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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  Its Rocks!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Edder - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car, but expensive. Gonna have it for a long while, so who cares.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JO - December 26 - 9:16 am

  I love driving this car. Its my 5th Camry; this one surpasses all of the previous models. Theres nothing like the sound of silence in stop and go traffic!

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  The Civic has met (&lost to ) its match - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By david - December 26 - 9:03 am

  Praise... Toyota has finally brought a design engineer to the table for their lower priced vehicles; should also add a bit of spunk as well(did I hear Paseo?). Not sure why it took 30 odd years (240zx, 280zx, CRX, Civic, RX7, etc)but the compitition will be weeping

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  A Fun Reliable car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Cindy - December 25 - 9:40 pm

  Love this car! I have had it for 4 years and love the handling, ease of parking, reliability and mileage. Would definitely buy it again. We commute 50+ miles a day and cant give it up!

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  A definite purchase - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dave - December 25 - 3:26 pm

  This SUV is a must buy. It is by far the best SUV i have had the chance to drive. Has an outstanding ride quality and a tough rugged appearance. I took this truck through over 24 inches of snow and it handled it without even a slight struggle. Fuel economy is great and it has far more power than you would expect from a V6. All together a great buy if you are in the market for a SUV.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Allan - December 25 - 2:20 pm

  Just traded up from my 2004 limited AWD model to the 2006. Great improvements. I loved the 2004, and the 2006 is that much better. The Bluetooth phone interface is much better than on my wifes Lexus, and the ride is quieter and smoother than 2004. The navigation system is improved functionally and cosmetically -- the graphics are better (especially when showing freeway lanes), and it gives more accurate directions than the 2004. The memory seats and power passenger seat are appreciated. Like the larger DVD screen in rear. With AWD, I did not get the power rear seat, but not a big deal. Seats are so easy to lower anyway. Great car to drive, and my passengers enjoy riding in it.

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  My 2nd HL-"there can be more than one" - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By dan - December 25 - 1:20 pm

  When it was time to replace another car and after exhaustive research we bought our second Highlander. We did so because of the latest info out there about 06 but also due to the fact of having one for the last four years that still looks brand new despite living with four teenagers. They are reliable, get decent gas mileage, responds well in many different driving conditions and has great leg room for our tall family.

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  Truth - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By me - December 25 - 3:43 am

  I have had the car less than a month, but in the 3 times that Ive filled it up, Ive gotten either 38-41 mpg (lot of highway with cruise control). Acceleration is not very quick, but is quick enough to get out of tight situations. If you plan on seating 5 people, the back seat curves to two bodies, but the middle is quite small.

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By gotmyvenz - December 24 - 8:16 pm

  I wanted this car the day it came out. Cant understand why I waited so long. It is awesome! I got the base model with cloth seats. Even the base model is better than most cars with options. Went from a Sequoia to the venza and to me it handles like a race car. Stylish exterior. Convenient, comfortable interior. I think Im gonna go for a drive right now! A little disappointed I didnt realize mine only had a single CD player. (Why even make single cd players?)

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  My 2010 Toyota Tacoma, best pick-up truck I ever own........ - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By 2lolo - December 24 - 6:47 pm

  In my life time I own many trucks from Chevy, Ford etc. When I was a young kid when gas was $.89 a gal.