as it has better features). Bluetooth is actually no good, no one can hear me clearly. JBL subwoofer under rear seat is poorly placed, should have stuck it behind the seat. Center channel on dash makes noise if covered up with paper. Rear head rests obstruct view. No memory seats, rear ac vents or step lights standard on DC Limited? I couldnt get a moonroof on the DC.

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  2007 Toyota Corolla Sport - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Marvin Dicker - June 16 - 8:50 am

  Excellent car. I love the way the S model looks. My wife loves it too.

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  Great fuel efficient Car! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By esther78 - June 16 - 4:25 am

  My dad traded in his Sienna for the prius cuz he was spending $400 ~ $450 per month on gas, which is equivalent of making monthly payment on a new car, so he decided to get the best fuel efficient car - the Prius! After the purchase, we went to Penn, 189mile one way, on a full tank, and on our way back, we filled it up again, so all in all, we spent $37 for a 378 mile trip! Amazing! Its only been less than a week we had the car, but its def worth the purchase! I would recommend anyone looking to purchase a car to buy Prius!

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  Unexpected Problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By carlsonr - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Prius sight unseen on Sept 29, 2004. I was told by my dealership, that my exact speced car they would be able to tell me when I would get the car in early October. In mid-November I called and the tune had changed...maybe theyd know by Feb 2004. In January they called me...I had a shot at a Prius..not the one I wanted...or I might have to wait half a year more. It was a trac car with 730 miles..they gave me 15 cents a mile, and I had to pay MSRP. Also, because I live in a small market repairs may be a problem (only 1 other prius sold by this dealer). You relly have to want his car to put up with what is going down.

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  I love my Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sissypooo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Matrix easily accessible by elderly, handles with outstanding control on curves as well as on slippery surfaces; excellent vision from drivers seat both of road and of dashboard for short people. Unique appearance creates a vehicle that is fun to drive and comfortable. Backseat acessible and comfortable for seniors and for toddlers in booster seats. Cargo compartment accomodates shopping trips for five.

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  Satisfied! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Cesar R. - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Boy, I was debating wether to buy the Sequoia or a Tahoe. Im real happy I made the right choice. Going back, I dont know how I even considered a Tahoe over this one!

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  after one year old report - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By skyking85711 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  From day one when i went looking for a small quality pick-up truck i knew it was going to be a toyota tacoma 4 - cly 5-spd man. with air and stereo power sterring & power brakes.i never even test drove it as i drove it from the parking lot to in front of the dealership they wrote up the paper work i signed it and left with the truck ,i miss not having a clock and trip-ometer but have learned to live without.tacoma A-OK in my book.

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  Tacoma Prerunner Review - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By fpsakes1 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have found that this truck is first class in nearly every respect. The ride is comfortable and I have not experienced any problems with my lower back after an extended period of driving. It is a very responsive vehicle, with no delay in acceleration at critical times. Nor, is there any sway when cornering or at highway speeds around curves. I have no criticisms about the interior decor. (See below about the clock and rear head restraints.)

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  Toyota Owner - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By FLGirl - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the second car I have owned and I LOVE it! My first car was a Ford and I had nothing but problems with it. The Toyota Corolla makes for a wonderful driving experience!

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  Great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By WVU_Mountaineer - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes vehicle and she loves it! No more "why do I have ot have a van" talk. We took our first big family trip (5 of us) last week and it did not disappoint. There is lots of room to spread out in comfort. The rear trunk well is incredibly deep and swallows the luggage. It rides smoothly and is quiet and handles securely at speeds of 70 - 90. The seats are comfortable. We are very pleased and strongly endorse. Security of AWD a plus.