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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  (2) Transmissions in 150K Miles?!?!? - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By alb2014 - March 27 - 1:59 pm

  It is acceptable for you to expect go through (2) transmissions on a family owned and operated mini van to get 150K miles out of a $40K "luxury" vehicle? First transmission was "replaced" at 57K, under warranty. Currently at 148K miles. Facing a $2000 bill from the Toyota dealer for a transfer case seal repair. Called Toyota. Assigned a "Case Manager", Dan. He states since there is no service record with Toyota after drive train warranty expired and the car has 148K miles, Toyota is not accountable. He would not transfer me to a supervisor and hung up on me. I called back and am waiting for a return call from a "Supervisor". Our first and last Toyota purchase.

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  sake alive - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By thepop - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Been searching for quite a while for a new car. And became tired of the emphasis on luxury. I wanted a car to make me feel alive when I drive. This car has a great sounding engine and, although power is sacrificed for fuel economy, the rage is there when I want it. Initially, I was wary of the 6 speed, but in my experience, it is a breeze to shift and much tighter than the c230K and saab93. Because of its control I feel much safer in it than my clunky old SUV. This car trades off raw enthusiam when I want with fuel sipping economy while maintaing an excellent poise.

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  1999 toyota Sienns Transmission Failure - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By whatis with toyotas - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This van is unlike toyota reliability with respect to transmission at or around 60K miles. The transmission failure around 60K miles is unaccepted when we pay a premium to own, because of toyota reliability.

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  Buckboard ride - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert F - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in this torchure chamber after one month of ownership because it had such a harsh suspension that it gave me back pain. I had the dealership check the suspension and then tried the higher profile softer ride tires my tire guy suggested with no significant benefit. To aggravate things,the drivers seat was pretty uncomfortable as well. Too bad because the car is the prefect size, in 2- wheel drive, it is amazing on ice and snow, and the engine even with auto, ran well in the Colorado mountains. What a bungle on an otherwise good design. The final straw came when I met another drive of the same car who was having the identical experience.

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  sorry i bought it - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By cuezze - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I like the styling of both the interior and exterior. I dont like the way the car handles on the hiway. It has pulled to the left from the first day that i bought it. They have aligned the front end 4 times and it still pulls. The car is not good if there is much wind it gets blown all over the road. The 2000 Impala that I traded was in my opinion a better built car.I would never buy a toyota again. I have driven other cars with a list price of the same or less and have decided that I made a big mistake.

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  I Love my 4Runner! Good Buy! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By etapucu - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were looking a several SUVs from many different manufactures. The 4Runner really caught our eye and hearts. We now have 6000mi and we are completely happy with our choice. The V6 packs quite a punch, the roominess is spectacular, and the 4x4 is awesome. By far the feature, that most impressed us is the GAS milage, we easily get 17- 18MPG in the CITY and about 22-23MPG on the highway. This SUV is definitely a good buy, with no regrets what so ever.

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  One great SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By educator - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my 4Runner and its one of the best purchases Ive ever made. I recently owned a Range Rover and this 4Runner beats the ride in more ways than one. If you considering buying a 2003 4Runner, stop your search here and go test drive one. Youll be driving it home before you leave the dealership.

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  Great Car for the money - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jacknimble - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. Mine is a 5-speed LE with leather, and I cannot believe how much car $15k can buy. obviously, its a small car, but you do not feel you are in an economy car. I was looking for a car at a certain price point, but I would have bought the car on its merits alone.

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By artc - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Camry is a solid family Car and great for commute to work. LE offers simplistic yet functional design; however, it is a bit higher price than domesticÂ… Will I buy a domestic over Camry? No! ItÂ’s the reliability kept me an honest Toyota believer. I know you would be too.

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  A very nice truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By EvilTwin - March 27 - 7:43 am

  This is my second Toyota truck, the first was a t100 that I should never have gotten rid of. The T was as reliable as it could be. When that truck was in an accident, I decided to replace it with an f150, what a bad choice. I finally after 3 years went back to a Tundra. Its a very nice truck, very smooth and solid, great build quality. So far my only complaints are: Mileage: only about 16 Stereo sound: No depth to the sound, a common problem on Tundras and this has the upgraded sound system. This is a good truck for people that need the capability of a full size pickup but dont want to be beaten to death by the ride of a ford.