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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  the best car besides a supra - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By cheech adn chong - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i am excited i have researched and found out i can turm my moms old family car into a storty sadan. I am only 14 but i have a crazy admeration for toyota because of how well they performe and the outstanding miles i will put on it. I have already started paying it off and putting money into it to make it nicer than it is. i have big plans for it and i know that it is a reliable car and a very good first. My goal is someday to have a Supra twin turbo V6 becoause it has broken all the rules for a car its perfect and its Toyota.

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  Better than any american made truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By monk - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had a few chevys and a ford and none of them came close to the comfort and solid feel of my Tundra. Those fancy new silveradoes, f150s and rams will be money pits in 6 years. That is the real test of a truck, not how it is new, but how it with 100k miles on it. I have no doubt about the tundra. The motor is made to last over 200k. Look at any of the high mileage landcruisers. If you are looking for a compact/full size this is by far the best thing on the market.

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  Im hooked and for good reason!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Linda Sullivan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I must say that after driving a lincoln for many years. I am loving the ride and style of my Avalon and it compares to the lincoln quality in every way and the price could not be any better.I would recommend this car to every one I know and even those I do not.My friends are shocked at all the interior room of the Avalon and the smooth and quiet ride it has. So much so that two of them are going to purchase one for themselves.

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  Camery is Awsome - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jerrymander - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Best car out there. Period.

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  Better than thought! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By m.sum - December 21 - 8:16 pm

  Our family grew and we needed all 8 seats. We owned a 98 Sienna and loved it so when Toyota came out with a 8 seater it was a no brainer for us. It is quieter, smoother and has everything a large family needs as well as being economical to drive. Would tell anyone who is considering to buy the Sienna it is fun to drive and doesnt feel like a minivan but like you are driving a sedan. We looked at all the competition and test drove them all and there is no comparision with Toyota quality. Buy and enjoy.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By karen nelson - December 21 - 1:56 pm

  This car has it all. Easy to drive, comfortable and appears to have all the safety features plus some. No problems here.

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  The new age car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mayur Amin - December 21 - 10:03 am

  Purchased this car two weeks ago. Love all the features and most of all the comfortable drive. I can say also with confidence that I will not be getting any more speeding tickets. The digital readout really is informative and key to getting good mileage. I would highly recommend this car. Added bonus compared to the Mercedes I had, lower operating cost, dont have to worry about the car being being damaged by flying debris on the road and resale value.

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  Very Solid - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By ColoradoKid - December 21 - 9:43 am

  I couldnt be happier! I have researched SUVs for some time; the 06 4 Runner is a great vehicle. Quiet, smooth, and fun to drive.... Kudos to Toyota.

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  Versatility and Value. Will last 4ever. - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By PD - December 21 - 8:13 am

  Why spend 13 grand on a 2000 Toyota? Theres simply no vehicle out there like it. Incredibly versatile. 4 door, 4wd, V6, manual tranny (i might look at a new one if they still offered the stick), decent gas mileage (way better than the Jeep I used to drive), composed on the highway, QUIET for an SUV, really comfortable sport seats, laughs at the snow, and of course Toyota reliability. The build quality is ridiculous. 8 years old and no rattles or squeaks. Almost feels like a convertible with the windows down, the tailgate window down, and the sunroof open. I paid a lot more than I would have for a 2000 Explorer, but compare it to a new 4Runner and its a no-brainer. Will go forever.

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  My permanent car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Howie - December 21 - 1:33 am

  This is my second Prius. If anything, its better than my 01. Ive added leather interior and MX radio, because I think this is the last car Ill ever have to buy. I cant imagine a vehicle more perfect for me. The only other accessory it could use is a rooftop solar voltaic panel to charge the battery while I drive or when its parked. Im working on that one.