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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  Excellent Driving Pleasure - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Masood Khan - September 18 - 8:50 pm

  One of a class, great Toyota invention of Sequoia SR5. I am very pleased to have this nice and luxury vehicle with full of power and comfort.

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  Use only the brake to slow down - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By tidycat - September 18 - 11:25 am

  I have owned the 2016 Prius since Feb 2016. Both my wife and I love this car. We have the white interior below the instruments which causes glare at times. I like to pass on what I have learned in driving this car. Its not a negative but important to be aware in my opinion. The drivetrain does not slow down this car with the foot off the throttle. Contrary to cars with a conventional transmission, the engine and transmission cannot be used as a brake on the Prius. In other words, when reducing speed, the Prius “coasts like a bicycle” and behaves like it is in “neutral” and not “in gear.” This is due to the exceptionally low frictional losses that were designed in both the engine and transmission. Until I became aware of this, I came close to running into cars stopping ahead of me because by life-long habit I was subconsciously trying to use the Prius drivetrain as a brake. To my surprise, I traveled faster then I initially calculated which necessitated slamming on the brakes at the end. To compensate for this, use only the brake to slow down.

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  One of the best sedans. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By jddkone - September 18 - 2:00 am

  After more than seven years and 135,000 miles, my Camry is still in perfect mechanical condition, w/ just standard servicing. It has the four-cylinder and provides adequate acceleration, effortless cruising. Its pleasant to drive, with easy response to steering inputs; steering feel is somewhat numb. Silent and sedate inside. Dont buy a family car w/out driving a Camry.

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  Tundra the Titan - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ncgent - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Tundra since last August, over 9500 miles on it. I have pulled a 20 boat - no problems - I did not spend the extra 3500 for 4WD, but did get the limited-slip diff., and it helps alot pulling my boat up a ramp. Runs flawlessly, plenty of "gitup and go" even with a full load. Its quiet with superb road- manners. I checked out the F-150, Dodge, and Chevy, quality and reliability of the Toyota speaks for itself. Glad I chose the Toyota!It is pleasing to the eye inside and out, good ergodynamics, incredibly comfortable around town and on road trips. The Tundra is a Titan among pickups!

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  Great SUV with a few mods - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By svs3 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I was concerned about power so I add the TRD headers and exhaust, Amsoil air filter. These mods along with the 5 speed give it plenty of power and torque. The addition of OME heavy duty shocks and springs, slightly larger tires, and front sway bar quick disconnects create a serious cabable off road machine. Reliablilty is great. I think the air filter and headers may have improved my gas milage. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone seeking a serious SUV. It rides like a truck. The truck underpinnings contribute to its off road reliablity. There is reason the UN and other aid agencies use Toyotas and Land Rovers in the most remote parts of the world.

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  I love My Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By carri - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I didnt even look at the Matrix when I was searching for a new car, But my Mom said lets just test drive it and see. Well that did it for me, My MATRIX is fun to drive and very stylish looking. It doesnt look like anything else on the road! If you ahve a chance at least test drive one.

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  Best little SUV out there! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By anselmo1 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Test drove all the competition and settled on the 2003 RAV 4 L with all the pptions. Interior is well layed out and the seating is quite comfortable. It rides like a car on the road and is very easy to drive.

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  Best I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lumboll@aol.com - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 7 differant Sport Utility vehicles from BMW to Land Rover, nothing even comes close to this toyota

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  Toyota Camry Le - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By gmcyukonc1500 2wd - September 18 - 2:00 am

  When i bought my car in 2000, i was also looking at a Accord Special Edition. The car didnt have enough room so i bought the Camry Le. My car is very comfy, although it wouldnt kill Toyota to put more padding in the seats. The dash is so easy to use and work with. The radio is GREAT!!!!!.

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  Perfect Mix - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BetterPrice - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I studied SUV options for a few months and only one was on EVERY list I made. Price, Reliability, Re-sell value, Looks, Insurance, Reviews, Performance, Options...etc. I am a Honda guy, but I just couldnt justify the extra $5000+ for essentially the same ride in the Pilot. The Highlander is an awesome value for what you getting. Great job Toyota! Im extremely pleased and impressed.