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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  BEST IN ITS CLASS ! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dickerson - August 29 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT SUV. LOTS OF ROOM. FUN TO DRIVE.BEST IN ITS CLASS, THE BIG THREE CANT COME CLOSE TO IT.

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  Excellent vehicle! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By compcoprinting - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Super car! Fun to own and drive. Averages 50-55 mpg in warm weather and around 40 in winter(in the northeast). Starts well in frigid weather and handles well on snow and ice. Comfortable on long trips--easy on the back. Easy for handicapped individuals to enter and exit.

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  158,000 mile 4 runner - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By AAW - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Except for a head gasket recall paid for by Toyota this vehicle has been great. The rear seat is uncomfortable for adults & teens on long drives. Rear seat riders cause a harsh ride over bumps as well. With AC running gets 18/21 MPG. Without AC gets 19/24 MPG. No problem driving around in 20 inch snow. Pulls my 2,800 lb boat/trailer OK. Pleasure to drive. Dont like the unconventional tail lamp bulbs - (expensive at dealerships). Too bad Toyota hasnt got the Jade Green Metallic paint and good intruments on new 4runner models.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sue Ann - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned much more expensive cars but none that perform day in and day out like my Solara

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  the best car ever - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By glennda - August 29 - 2:00 am

  almost 40,000 miles. No problems, nothing. I bought new tires because had a flat. interior light burned out because i left it on all day. She still started. if i could change anything, it would be a trunk light. sometimes you really need it. i would like to upgrade to a bigger toyota, because it does sit low to the ground. hard when your getting up in age. i could never sell her. i want to give her to my step-son. 30 miles per gallon.

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  I FEEL SAFE - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By GWEN - August 29 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA PURCHASE. I AM VERY PLEASED. I FEEL SAFE. EVERYONE ON MY STREET ARE TOYOTA DRIVERS, I FINALLY BECAME ONE OF THE FAMILY. ITS A GREAT FEELING. I GET ALOT OF ATTENTION ON THE HIGHWAYS AND IVE HAD PEOPLE STOP ME IN PARKING LOTS TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND IS VERY PLEASED THAT I CHOOOSE THIS VEHICLE, HE EVEN ENJOYS DRIVING IT. VERY SMOOTH, COMFORTABLE AND ENJOYABLE. THANKS TOYOTA FOR SUCH A NICE VEHICLE.

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  Drivers Seat Needs Work! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lenripley - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The Drivers seat makes a clunking noise anytime you enter vehicle, hit a bump, or turn sharply. Dealer says this is the way it is. I dont believe it. If it is, there is a design flaw which needs to be resolved.

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  2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 2WD V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By rsmith2 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  2004 low tire pressure indicator came on. Pressures checked 34-35 lbs. Called dealer service department. Following his directions, the indicator did NOT reset. The owners manual says system checks spare tire as well as the others. Another Toyota dealer said this was the 2nd 2004 4Runner they had seen with this problem. Explanation: tires are aired to 60 lbs. at the factory. Dealer make ready did NOT check the spare. The low tire pressure system also checks for HIGH tire pressure and/or pressure difference between the tires. To reset the indicator, hit the ODO/TRIP button until the mileage indicates, then hit RESET.

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  fundamentally sound, but... - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By W. Green - August 29 - 12:00 am

  Boring, but reliable. Disappointed to find a problem with the left turn signal and a significant rattle somewhere in the right front portion of the car. Both defects are chronic for this model and year. No drivers lumbar support. No map lights. Remote does not open trunk.

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  Corolla - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Bobby - August 28 - 8:36 pm

  Good gas mileage and reliability. Will never buy again unless gas is $10 a gallon, due to the fact that the interior quality is terrible, cloth seats rake in the smells, engine power is downright pathetic. Have not driven in signicant snow, but I do not look forward to it since the tires spin out from a stop in the rain. Handling is decent, but body roll is terrible and uncomortable. Good suspension, loud engine but only decently loud from the interior. Good sound system. Good car only for those who care nothing about power and all about gas, as in slow highway drivers. Would much rather have a more luxurious car with decent mpgs and power.