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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  Awesome vehicle - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By treerollins - September 2 - 9:13 am

  This is one of the very few mid sized truck based SUVs out there. I like to do some mild off road activites and have a boat to tow, so a car based SUV is not an option. So far I have loved it. Even though it is a mid size SUV, it has a very commanding stance on the highway. It feels larger than it is, people even comment on how large it looks. The handling is good for this type of SUV, especially since its truck based. It takes some adjustments at first, but once you figure out how to drive it, youll be pleased. The ride is a little on the bouncy side, but again its a truck! It does well on basic off roads. A great alternative to a full size suv if you need 2 rows of seating.

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  Its fun - and cheep - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By John - September 2 - 6:30 am

  Was looking at new Lexus ES 330s and decided their cost was more than I really could afford. Started looking at lesser cost mini SUVs. Had really never paid attention to Toyota other than the Lexus. The Matrix caught our eye and we grabbed it for the inherent quality we knew Toyota has. If youre looking for high Resale, overall Quality, Sporty good looks, very Economical, good Comfort and a deceptively Roomy little rig,, look at the Toyota Matrix as your next car. We very much like ours because it fills our and most peoples needs.

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  Awesome Little Roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2RDSTR - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very classy looking sporty roadster. It turns lots of heads and is extremely fun to drive. The 5spd. SMT sequential transmission is most appealing. I purchased the optional hardtop, which further enhances the overall appearance of the car. It is often mistaken for a porsche boxster. The very limited production numbers make the car quite unique. You occassionally will see one here and there. The overall quality and value for the $$$ is most attractive. This car will prove to be a true classic from Toyota.The resale value is extremely high.

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  96 camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By frankyboywhatajoy - September 2 - 2:00 am

  the best car i ever owned, better than the honda accord.

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  Get one RIGHT NOW! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By EmilyRugburn - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my car! We got a great deal on it, too. Its so much fun to drive, and I love the fact that its got a Corolla engine (dependable!). Yay Ive been averaging gas mileage, and even though weve had it since Thanksgiving, the car has only been filled up 4 times! It averages about 32 MPG, and I do lots of city driving. I imagine the gas mileage would improve even more if I babied it on the road. Ive been seeing more of them on the road. Gotta be that sporty style paired with the incredible sticker price!

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  great car-bad dealer - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By murray - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be very easy to handle. I am short and the higher seat makes it easy to judge distance.

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  Luxury AND Economy! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tekonah - September 2 - 2:00 am

  After more than 6000 miles of interstate driving, I found this the most exciting and pleasurable car of the more than 20 (mostly Toyotas) I have owned. The only disappointment: mileage per gallon is only as good as my 2001 Prius which had 30,000 miles on it.

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  Couldnt ask for more. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By clark mcdougall - September 2 - 2:00 am

  outstanding!

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  o what a feelin - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rogcooksen - September 2 - 2:00 am

  great truck. plenty of power. pulls my boat with no problem. never gave me any trouble. jus turn key and go

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By stevesrunner - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is our third 4Runner. Aside from the unavailabity of a standard transmission, I have no complaints with this vehicle. It is larger and more powerful than previous models and we get the same gas mileage