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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  A Car For These Times - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By simpson - February 24 - 10:03 am

  The fact that (on purpose) over twice I have almost run out of gas to check mileage should help me brag on the 40 mpg of this little one. What a plus! I do not feel comfortable driving in windy times, as the car feels very shaky on the road when the wind or an 18 wheeler whizzes by. I dont feel safe in it in the way of being protected in case of an accident -- but, I do feel it is extremely dependable, economic, and the body style makes it undesirable, so far, for those who would want to take other cars :) - it is difficult to see to the right when making a turn - due to the seat/door panel, a safety concern.

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  Boring but reliable! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By DWRJR - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My Camry has been exactly what I was looking for. It is an extremely reliable vehicle built with quality in mind. I opted for the 4cyl, which offers pretty good mpg for a car that size (26-29mgp), but it makes it a bit of a dog to drive. Definetly is not going to win any performance awards, but its guaranteed to be there!

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  Tight Car - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Emilio - February 24 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say is that there is only one more manly SUV, and that is a totally decked out Hummer.

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  Great purchase - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Daiquiri - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My Celica is almost two years old and was a great buy. I got a fabulous deal on it and have not been disappointed. I now really want a convertible or a car with a removable roof-panel, otherwise Id keep it for years.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By kakoe - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, reliability, smoothness and quietness. Good value for the money and far above the other full size trucks on the market. Plenty of power for any task, easy to drive and fun. Have owned almost a year and no problems what-so-ever. A great day in and day out truck.

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  My fave - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Twist - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I may only be 16 but Ive driven some fast cars. This one is my favorite. Speedy, good braking and amazing handling are only a few of its great layout. The gauges are easy to read and they look especially nice in the dark. The in-dash shifter is a bit finiky to begin with but after a few drives it becomes natural. 10/10 A definite buy and worth the price. Model: XRS Color: Black w/ black interior Trans: 6 speed manual Options: All except for 17" wheels Extras: 16" Konig Maxxim 187 wheels

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  This car was made for me! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By PaulFed - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was made for me! I love it!!!

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  Typical Toyo - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By sopranoboyo - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought it, without telling the wife. After the fallout, let her have a long drive and, well. Lovely car. Manly truck. Smoooooth powertrain. Excellent visibility.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Ann - February 24 - 7:53 am

  I live in the Texas hill country and I have been pleasantly surprised with how well my 4 cylinder Camry handles them. When I need to pass an 18 wheeler struggling up a steep climb on Interstate 10, the Camry has no problem. That wasnt the case with the Ford Ranger and Ford Escort we owned. I have been amazed the power that Toyota has packed in this 4 cylinder. The car handles so well. A joy to drive. It is my car but my husband and daughter love to drive it when I let them.

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  I luv this truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By luv it - Jamie - February 24 - 2:46 am

  I have had this truck for 3weeks and luv everything about it. I sold my 94 standard 4cyl. 4x4- it had 134,000 on it and ran perfect and I never had to take it in for any problems. I hope this 2005 does the same.