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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  Love this car! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Erin - January 8 - 5:36 am

  I have driven this car for two years now and I cant imagine myself driving any other car! Its one of the safest out there, I can personally attest for its front impact safety, Im still here and thankfully my car could be completely fixed and its as good as new! I love it, and recommend it to anyone out there! Its awesome for college too! Traveling back and forth on breaks all the time its easy to fit all I need in this car, its the perfect size!

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  Easy being green - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By LRS - January 8 - 2:16 am

  Moving from a Mercedes Benz to a Hybrid was much easier than I thought. I dont mind giving up the German weight and ride as this Japanese import is so much fun to drive in such a different way.

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  Paradigm Change - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Hybrid Happy - January 8 - 1:40 am

  Im a high mileage driver and am saving nearly $300 a month on gas alone over my last car, an Infinity FX35, not to mention the much lower scheduled maintenance costs. This vehicle is in a class by inself and with over 20,000 miles in 7 months it gets better and better every time I drive it. The great interior room for such a small exterior size cant be beat by anything out there. Hard to understand why everyone isnt driving one of these. As gas prices continue to raise Toyota is going to put the big hurt on the BIG Three and the day will come when valets and car wash guys wont even remember when you turned a key to start a car instead of pushing the button.

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  Good Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By GGreen - January 7 - 9:16 pm

  Handles good with no problems so far.

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  Its everything and more! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jj - January 7 - 9:43 am

  Having not had a chance to test drive a Prius before I bought one, I didnt quite know what to expect, except great gas mileage. I was very pleasantly surprised all the way around. It has great pickup, maneuverability, it is fun to drive and loves to pass gas stations!

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  samismom - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By samismom - January 7 - 9:13 am

  With gas prices rising, Im so happy with my Toy. Great for people on fixed incomes. Would consider buying another one when the time comes. Great in snow 1 foot or less. Front seat nice and high especially for elderly, and people with problems from the waist down, especially disabled transferring from wheelchair to car.

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  Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Not the same from J - January 7 - 5:26 am

  Here is what Ive replaced during my 6 years of ownership: 1.) Circuit board regulating the airflow and AC 2.) Entire Driver window motor assembly (from a Toyota Dealership). 3.) Rust on side of door 4.) Power door locks does not function from time to time. Ive owned over 12+ cars in my lifespan, and this is the 1st car that Ive found myself facing with these items that should have lasted a lot longer.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By geroge - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is an experience. I had been gett blaise about cars. This one I love. But it isnt about performance or interior comfort. It is about doing the right thing for our lungs, our country and the planet. Cut smog, reduce use of non-renewable resources, save money, and enjoy it.

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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff Buck - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 4Runner for 8 years and have loved every minute of it. Im in the process of deciding whether or not to sell it (only 115,000 miles). Its in great shape and has been great for our family.

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  great car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chatty - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I have had 6 hondas and this is my first toyota. I like this car much better than any of the hondas I have owned. The ride quality is excellent...feels like you are floating on air. The interior design is beautiful...I love the the silky smooth leather seats. I get nothing but compiments on the car....especially after peolpe ride in it! I have the traction control which is working great in the current snow and ice conditions. I love the auto dimming rear view mirror and fully ajustable head rests (move forward and back). I never want to stop driving this car...very smooth.