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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  Owning one - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Airpro2001 - April 2 - 2:20 am

  I really love driving my new prius for many reasons, the head room is great for us tall people. The acceleration is fast and I particularly like passing up all the gas stations! I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jth0323 - April 1 - 5:36 pm

  Very nice truck. I tow an 18 foot boat through the Colorado mountains, without trouble. Always get prase from others about the truck. The Toyota service has been good. I really like this truck

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  4Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By PMM - April 1 - 8:50 am

  Traded in 1994 Honda Accord w/185K on it for first SUV. Other vehicle is 1998 van. Wanted a true SUV for the trek to a second home in the Whilte Mountains of NH v. crossover. Also, wanted something reliable similar to the Accord. Plan to keep this vehicle for 10-12 years. Alway have felt safe in this truck no matter what kind of weather, snow, rain, etc. 35k in 15 months and love this SUV. We are a family of four and it is a bit small in the passenger area, but you can load it to the top for a weekend or weeks vacation. No 3rd row as it was useless. If you need a people hauler, best to opt for a bigger SUV or van.

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  Absolutely a great SUV for the money - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By sakinosh - March 31 - 5:44 pm

  When I decided to buy a 4Runner, it was the 05 Sport that I wanted and it continues to impress. Found one used with 30k mi on it and now have 92k and it just keeps cruising. Reliable, great power, extremely comfortable seats that have held up perfectly and still to this day, no squeaks or rattles. I put on slightly larger tires than stock (only 1in), but gas mileage dipped. But a full time AWD V8 SUV isnt something somebody concerned w/ MPG should be looking for. If you want a truly reliable automobile that can tow, this is it. I change the oil/filters/fluids myself, and other than regularly scheduled maintenance, no issues. I avg only ~16mpg around town, but low 20s hwy. A great SUV

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  Impressive Compact SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Allen Jackson - March 31 - 11:26 am

  This is a really nice SUV. The new RAV4 is almost now as big inside as the Highlander. Rides likes a Camry, but with the functionality of a SUV. 4 cylinder had plenty of power - 166hp. Fit and finish are very nice. My only hesitation with this SUV is that the rear window does not pop open, as was with the case for previous RAV4s.

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  Priced right! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ed - March 31 - 5:16 am

  I have been waiting to purchase a 4runner for quite some time. I enjoy not only driving it but also giving it a good wash and wax job.

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  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Glenn - March 31 - 4:26 am

  I love driving this car. It gets great mileage between 41 and 49 mpg. Its cargo room is enourmous. It can carry four adults comfortably over a long distance. Its ride is nice and people definitely notice it. No one is not impressed with it once introduced to it. Its hard to imagine going back to conventional driving.

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  Second Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By CamryMan3 - March 31 - 4:00 am

  Great car, not as good on gas as my old 90 Camry. Car always starts strong and runs like a dream. Only getting rid of it cause a deal on a 97 Camry came along.

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  Happy Pappy new toy - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By 66gman - March 30 - 5:46 pm

  Had a 2000 Avalon XLS. Now a 2007 Avalon Limited. Best car I ever had. I drive part time (retired) as a transporter. I drive many top level cars with 30-45000 miles on them and they are ready for the grave yard. When I get a Toyota product (Camry & Avalon) even the wear and tear doesnt show as on the others makes.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Trey B - March 30 - 4:40 pm

  Prior to purchasing my Camry, I test drove a number of cars including Lexus IS250/350 and Mercedes. Although impressive, the price for the cars were not commensurate to the perceived value. The XLE V6 fully loaded is a great value for thousands less. It is fun to drive and really has great body features.