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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  Driveline could not be worse! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Indy - September 15 - 3:20 am

  Sharp truck, too bad I hate driving it because the transmission shudders so bad when shifting gears. The automatic shifting is infuriating all the way around. It down shifts like it has Jake brakes. Good luck trying to coast. Toyota claims that all these problems are not problems, but normal. I wish they had mentioned these normal features in their brochure.

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  Toyota Corolla : My little BMW - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Susan Milner - September 15 - 2:23 am

  I know, I know, I only have 2500 miles on my new Corolla, but its so much fun to drive! The doors close magnificently; the motor purrs; the interior is quiet; the gas mileage is excellent. It handles like a little sports car. Ive have owned three Hondas before this Toyota. I have to say, after test driving the 2005 Civics and Corollas, there was no comparison. Honda definitely has some catching up to do.

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  luvmytoyota - 1997 Toyota T100
  By VT truck - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has built a good truck. I have driven my truck across country twice with a full load, and I never had a problem. I have 76,000 on the truck now and I have only had to do the routine work to keep it running great. The driver seat can get a little uncomfortable on long drives.

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  Good SUV; Slightly Disappointed - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By margosig - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After researching 3-row SUVs, I decided on the Land Cruiser. Due to an odd winter, I actually engaged the 4WD all-wheel differential lock. The car tracked flawlessly in the snow and ice. The road presence approaches a car, but you are aware that its a truck frame you are riding on. The engine is smooth and quiet, yet seems slightly underpowered for this vehicles girth. Surprisingly, this car suffers from some rattles and squeaks. Thus far, the heat shields needed adjusting (rattled), the steering wheel turnbuckle needed lubricating (squeaked) and the underside still rattles at idle. I experience 13/17 MPG.

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  prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By pivocome - September 15 - 2:00 am

  excellent gas mileage and a very smooth ride. excellent interior and extreamly low emissions. I love this car. it rewards all of the proper driving techniques that everyone should follow. slow starts and slow stops, perfect.

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  2003 Toyota Celica GTS review - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Leroyy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I am 49 years old and this is the best handling, breaking, and quickest car I have ever owned. It also looks very cool.

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  Excellent truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By BobN - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had no regrets buying this truck and get many compliments on it. After 2 years truck is very solid and gas mileage is not too bad for a large vehicle (I get 17 mpg hwy/cty combined). Was very pleased with crash test results compared to other trucks. Only problems to mention are weak and easy to warp brake rotors (I am very easy on the brakes too!), plastic trim piece that houses radio, etc. that pops and makes noise when it is cold, some valve train noise when cold (typical japanese), and a squeaking noise from somewhere under the hood when cold. Most of these are not terrible things but ones I have noticed over time.

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  Spiffy Auto - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cajunbeck - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven a variety of cars over the past 20 years; from a Super Beetle, to an RX-7, a Sienna Van, and now a Matrix. Who says a 50+ years young woman has to drive a MawMaw car. Due to the high cost of fuel I descided to downsize, but just didnt car for the style of most small cars. I also like to drive Toyotas. I just saw this car for the first time on the lot while getting my Sienna services, and one week later am driving a White XR. I find it has enough zip for the driving I do for work. Have not taken it out on the highway yet. Wished I had researched the car, and done more negotiation with the dealer on the price.

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  Fun, functional and versitile! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tpajou - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased and XR auto version in February 02 and received it in July 02. I love the car. Its fun to drive, very functional and versitile. Great fuel economy too. I only had problems with the rattling dash and CD player that plays only half my CDs, even after 3 replacements. It is an economy car and not a luxtury car, so its not very quite and the materials are actually much better and others in this cathegory, but not like the camry!

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By James Thomas - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several vehicles as well as other Toyotas and I can honestly say that the 2003 RAV4 S model is the most fun to drive. True, it is not a powerhouse, but it is not designed to be. The 4 wheel drive is flawless and I could not tell the difference between it and the 2 wheel drive model. The interior is the usual Toyota quality and the exterior is awesome.