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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  What happened to the good Camrys! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By laurie594 - June 1 - 7:16 pm

  I have had one previous Camry - a 1995 - and loved it. Traded it in at 195K miles for the 2007. This car has been a disappointment. Paint job is terrible, it scratches very easily and does not buff out. Interior made very cheaply. The big kicker is I have it in the shop right now and the transmission must be replaced - $2500! I didnt have the hesitation I hear many complaining about so not even a warning. It happened very suddenly and turned 100K miles just a couple weeks ago. Wish it was still under warranty. No more Toyotas!!

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  relay switch - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gianna - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I was quite disappointed with my new 2002 Toyota 4 Runner. I have always wanted one and since now I can afford it my husband bought it for me. Now I am not happy with it as the vehicle make a click sound in which I was told by the dealer shop that it is a relay switch in which is in all the 2002 Toyota 4 Runners. I did not test drive it as I have test driven other before in hopes of one day getting one.

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  Prius: Best Car Ever Made - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Aaron Schacht - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is absolutely the most wonderful, technically advanced car ever built. Ive had two cases so far that required me to take evasive action and avoid animals on the road (at fairly high speeds), and the car handled with nimble perfection. The center LCD display is fun to watch (keep those eyes on the road!) -- you can see fuel economy details as well as numerous other functions. The optional navigation system works perfectly. The A/C system cools the car rapidly. This car is also one of the few SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions) vehicles on the road today.

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  Over all break even - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By nufdude - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Over all break even.. Has good performance but in occassions the power lacks.. (v6-200hp engine). Fuel mileage is low comparatively.. stylish look so breaks even..

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  Smooth But Tough - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By jnelsonpvc - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This truck beat out the 4 door Tacoma and the Superchaged 4 door Frontier because of the incredible ride. Very smooth. I also have the TRD offroad package and go 4 wheeling often and have been consistantly amazed that such a smooth riding truck can handle so well offroad. Great Truck!

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  my opinion - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ron yuckles - June 1 - 10:00 am

  the quality is toyota through and through........i love what you do for me-toyota.

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  Tough Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sticks - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Where Im from, most everybody drives big Detroit Irons. Where the big boys rule and the Domestics are the tool, my Tacoma may be just beginning to fancy the imaginations of the the local old guard. Not only Do I often turn heads with the stylings of my shiny black workhorse, but I recieve reluctant, sometimes mumbled or tongue and cheek, compliments and eagerly anticipated questions regarding her performance. Proving Grounds- Botswana River in Canada! 20 plus miles of all-terrain madness (Rocks,mud,sand,water,climbs,etc) Result? Speechless!...and it wasnt just me!

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  1999 Camry LE - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By tdd - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I had previously owned a 91 Camry, so I convinced my wife, and dedicated American car company customer, to drive a 99 when she needed another car. She was hooked in about 30 seconds. We spent an afternoon driving 99 Camrys, and she wouldnt even consider another car after that. We had driven such cars as the Saturn L series and Pontiac GrandAm. She was set on one of them, but after driving the Camry, they werent even a consideration! We even drove the Nissan Maxima and the Honda Accord, and she strongly preferred the Camry.

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  Tacoma Crew Cab - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By humeston - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Have had this Tacoma for two weeks and really love it. So far mileage has been decent. I have 1580 miles on it (vacation) and just installed the K&N air filter. The K&N made a slight difference in acceleration for the better. Paid 2.7% above dealer invoice. Build quality is super. Did have one rear cargo hook missing in the bed.

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  Expensive, but worth it. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By jamie_z - June 1 - 8:23 am

  I purchased the 2008 Toyota Sienna Limited from Carmax with 112,000 miles on it. Ive owned it now for three weeks. Im fairly impressed. Overall gas mileage is a tick under 20 mpg. Im a single guy with no kids and I drive a minivan, but Im ok with that. This one is pretty nice and it holds a lot of stuff when I need it to. Superbly flexible and comfortable accommodations for any number of people. Its an expensive car compared to the competition, but hopefully with the Toyota reputation, itll last a long time.