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 economy car for the buck! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Thomas Collins - October 9 - 8:09 am

  I had a Honda 1999 civic before this and I spent $3000. On services just to keep it right. These echos just need oil changes. More room higher off ground for flood areas better mpg quieter. You have to neglect the car to have a problem. 30mpg city. Easy to drive and park. I had a 2005 corolla and it was falling apart . Sad. I know when I walk out to my echo it is going to take me where Im going with no problems. These cars were built right. 200k miles easy. No timing belt bs. At 113k now only needs front rotors replaced. Perfect for city or long distance. I would drive it anywhere anytime year.

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  my PreRunner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Vance - October 9 - 6:33 am

  Have only had my Tacoma for 3 months now, but have taken my family of 4 on a 2200 mile trip to Washington DC and it was fantastic!! Plenty of room for both boys in the back with the videos and games, plenty of room up front for my wife and I. The mileage was 2mpg better than the sticker both in town and on the hwy. The truck is definitely a headturner. If I could afford another one for my wife, Id do it in a heartbeat.

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  Toyota has it right - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim - October 8 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned my Sequoia for over a year now. Other than gas mileage, which is a fundamental problem for ALL full size SUVs (my Sequoia gets 14-15 mpg - not too bad). It has an awesome look and drives like youre on a cloud. It has a very quiet ride too. We often pack 5 adults and 2 kids in the car for 2hr plus rides and it has tons of room and comfort. It is the first auto I have purchased that I have told people is the best auto I have ever owned. Other manufacturers take a lesson from Toyota... they got it right!

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  2006 Toyota Conv - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RAQ - October 8 - 8:13 am

  Well built vehicle which makes a sporty appearance.

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  Monster truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Ralph - October 8 - 4:13 am

  Wow, what a super truck from the muscle and big brakes to ride and quietness. The guality is top shelf. Talked to some mechanics and was told Toyota is the best truck on the road. After having 3 Chevys and a Dodge ram, I couldnt agree more. I know theres die hard Chevy, Ford and Dodge owners out there, do yourself a favor and check out this baby.

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  2008 SE Camry Nice Ride!! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By George - October 7 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned my 2008 SE Camry for about one week now and do not have any regrets about the purchase. The interior fit and finish is nicely done especially for a car at this price. The 4-Cyl. engine is great on gas and has decent acceleration and tourque. All radio, AC/Heat controls are easy to understand and utilze. Passenger room in this car is outstanding, you can really strech out and get comfortable. Getting ready to take it on a long trip so we will see how fuel milage is on the highway.

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  This car is the real deal - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By danyimbo - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I owned this car before. You will not be dissapointed. By far the best feature is a trunk window that goes all the way down automatically. I now own a 02 Lexus RX300, but nothing will ever beat the feeling and joy I had driving the 97 Runner..

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  Excellent - Best Car I have Ever Owned - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By BarbarianJ - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with quality, reliability - however in the comfort area - the front seats (drivers and passenger seats - comfort needs to be improved - too stiff. Other than that - love everything else about the car. Best and most reliable car Ive owned. Still have the original brakes at 60,000 miles. Had to change tires at 35,000.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By AReganL - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Much better than my 92 Jeep Cherokee. Only got about 12mpg city. The Corolla S gets awesome gas mileage, theres lots of leg room, and great styling both in and out. I was worried about the black interior at first thinking it would be hotter but I havent noticed a difference. I always get compliments on it. I absolutely love it!!!

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  Youve Come A Long Way Baby - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By CAbe - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive and it handles great. The seats are so comfortable and it really looks good. I am amazed at the power I get for a 4 cylinder. The only negative thing I can say it because it is a small car the ride isnt as smooth. I am really glad I purchased this car.