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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  Tacoma Rules the Road, and Off Road too! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By gunslinger357 - November 5 - 1:53 am

  My Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Doublecab 3.4L V-6 TRD RULES the Road! It Kicks BUTT in every way. It is Ultra Reliable, Toyota-Tough, and I can ALWAYS depend on it. On the weekends, my Tacoma can Tear it UP with the best of them Off Road. In fact it IS the best, because every week I pass by all the broken down Fords, Chevys, and Dodges with engine/transmission problems and I laugh. My Tacoma rocks them ALL! Ive tried the Rest, now I Own the BEST!

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  Best by Far - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By vuduthmb - November 4 - 7:56 pm

  Im 57, and I have owned many cars. Nothing even comes close to the Echo. Ten years old, and still getting gas mileage close to a hybrid. Just change the oil and tires, it just keeps going.

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  Wouldnt own anything else but a Toyota - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura Minnich - November 4 - 10:16 am

  My family of five at one time had 5 Toyotas. We love them all. The maintenance and reliability are superior to any other brands. We currently have two corollas and will drive them into the ground. Great cars for teenagers.

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  Does whatever I ask of it. - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Justin - November 4 - 6:00 am

  I bought my 4Runner a little over a year ago with 111,000 miles and it was wrecked. I repaired the damage, installed a small lift, larger tires an HD hitch and electric brake controller. I bi-weekly haul 1-2 tons on my tandem axle trailer with very little problem. My 4Runner is a manual trans so I make the most of the power it has. I also off road it harder than one should their daily driver but this little rig is extremely capable and fun to trail run with the family. I also having been driving more lately putting on 1500-2000 last month and been getting 19 mpg consistently. I have nothing but good things to say about my beat up little 4Runner-wait one negative needs more headroom!!

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  Quality Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By GB - November 4 - 2:53 am

  I traded my defective Chevrolet Colorado in on a new Tacoma after GM wouldnt stand behind their product. I wish I would have looked at the Tacoma 2 years ago. The interior quality beats Chevy hands down, as does the ride and lack of road noise. There is also no comparison of the stereo system, Toyota beats Chevy without question. The mileage on the 2.7 4 cyl. 4X4 Tacoma has been fantastic. The mileage during the first 3000 miles has been 23 - 24 mpg with about 50% highway driving. I am very happy with my Tacoma.

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  SUV comparison - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Olivas - November 3 - 12:10 am

  I have owned over 7 SUVs since 1998 and have found that this Toyota Sequoia is the best driving one of all. The turning radius is the smallest of all. The safety features and navigation system only add to the value one gets with this vehicle. The technology is mind boggling. The blue tooth cell phone aspect allows the driver to answer thier phone on the steering wheel with out ever having to reach for the cell phone. Caller ID shows up on the nav system screen. The rear camera allows the driver to see whats there and the sensors keep you from running into things. I strongly recomend this vehicle to people who are concerned with safety and reliability.

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  Fun car with minor manufacturing defect - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Hon - November 2 - 6:06 pm

  It is fun to drive. Saves a lot of fuel comparing to driving my old 4.9L Cadillac. Unfortunately, it was very surprising to find out that the cruise control does not work. It is under warranty but need time to go back to the dealership.

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  Still Happy! - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Nestor - November 2 - 3:50 pm

  I have had my truck for almost a year and have been pleased on and off the road. Power is more than plenty and it crept up a steep icy driveway over Christmas. Havent noticed suspension roughness. Now all Im worried about it the resale value with the recalls. Resale value was one of the big selling factors for me choosing it over the Ram.

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  RAV4 S - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By arthur cameron - November 2 - 11:13 am

  so far with 10k miles no problems to report typical toyota build , got the s model in blue which looks great, the driver seat and the insert on the drivers door is showing some wear already ? not the typical toyota. and since we live in the southeast had to watch out for options that wasnt from toyota which is basically aftermarket.*read your window stickers carefully* if your buying one, other than that a great vehicle very flexible and durable.

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  superb car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By deb - November 2 - 9:06 am

  auto dimming mirror, rear sunshade, alloy wheels, nice stereo system, refined interior,outstanding reliability, good handling