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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  2007 Toyota Sienna LE - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By gloria burgess - April 17 - 1:53 am

  We were pleasantly surprised to find the Sienna with better features, handling, HORSEPOWER, etc. less expensive than our previous van, 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan LE. It was also was less expensive than the comparably equipped Honda Odyssey, which made our decision for us. Quick comparison - Toyota has advantage in price and power, better stereo and of course,reputation for reliability; Honda (maybe) handles better, feels a tad more car-like and may have a slight edge in styling. We are extremely happy with this vehicle purchase, and our children love the backseats.

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  Tough to beat - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By montzterman - April 17 - 12:33 am

  When I bought this vehicle I knew that the V6 gave it a lot of power. Wow, was I surprised the first time I passed another car on the highway! The Rav4 has scary fast power! With the sport suspension the Rav4 handles great also. Dont even think about buying the under-powered competitors.

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  Perfect SUV for women - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Angela Therrien - April 16 - 11:46 pm

  I just purchased my 2005 Rav 4 last month. I am a 29 year old female with 1 child. So far I am very pleased with this vehicle. The design is very stylish, This SUV handles beautifully, smooth and quite, handles like a car but you have better visabilty and more room. Another reason I chose this model is the incredible safety features. It has specially designed crashzones and AWD for bad weather. Also this model does not have a higher rate of rollover like most SUVs. This SUV is perfect for women with 1 or no children. I could see it feeling a little cramped for larger families or for men over 62". My husband is 65" and fits ok for around town but would not want it for his primary vehicle.

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  Best car ever - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By stacey - April 16 - 2:20 pm

  We got it as a used rental car in late 1999 and have driven it to death ever since. It now has almost 150000 miles and weve never had a big problem. We change oil regularly. Only repairs were the right window motor and we did all the belts etc. My husband drives it daily around 50-60 miles. We will drive it til it drops.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By DL118 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Rock solid dependable. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this model to anyone else. Gets great mileage on the highway. Smooth and comfortable ride.

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  Great Car!!! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Dijon Baker - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really love my new ECHO, it is such a nice little car. It is comfortable and fun. I like having a nice car that is easy on the wallet but also a great car. I really like the exterior styling and the front seats are good for seeing a lot of what goes on outside. The only bad thing is the engine. A 1.8 liter engine, like the Corollas would be nice because it needs a little more power.

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  i love this car... - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By mgaige - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Have always enjoyed the car i hated the closeness to the ground of the other cars (i have arthritis and it hurt to get in and out of the cars) w/ the sales man showed me this one and I fell in love with the height, headroom, trunk room, and storage spaces I love the center placement for the speedometer- i dont break my back getting her in and out of the back seat. the get up and go is wonderful, i never have to worry about getting on the highway

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  A Combination of Fun and Pratical - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jdavis - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car every day I drive it. Several times a week I pat myself on the back for choosing this vehicle. It has room enough for adults, economical to operate, and is a car that should last for years. And yet, it is a blast to drive. I have had two minor items which needed to be repaired. The car is comfortable and solid. It has all the features I want. The wind and outside noise is low for a convertable, but is certainly more than hardtops. Most notable on interstate and around trucks. No regrets.

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  In love with my Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bdw2 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable beauty, comfort, safety, reliability, and CLASS!! No problems in over two years........(this site would not allow me to put in the actual year, which is a 2001..Arrows dont work for year of car) Always prefer to take this vehicle over my husbands Mercedes, which is newer. I have the niftiest car and would not EVER drive anything but a Toyota. My Forerunner was outstanding and this is even better, if possible...........Thanks Toyota!!!!!

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  excellent - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By jbrown - April 16 - 10:00 am

  does everything I ask of it and more.