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 Car on the Market - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jason K - April 14 - 7:43 pm

  This is the second prius Ive bought. I got one for my mom two months ago and I think Ive spoiled her. The car is unbelievably quiet, and it handled the recent thunderstorms and winds in Los Angeles like it had four wheel drive. And, this car is clean. The other morning I sat on the 405 parking lot watching SUVs spew exhaust fumes, while my engine wasnt even running. The rear area of the car is perfect for taking the dogs to the dog park and hauling groceries. As for pickup, it has reasonably good acceleration, and Im still getting 50 miles to the gallon. The Prius is the real deal and with all the extras driving is fun again.

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  LOVE MY CAR!!! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By TRDFAN - April 14 - 7:00 pm

  Thers only 2 items that could be better. The drivers seat is a bit narrow, and there is more wind noise than I would orfer inside the vehicle. Other than that its almost perfect!!

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  2006 Toyota Corolla LE - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By K - April 14 - 5:06 pm

  I love my 2006 Toyota Corolla LE. It has never given me any problems. Only routine maintenance. I love the great fuel economy especially because of high fuel costs. It also handles much better than even the Mustang. My Corolla handles better at 100mph that the Mustang at 75. I love my car and was glad I invested in it

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  Nice vehicle - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By k12shorty - April 14 - 5:00 pm

  I have had my venza a month with 1500 miles put on so far. I love this car! I get 24 mpg overall and have Avg. 28 mpg highway at 70 mph I enjoy the nav system and the rear view uses the same screen and rocks. Heated seats are sweet also. No wind noise at all, slicgt tire was dampened when i installed a rubber mat in cargo area. fit and finish is nice. I would recomend this car to anyone. The v6 has plenty of pep and is reated for 3500 lbs towing.

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  Love My Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Reggie Young - April 14 - 3:23 am

  I have been a Toyota lover for years because they last forever. But I have not loved a car like this since my Celica I bought in 1982.This car has everything and is a joy to drive, comfort level is excellent, design is absolutely great, quiet ride, I can not say enough to express how much I love this car.

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  peace of mind - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By peaceofmind - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I am beyond analytical...I reveiweed and tested drove everything. i had an BMW X-5 on order and cancelled it. I bought a 2000 L.Cruiser with littel regrets. It doesnt handel like the X-5 but the space and fit and finish won me over. The v-8 is awesome. The weight wears the brakes but will protect my love ones. The way I look at it ..it is a lot cheaper to pay the pump instead of the hospital. This is a very capabel vehicle one that cost too much but is worth every penny.

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  Not recomended.... - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By ttamorak - April 14 - 2:00 am

  My car is a lemon. While lemons happen, Toyota Corporation is unwilling to work something out and is making me pay for repairs. The trunk release has broken 8 times or so, the body moldings have fallen off, and the car gets less mpg than they suggest. It has a cheap plastic interior. I would NOT recommend this car to anyone. I drive a lot and would recommend a Honda Civic or Ford Focus.

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  its a great car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By 5e - April 14 - 2:00 am

  small car outside plenty of room inside handles the rode good takes sharp turns fast

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  Bad engines - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Bachs - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Beware of this car. Toyota admits a oil sludge issue, although they blame the owners. Search google for more info, Toyota Sludge. Toyota claims they are fixing the affected cars at no charge but this is an out right lie.

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  Great Truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By ChrisH - April 14 - 2:00 am

  The new stepside bed and tail light design gives a great distinctive look making it stand out from the crowd. I love the power and the ride is smooth. Gas mileage not bad for a 4.7 V8. Sticker price may be a little high, but with rebates and a willingness to deal there are some good deals out there.