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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  better than expected - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Easy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Nice car/truck...it rides smooth,intuitive controls,no squeeks or rattles only wind noise at speeds above 50-mph.Overall the quality is so good I wish I could afford a new limited. I had leather installed after market on the seats ,doors and steering wheel,and added a chrome exhast tip and front tinted windows.The original black paint has held up nicely as well as the factory alloys.This is my 3rd Toyota,I traded in an 03 Corolla LE with 45k miles for the Highlander with no regrets .After years of GM product abuse (98 Intrigue-99 Aurora excluded)I will only buy Toyotas until I can afford the Lexus line of cars and trucks...(ps)The Highlander looks great next to my black 02 Camry SE V6

• 

  better than expected - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Easy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  nice car,decent seats,smooth drive train,great on the highway.No complaints with the car so far,I purchased it with 7k on the odometer Ive put 26k on it so far with 2 trips down south.The original bridgestones wore out after 20k miles and were replaced with an all season kelly VR- 225/55 series tire.This made it handle way better although the ride is not as soft as before.The black paint and alloys still looks good,JBL premium system sounds good and over all the car is wearing well.Window tinting and the fat tires give it an agressive stance,it also gets a lot of stares. Someday Ill add leather seats,it also looks great next to my black Highlander. (No more GMs for me)

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  Blah Blah Toyota - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Issolt - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 2005 Corolla "S". Im confident that this bland little car will get me wherever I want to go for the next 10 years. A month ago my Subaru Legacy breathed its last breath in Hurricane Ivans floodwaters. I had to replace it quickly, and since the Subarus are now priced out of my range, I looked at a Mazda 3, a Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. The Toyota looked like the best value so I bought it. I wanted something that would look fun but be reliable and perform well too, and I believe thats just what I got. I just dont like the front seat at all. I feel like its shoving my head forward.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By great - August 22 - 9:20 pm

  Since I bought the car Ive had no problems. The only thing I had to change was the tires and brakes, things you normally do when you buy a used car. Also a clutch but thats something an 80000 mile car would need. Everything else works perfectly.

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  Impressed in Ohio - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By TheGR8BGeezy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this car long, but I already love it. I bought it expecting some problems, and there are some, but they are nothing that is too expensive. The steering rack needed to be replaced along with the radio, nothing too major. Overall, Im very happy and impressed with the car and the way it has held up.

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  Old Reliable - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Old Reliable - August 18 - 11:40 pm

  Thank goodness for reliable transportation. Bought in 2000 with 36000 miles. Only mechanical issues were some exhaust/catalytic converter problems. (NOT CHEAP TO FIX-1000 miles over Toyota extended warranty-which Toyota has admitted as manufacturing problem, but will not pay for). Ive owned 4 cars in the past 30 years, 3 of them a toyota. Theyre definitely boring, but reliable. The interior is cheap, and having 77000 miles on a ten year old car, it should look better than it does. Trim has been fading and falling off since 2000. Power window issues, release for gas cap has been broken for 9 years.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mario - August 18 - 10:40 pm

  The new Tundra has a greater turn ratio which I like, I like the fact that I can make a u-turn without the need to stop and back-up. The freeway ride is really smooth, however the suspension is a little stiff and I notice some bumps on city driving, but nothing major. Gas consumption is worse than my 07, which has me baffled, since its the same 5.7 engine. I get 18mpg on the freeway, about 14mpg city. Brakes are massive, and can stop on demand. Overall, a great truck that exceeds my expectations.

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  Regular Cab 4 cyl manual - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - August 18 - 4:03 pm

  I am 64". I fit in the truck just fine, the problem is little room for my size 14 shoes, the toes hit the bottom of the dash. The telescoping steering wheel needs to come another 2-3" farther away from the dash. As is, with the seat all the way back, my arms at 10&4 are nearly straight, not that comfortable. In 5th gear, the stick knob is in the way of the temperature control. The gears are vague with the need to double clutch to get it into first at times. Otherwise, I am happy with the truck. There is plenty of power with the benefit of good gas mileage. Bed is great but cargo will skate around on slick surface. Im hoping the frame wont rust in ten years.

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  07 Solara Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 07Solara - August 18 - 5:56 am

  Overall, this is a nice car. Traded a 06 C230 Benz for it. MUCH better car. This ragtop is quieter, smoother and more powerful. Was amazed at how quiet it is with the roof up. My old sebring was never that quiet. It has the fit and finish of a Lexus.

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  Not So Good w/ Standing Behind Product - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cmadeira - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  Good ride and plenty of power - nice styling - had problem with design of 3rd row seat resulting in a bent latching mechanism - Toyota will not stand behind the product and repair under warranty. Also having trouble with bad exhaust odor in cabin after heavy acceleration - this seems to big a very common complaint from owners, but dealer in Austin did not know what to do about it. Will probably consider other makes next time around.