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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  2011 Highlander Limited AWD - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike H. - February 15 - 3:17 am

  Love it. Maybe its just the right vehicle at the right time, but I like it better than anything else I have owned. Sports cars, sedans, other SUVs. This is the best. Mine has every option available, if there were any faults I would say that Toyota reserved a few options for the RX350, ventilated cooled seats would be great also memory seats. Other than that, I find this to be an exceptional vehicle. Quiet, very comfortable, rides like a dream. AWD is 50/50 front rear and it really works great in rain and snow.

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  Love,Love,Love my new Pearly Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By jenm1231 - February 14 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first hybrid. I have always driven the large gas hogs. I now feel free to drive by the gas stations and smile as I do not have to put more then $20 in per week. I bought the three model with the pearl white paint. It is so much fun to drive. The power button is great when you need that quick pick up to get on the highway. t the moment Im only averaging 38 miles per gallon,not the 42 they claim. I got an amazing deal on mine. Most dealers werent willing to drop the price but my MSRP was over $28k and I paid only $25498 and got $2500 more for my trade. Im so happy. People just stare at me when Im t the gas station. I know its envy... Cant beat the savings!!!

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  Go Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Go Corolla - February 14 - 5:10 am

  Great car for the money. Very reliable, economical and fun to drive.

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  Fun Luxury! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Scottyinco - February 13 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle has been totally trouble free for the 30,000 miles Ive owned it (now has 77K miles). Very comfortable, lots of power.

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  1999 AVALONS ARE THE BEST - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron with the avalon - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car by far is the best car for under 30,000 fully loaded, this car is a toyota, which is the maker of Lexus, which is the maker of the ES400, This model Avalon is the same exact car...but $10,000 less!

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  I hope you like service department!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By celicaman2 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive had my GTS model it has been nothing but headache. Bought the car on past reliability of the Celicas history. So far I have had the moonroof,driver and passenger seats, motor, clutch, headlamp, assembly,alternator(2 times),airbox assembly, the full fuel system and the belt tensoner pully. becuase of this I will never buy a Toyota again.good luck to all that have them.

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  LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MetalMovinMutha - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2001 Nissan Xterra and decided to trade it for the 2002 Solara after one incredible 30 minute test drive! This car is simply incredible... great acceleration, comfort, good gas mileage, classy styling, ample room (especially for a 2- door), and the handling is great. It hugs the road like a grizzly bear. One of the reviews I read here said it didnt handle well... oh contrare. I did a 15mph curve today doing 45mph...staying in my lane, no fishtailing, no tire squeal. This car makes you feel like youre in the cockpit of a luxury F16 fighter jet... the only thing its lacking is wings. SIMPLY MARVELOUS

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  Under Powered - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By joel - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new toyota truck and have been disapointed the longer I have had it. It is not able to pull the heavy loads that I wanted too. I bought a new trailer for my business and it just doesnt have the power to pull like I need. It is really underpowered, unless you just drive it to Lowes Hardware etc... I have also had a few problems, one is with some interior noise and an air conditioning problem. I have been underwhelmed with the performance of this vehicle.

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  Under Powered - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Joel - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new toyota truck and have been disapointed the longer I have had it. It is not able to pull the heavy loads that I wanted too. I bought a new trailer for my business and it just doesnt have the power to pull like I need. It is really underpowered, unless you just drive it to Lowes Hardware etc... I have also had a few problems, one is with some interior noise and an air conditioning problem. I have been underwhelmed with the performance of this vehicle.

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  Quaility built to last - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bumpertag Wag - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Originally purchased to downsize from my p/u and get more interior room. Sought a Toyota for there good looks and excellent quality. My wife drives it primarily but I enjoy it also, although being 63" makes headroom a slight issue. Also bought because of the excellent resale value, but dont plan on selling it any time soon! Good MPG for SUV. We routinely get 19 MPG around town (V6)