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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  VERY HAPPY - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Cesar Ruvalcaba - February 28 - 5:10 am

  Given the regular maintenance, it works flawlessly. The only repair needed in 8 years has been the starter! I love it, VERY dependable, never broken down or even gotten close to it.

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  The rootbeer did me in - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By yote ohio - February 27 - 5:13 am

  Previously owned a 2005 Camry. Hard to give up 32 mpg, but fell in love with the root beer colored Venza. Have driven it 1000 miles now 50/50 Highway/City Avg Mpg is 27. The key is to keep the rpms below 2000 as much as possible.

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  Lexus quality @ Toyota price - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Karlotta Sanchez - February 26 - 11:36 pm

  Beautiful car. Handles great. Top of the line. Cant think of anything that could be added to make driving more pleasurable.

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  Fun in the FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Playa del Sur S.P.I. - February 26 - 3:43 pm

  I have owned this truck for a week and can not wait to take it to South Padre Island next week. One unique thing about this truck is that not very many people have one, and you can build your own. It makes you feel great when everyone is staring.

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  Perfect Fit! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By First Toyota - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  First time Toyota owner. Had a very tough time deciding between the Accord and Camry. Received so much more for my money with the Camry and it is a much quieter, smoother ride. Just passed 3K miles and am getting about 31mpg hwy/fwy. Am very happy with my purchase!

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  my rolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By basai - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new. Excellent gas milage (Marietta GA to Dayton Ohio without stopping!). Sporty look and feel.

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  The Best Of The Best - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jermaine Betancourt - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This car was made with me in mind, in my opinion. Its sport style but elegant look is perfectly balanced.

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  An excellent vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By David Scott - February 26 - 9:41 am

  We owned this car for 12 years and it was as trouble-free as a vehicle could be. Basically, you never had to worry about something going wrong. Driver vision was excellent and seating was comfortable. We took it on four around-the-country trips and never had a problem other than a flat tire.

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  A joy to own, a joy to drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By wolfcrow - February 26 - 6:16 am

  It was a difficult decision to give up my beloved Lexus, but after watching Al Gores movie, we decided to put our money where our beliefs are.... We tested the available hybrids and chose the Prius for environmentally positive reasons, but were also seduced by the advanced technology, design, and other features. Although we havent had it very long, were completely happy with it; it was easy to start driving although we still have things to learn about the dps system and other advanced features. We went for the top of the line since we liked the add-ons, but friends are happy with the basic, as well.

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  Best Car Ever! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By trimblerob - February 26 - 3:40 am

  No problems, new tires, oil changes, a tune-up after 5 years, and running perfectly. I have kept it perfect too, very nice body style.