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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  Couldnt ask for More!!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By J. Reeves - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. It contains Luxury items only found in cars costing 15 to 20 thousand more. It is a Dream Car and has the Toyota Quallity to Back it Up....

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  SO GLAD I GOT THIS CAR! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By b14 - September 13 - 1:39 am

  I had a toyota corrola almost 20 years ago when I was getting out of college, and drove it til almost 170k miles. After that I wanted luxury and performance. I flopped back and forth between VWs and Honda Accords, and after having lots of expenses with both (I think my hondas were defective), saw an ad for a Prius lease for 179/mo. I never thought Id drive off the lot, just wanted to "see". After checking it out and driving it, then calculating the incentive deals and gas savings, I realized I could afford this car no problem. The cost to own is so low. Change the oil every 10k miles thats it. Drove to NYC from Boston and back for $30! Unbelievable. Attractive-Fun to drive: Will be buying!

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  The Black Jet - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ed Crivello - September 12 - 10:10 pm

  This is truely an outstanding vehicle for the price. Extreme response when you put the hammer down. Good turning radius, and adequate braking system. It took some time getting used to the touque steering during power accelerations from a halt. JBL Sysnthesis 12 speaker stereo will rock your world and with out distortion. Interior is very ergnomic with comfortable front seats. Love the leg room in the back...and the rear reclining seats. Excellent gas mileage on the road...racked up 33 mile per gallon on a trip to Georgia while burning 93 octane and cruising at 70 MPH. 14 MPH city... washington D.C. Would love to see this car with Hybrid IMA assist package.

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  Happy Prius Driver - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By prius - September 12 - 10:03 pm

  Very happy with the car, traded in a lexus for the Prius. Best move I ever made. Gas is an after thought, I go to the gas staion for coffee

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  230 thousand strong - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By viper driver - September 12 - 10:52 am

  Great vehicle, the best Ive owned in the past 32 years. I have the limited version. The all time 4WD (4 hi) is fantastic. Handles like a dream, have not been able to get it stuck yet (live in CA with frequent drives into OR and NV; avid skier in the Sierra Nevadas). Only issues are cosmetic; some of the backlighting behind the temperature controls has burned out, and theres a CD stuck in the CD player (with no way to get it out). Leather seats have held up well; but Ill need to have some stitching repaired on the drivers seat soon.

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  So much room. - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Jimbo - September 12 - 4:56 am

  What a great van, drives so smooth and quiet. Power door and fold flat 3rd row seats are so nice. Second row seats are easy to remove and dont weight too much. Interior gages and finish is top notch. Drive noise is much quieter than the Honda odyssey. Looking for a minivan, make sure and look at these. For 26K you cannot beat the options, features, Toyota reliability and resale value.

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  My White Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Albert - September 12 - 4:20 am

  I like the way the vehicle looks, and drives, especally the CVT. We are averaging 45 mpg with the air conditioning system on constantly, and 50 mpg with the air conditioning off.These mpg figures are for about 75% in town driving, and 25% freeway driving. My wife and I both love this car!

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  What I like - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dave burton - September 11 - 2:43 pm

  This car has one of the best engines on the market. Performance is amazing even when driven under harsh conditions. The exterior is crisp, sharp and up with the times. I love the size on the inside. The Corolla S Type is roomy and offers great head room. Of all the small cars I have owned in the past, the Toyota Corolla S is the top of the crop.

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  I still love it! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Rosalie Ruiz - September 11 - 2:00 pm

  This vehicle rides smoothly and quietly. Standing outside while its running and you can barely hear it running. I still love it!

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  celica - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By digidru - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Awesome best car ive ever driven. i think more people would drive them if they knew how comfertible they are