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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  Best by far, where is the US makers. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By vpc - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car, runs well, 50mpg on hw at 70+ mph and only 10% of all other 2004 tail pipe polution!. Great fit and finish. Great sleek design. 18k with tax rebate. Where is Detroit, Toyotas going to eat your lunch. And coming from the Detroit area Im not happy.

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  Westchester, NY - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By lchaim2000 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We love this minivan. It is built on a camry chasis, and rides more like a car.

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  2x4, 4dr, V6 prerunner, Limited, TRD - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By camroc - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I did tons of research before purchasing this truck. Ive read almost every article I could find and I settled with this truck.. I test drove the Frontier but it didnt come close.. Got the truck almost 1200 dollars less than the TMV report at around 500 below invoice!!! I only have 100 miles on it and Im loving this truck so far

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  Love my 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mdpdretired - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great mid-sized SUV. Weve had two Explorers and they dont begin to compare. Toyota just builds a better product. The 4Runner is a pleasure to drive, to the grocery store or on a long trip. Lots of nice features and very little not to like.

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  Our best car ever... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Lord - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car we have owned. Toyota is a long time favorite as we have had 4 Camrys and still have a Tacoma pick up truck as well as the Highlander. When people ride with us they cant get over how quiet and comfortable our Highlander is.

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  Perfect under $40k car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By 2007 LMTD. - September 13 - 8:40 pm

  Just picked up my 2007 Limited on Friday. I couldnt be happier with this car. All the comfort and feel of a high end Lexus for 2/3 the price. I couldnt be happier. I traded in a fully loaded 2004 Camry (which was a very nice car) for this fully loaded Avalon and the difference is unbelievable. A nice comfortable ride. Audio system is top of the line.

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  Reliable, Comfortable, Economical - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By DJ - September 12 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased brand new. Very roomy interior, especially in back seat. Very comfortable for local and distance driving. Excellent ACTUAL gas mileage: 24-26 mpg city & commuting; 26-32 mpg sustained hwy driving. Only problems in 7.5 yrs was a fuel pump that needed to be replaced after 4 yrs and the in-dash radio/CD player after 5 yrs. Have performed all scheduled maintenance at recommended intervals. Maintenance costs have been low: $725/yr over entire period owned; $900/yr during past 5 yrs, including replacement of timing belt at recommended 90K mileage. Best car Ive ever owned. Will buy another this year.

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  Fabulous FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Shawn McCormack - September 12 - 4:53 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle, it is solid to drive with plenty of pickup. It gives you a solid feeling on or off the road, you feel like the vehicle will do anything you ask it to. Also, the styling stands out and Im constantly asked about it. I can imagine keeping this vehicle forever, and if not this is the type of vehicle you rebuy as a classic later in life. My only issue thus far is the fact that the FJ takes premium fuel and has only been averaging about 17 miles/gallon for me.

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  love the toyota ECHO - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By mongo - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Great little commuter car, very relible vehicle

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  SEQUOIA - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By WCPM - September 12 - 10:00 am

  this is how others suvs should be built