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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  More than I ever expected! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Eric - September 7 - 11:36 am

  I upgraded to this truck (Regular Cab 4WD V8) from my V6 Tacoma because I needed more hauling power and more room in the bed. I have driven this truck 11,500 miles in 6 weeks, sometimes hauling a double axle 16 car trailer and loading heavy car parts in the back. The Tundras fuel economy while towing is much better than I expected, especially with non California gas. Build quality is excellent, with my only complaint being the cupping of the front tires-the dealer found the front end alignment to be 7 degrees off! I bought the strip model with real window cranks and rubber floor mats for ease of maintenance. I drove them all,but one thing was missing-the Toyota reliability!!!

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By AGB - September 7 - 5:46 am

  Ive had the truck for about a month & am very satisfied. I traded in a Lexus ES 350 because I needed something bigger with 4 wheel drive. The Highlander has many of the same features (engine, great stereo, bluetooth, etc) & possesses the same quality Toyota fit & finish. Gas mileage is decent as well, much better than some of the full size beasts out on the road today.

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  uhmazing - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By reese - September 7 - 4:53 am

  I love this car. It has loads of power for a 1.8 liter 4 cyl engine. Nice size. Can park anywhere easily. All my components work, ac heater Windows everything. Little rust at bottom my car has 701,456 miles. I also bought it new and I bought same size 14 inch rims for more winter traction. Overall it amazing uhhhh mazing. I hate my Camry

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  Ya Gotta Love your Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Carroll Sorrell - September 6 - 11:33 pm

  Love my Yaris. Toyota in general has the best products for little old grannies that need reliability! I have a Toyo truck and I feel the same way about it. Always there when I need them and safe and fun to drive. Yaris has made Toyota proud. Keep up the good work.

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  love my new car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Olga Mankevitch - September 6 - 7:20 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its weird not having to go to the gas pump two or three times a week. I would highly recommend this car to everyone. If the prices were lower then they would outsell everyone.

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  Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Gafield Bent - September 6 - 6:10 am

  I bought this vehicle January 10, 2009, for the price it is a great deal for the buck. I have two draw backs on this vehicle, first the clock is in a odd place, and the vehicle mph does not reflect the actual mph. I havent noticed the steering problem that some owners are talking about, if I do I will be taking it in to the dealer for a fix. Overall this car is great. This is my forth corolla now,and I will recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Well Rounded Sedan - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron Moore - September 6 - 12:46 am

  This is my first Toyota! Finally getting away from SUVs. It handles well, and surprised me with the quick acceleration. We bought it for its size, but it gets really good gas mileage! The CD changer is nice, but would have liked the option for the JBL system on the Touring edition. Overall, we are really satisified, lots of features and luxury ... This car is really a Lexus!!

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  former Ford owner - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - September 5 - 9:40 pm

  engine is great, mpg is fantastic for an suv on the highway. Ride is better than any suv Ive been in. Plenty of storage for gear. Very quiet for an suv and scoots up steep hills as well as a sedan and small sports car. Will wait till winter to see what it does in snow. Only problem is that there is no satellite connectivity - have to wait for aftermarket dash fit kit to swap out for NAV/CD/SAT radio.

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  02 Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By L.M. Smith - September 5 - 7:43 pm

  This is another outstanding vehicle from Toyota. Its great on the highway or off roading. Drive it to the symphony or take it into the mountain tops of New Mexico. The complete vehicle!

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  The best car I have owned in 25 years. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard - September 5 - 7:06 pm

  I have owned both a new Acura TL & RL in the last 3 years. Both of which are nowhere near the value of this vehicle. I drove 3 other choices 1000 miles each before I purchased this vehicle.