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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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Crystal28 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We just got the toyota sienna and it has everything imaginable on it. Everyday we discover a new gadget or compartment. It is beautiful, the design is awsome, comfortable, and reliable. The second week I saw the tire pressure sign come up and we thought somthing was wrong. Well it turned out that we had a tiny nail in our tire and the sienna spotted it. THIS CAR IS ALIVE!! DEFINATELY TOPS THE ODESSEY! THE BEST MINIVAN BY FAR!!

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  one nice ride - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By stikpeddler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  car drives and handels very well needs better sterio system and sportier dash for sports model

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  I love the RAV4!! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Michele - March 7 - 6:26 pm

  Ive only had this car for less than a month and I have to say that I just love to drive it! For a 4 cyl. this car can move through traffic and has great acceleration onto the freeway ramps. It looks beautiful from the inside and out with lots of room in the cargo.

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  My Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By bobbykhoury - March 7 - 2:20 pm

  Traded in a new Camry after seeing the Venza. My wife thought I was nuts. Now she loves to ride in it. I took a 1000 mile trip and the 4 cyl did what needed to be done. Everyone I know just says WOW great looker.

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  Cute Car!!! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By QuickSilver - March 7 - 10:00 am

  What other car offers more character than the MR2-Spyder? Its fun to drive on the weekend, offers swift handling on the corners, and responsive on the road!

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  97 Tacoma 4x4 - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jknutson - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Dependable, tough, stylish truck. The 2.7 liter, 4 cyl. motor suprisingly has plenty of pulling power with the 5 spd trans. Has never failed me in 12" of snow or 25 below temps. Paint holds perfectly, no chips, no rust, no fading. Nice comfortable ride for shorter trips, no more than 400 mi. Best of all, after 106,000 mi. the engine still runs like new.

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  1997 Toyota Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jenaka - March 7 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been great. The vehicle is reliable, sturdy and fun. The body has endured minor damage well and I have had no mechanical problems at all. I have always felt safe in my vehicle. The cab is spacious enough for 4 people if necessary but is more appropriate for 2 people and cargo.

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  Seriously consider this car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By HARRY - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Classy black roomy sedan with gold package, alloy wheeols, CD & cassette,power seats, front & side airbags, top steady performer, in 62000miles never needed to add oil between 4000 mile changes, one owner,one driver, no smokers,garage kept,mileage 17.2 and 26.7,alarm system, AC,tilt,tint,cruise,leather,ABS, traction. Accident free, miant records kept incl 61000 mile manuf. specs completed with automatic new timing belt and all hose and wire connections certified,repack bearings,and all other manuf. recomended replacements and checkups.

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  Love this car! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By princess7093 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This was not my first choice for a car. I was set on a Passat or an Audi A4. On a trip to toyota for a friend I saw it and decided to test drive it. It is a great car! The ride is especially smooth and the acceleration is a lot of fun. I am not sorry that I got my Solara. Expect the always excellent quality typical of Toyotas.

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  Works for me! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Axle - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Van so far - no compaints except minor rattling in the side doors.