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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  one mans opinion - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeffber - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and the looks with the sport package are better than all the other compact suvs. The seats could use lumbar support. The performance is ok for a 4 cylinder (it’s not a race car). The gas mileage is awesome. The ride and handling are great. I purchased this because I have 1 child and another on the way and the ranger extend cab wasn’t going to cut it; this suv is perfect for me. The legroom in the back is ok for kids but 4 adults riding in this car would not be comfortable.

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  best of both worlds - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By outlaw - June 21 - 2:00 am

  excellent pickup with room for four secure excellent quality a little pricey average mpg around town 18, 20 highway optional push button 4wd is nice feature in this truck

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  Im buying a What! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By tony-TnT - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Yea, could you believe a 27 year-old bachelor owning a Camry....? My thoughts exactly. But I tell you what, after driving this beautiful Black SE Camry, Ill probably never buy anything else. (other than a lexus). From the looks, the drive, the reputation, and Toyotas established reliability factor, I was sold.(I promise the 1.9% financing had nothing to do with it)

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  Simply the best - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By rowland - June 20 - 7:00 pm

  Purchased new in 1999, this car has been totally reliable. Have over 100,000 miles and uses no oil and engine is quiet. Had to replace the front struts at 70,000 (a common problem with Avalons-$600). Repaced front brake pads at 80,000, rear still good. Amazing. Easy to drive, quiet, roomy, and lots of power. Make sure you replace the timing belt at 90000 and car should run well for a long time. This is our fourth Toyota and one of the best.

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  Our 2nd Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By 2nd time Camry - June 20 - 6:46 pm

  I felt after driving home from the dealer ride was hard. Lowered air pressure of tires to 29-30 lbs.for winter driving which helped a lot. I recommend breaking engine in slowly first 1,000 miles. Does slightly hesitate when accelerated from stop position, I think because engine needs to be nursed slowly in beginning. I love everything else about the car. Interior is real sporty and from outside, it has a European look. Low road noise, handles well on turns,and I love those 17 inch wheels.

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  Custom Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - June 20 - 6:13 am

  I have had my Yaris 3 door hatchback 1.5 w/auto for almost 2 years. This is a very good car. Love it! I have started to customize. Custom wheels, cold air intake, cat back exhaust, rear spoiler. The exhaust and cold air intake has really made a difference 10% more hp and 10% better gas mileage.

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  Best car ever! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bonnieallen - June 19 - 9:38 pm

  I bought this car brand new off the lot and 12 years, and 250,000 miles later, still running like new! Very very minimal maintenance required for this car! i have barely done oil changes and only other repairs were replacing sway bar, a sensor that went at about 180k, and thats it! Even mechanics have told me that this is one of the best cars that toyota has put out and i very much believe that.

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  Best Ive Had - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nick - June 19 - 8:40 pm

  We bought this SUV after a lot of research. It seemed to have what we were looking for in a family car. We have had it for almost three years and love it. We use either 89 or 93 octane fuel and consistently get 23-24 mpg in city and highway. The seats are not as comfy as my old Ford Ranger when it comes to long trips (3+ hrs) but they are fine for normal travel. It handles like a nice car. We really love everything about this car and have no major complaints. We would recommend considering one to anyone who asks. We did wish it was a little cheaper at the time of purchase, but we figured we will get what we pay for. Our Highlander is a keeper.

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  Ill always own a hybrid! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Always hybrid! - June 19 - 7:53 pm

  I had previously owned a hybrid civic. The Prius gets better mileage and is more versatile with cargo (the seats fold down for entire back storage). The Prius is comfortable to drive and ride in, with easy maneuverability, too!

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  Doesnt Compare to the Competition - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By mjstariha - June 19 - 7:00 pm

  We recently let go of our 04 Suburban. Our concern was the loss of room. We knew from experience, our 04 simply did not have the craftsmanship to rival our new Sequoias life expectancy. The features are well thought out and intuitive. The conveniences have become necessities so dont skimp on these if you appreciate luxury. We needed all the features plus the room so save the addtl 10k stick w/ the limited. Very smooth ride, not sure if the 20" tires make a difference from standard 17", our Sequoia is fully loaded with all the accessories except two-driver seat memory and 4WD. A month in and the Sequoia has a piece of all 7 (includes 2 Great Danes) of our hearts