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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  Uber Impressive - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By D and D - November 27 - 4:56 am

  This is our 3rd minivan and our last. The Sienna is the most impressive van I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I researched vehicles for approximately 5 months. Many test drives. Many consumer reviews. Many talks with owners of vehicles considered. The Sienna was the best value for the features we have. The vehicle moves nearly silently down the road at highway speed. Extremely smooth ride and very agile handling. The vehicle is firmly planted to the road and is very easy to drive and control. I found the vehicle to have a higher stance and better visibility than the other vans. I am very tall, and the Sienna offers the best driving room for my stature. Arguably the best on the market.

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  Great SUV so far - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Chander B. - November 26 - 11:10 pm

  Ive been averaging 29.8 MPG on my first tank of gas. Its great considering I was only getting 12 MPG in my LandCruiser. Obviously you cant drive the HiHy like an ordinary gas driven vehicle. I used to travel between 75-85 mph on all of my vehicles. But seeing how the style of driving affects actual mpg, Ive drastically changed my driving style. I think I drive like a little old lady. I dont accelerate fast and always maintain the posted speed limit. Its more like a game for me now. I dont care if other people are racing around me, I used to be like them a few weeks ago. They dont know what I know now. Im saving $$ at the pump while sacrificing minutes on my commute in safety!!

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  Doesnt get any better - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gordo3 - November 26 - 5:23 pm

  This is a fantastic car with significant attention to smart technology. Its quick, tight, and cruises effortlessly at higher speeds. I think everyone should own one.

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  Just what I wanted - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Heron - November 26 - 7:30 am

  Ive owned the car for 5 months and enjoy driving it everyday. The ride and manueverablity are outstanding. Gas mileage is excellent. I just feel comfortable driving it.

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  All around one car to have - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mkedcd - November 26 - 3:13 am

  The one vehicle to have for practicality. Lots of interior room, fairly economical, and more refinement than CRV. Performance of the Toyota four puts my old Chrysler six to shame.

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  I rolled my Sequoia during a tornado - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ROB Hixon - November 26 - 2:41 am

  Pain, hit my head, pulled a leg muscle. Walked away. When tow truck arrived. It started. Had a Car lot from 1995 -2000. Best vehicle I ever owned

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  Very reliable and a great truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zac Price - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Had 5 Toyotas now and love em. The 97 4x4 Tacoma is awsome. Have 96k on it witout any probs and love it.

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  Insearch of.... - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By NRP - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The wife and I spent several months debating between a Lexus GS 300 and the Avalon. Recently at a Annual Tent Sale we test drove the dealers 2003 Avalon, we both fell in love with the leather and interior design. Never got a chance to test drive the GS 300 because we were afraid of the sale price for an equivalent year and milage. This car is a joy to drive and most of all our two kids "love it."

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  New Solara No V6 Necessary - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By flfoxy - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Well, Toyota does it again. The new Solara is a wonderful new car. I opted out of my brothers GM Retiree Discount to buy one. The new 4 cylinder is excellent as perfforms better than the 04 8.8 V6 in the Impala I was trying and on at least 25% less gas. Realizing it is a new model there may be a few quirks down the road but so far so great. Now have 500 miles on it from original 12. First tank of gas came in at 28.1 mpg overall. What else can I say.

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  A rocking car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sammydavidjr - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Corolla is a masterpiece. I love it, my friends n family love it. Even my students love it. They say it looks like a Lexus, other say it looks like a racing car. I think I made a wise choice buying this car. I even love the color ( grey ) Even though looks like silver...hehehehe