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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  Prius review - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By R Howard - October 9 - 10:23 am

  I have the most fun with this car. I have never owned a car that Ive enjoyed more. I like to see how many mile per gallon I can get by the tank. So far the best Ive gotten is 56 mpg. Its just plain fun.

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  Never owned such a great car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By eddyman1983 - October 9 - 9:19 am

  I bought this car last year with 200 000 km on it for 900 bucks. Changed the 4 shocks(didnt have to but back end sagged a bit) and changed the oil. Doesnt burn oil still and now has 240 000. I have never seen a car so reliable. car handles great, even better that my accord. Once a honda man, now a toyota man. Ill keep it until i fall through the floor.

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  This truck rocks!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Randy - October 9 - 12:40 am

  The 07 Tacoma is rock solid. Toyotas 4.0L engine is amazingly powerfull. This truck rocks!! Get the upgraded sound system if you can swing it.

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By N. - October 8 - 6:26 pm

  I cant speak to reliability, as I have had the car less than a month. However, Ive tested in various conditions (not in snow yet), and I love it so far. The ride is comfortable, its incredibly smooth and quiet (luxurious feel), and the interior space and layout is very user friendly. It gets more than double the gas mileage of my last car (a Ford Explorer), yet is nearly the same size. The visibility is good, and I recommend the navigation system/ computer. The seats are the most comfortable Ive ever had in a car--and even the back seats adjust forward and backward. This car also has a third row seat, though I wouldnt use it regularly (its small.) VERY happy with it.

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  THREE MONTHS LATER - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By DPJR - October 8 - 5:56 pm

  Now that we have three months of driving our new Prius, we really enjoy driving it. Have taken a few road trips and it has performed very well. The mileage keeps on improving and I think the reason is that we are adjusting our driving habits. Our second vehicle is a Toyota Avalon and at times we forget which vehicle we are riding in. Remarkable automobile and we just love it. We will wait for the new generation of Prius with its 100 mpg possibility.

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  I Love This Car - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By mccrearyb - October 8 - 3:18 pm

  This is such a great car - it can haul all of my stuff, my kids stuff and it looks great. The best part is, nothing really ever goes wrong with a Toyota. This is my 2nd Highlander. I looked at so many different cars, but I just kept coming back to the Highlander because I couldnt find anything I liked as well in my price range.

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  The ride you love to talk about. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By GNiessen - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I love the Prius. On the occasions when I drive it to work I pickup passengers at the Park-n-ride to be able to take the HOV. I end up getting asked all about the Prius about 75% of the time. Even when one or both passenger have already ridden with me before, they have more questions. And everyone remember I am the one with the Hybrid.

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  Fun and Functional - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By MichelleH - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my matrix now for little over a month and I love driving it. Yes the pick up could be better and the engine more powerful but it gets me where I wanna be. Its fun to drive, super comfy and great on gas mileage and when you drive nearly 500 miles a week like me thats the best part.

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  Excellent All Aroud Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By dbrad123 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my highlander for 4 months now. I traded in a RAV4 bacause the size was too small. The highlander is perfect for full figured woman. The ride is very smooth and very little road noise.

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  Simply the Best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Dee in TX - October 8 - 10:00 am

  We considered the Accord, CR-V, Element, Santa Fe and RAV4 but chose the Camry. After e-mailing several dealers for their drive-out price, we ended up paying $17,700+TTL. Ive had Caddies, Pontiacs, a Lincoln, a 57 Chevy, Buicks and Olds and this car has the smoothest, quietest ride of all. After 14 years of buying "nearly new", it is fun to have a "brand new" car again.