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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  Transmission Problems? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By las - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. But I am wondering if anyone else has had any problems with their transmission fluid? This past weekend, I took it for an oil change and the mechanics showed me that the transmission fluid was unusually dirty for the amount of mileage I have on the car. Its at about 12,000 miles. I am very curious to know if anyone else has had this problem....

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  Wifes Rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Armond - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We just turned in my wifes Honda Civic and got her this car. So far, its nice...it feels so much "lighter" than the Civic which is strange...perhaps because its new? Its rather noisy. Toyota should have done a better job smoothing out this car. For the money, it should be more comfortable and quieter...but as with other SUV makers, the consumer is dumb enough to pay premium for a primitive vehicle (SUVs are trucks that are hugely overpriced). The dealer took us for a ride on the alarm system but screw it, our time and sanity is more important than a few hundred dollars here and there. Time will tell how the car holds up...so well see.

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  Toy - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By D.Ferguson - February 13 - 10:00 am

  On coming traffic think I have the high beam rather than low beam on. Fuel tank is full but register only shows 3/4 full.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mnagnew - February 13 - 10:00 am

  40 mpg, quiet, smooth, spacious, comfortable with impeccable highway manners that make it feel like a much larger car. Fit and finish are first rate and the amount of standard equipment included for $15K is phenomenal. Great back seat. Its not a sports car, but handling is more than adequate, with a smooth shifter and light, but not over responsive steering. As long as you dont drive near the limits, the Corolla goes where you point it and does so with aplomb. Given Toyotas reputation, I honestly dont know how you could get a better bargain than a 2004 Corolla.

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  03 Corolla LE for me - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jtb - February 13 - 10:00 am

  From reviewing the corolla and civic, the corolla wins. Test drove both; both a good cars. The corolla, however, has a better warranty and, in my opinion, and better reputation. similar crash tests, etc... This is a communter vehicle that takes me about 100 miles per day. Its a peppy little car with great gas mileage. Nice creature comforts. I would buy it again; no regrets on the decision.

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  JBL Premium Stereo System - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sothipras - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Please do not fall for that "JBL Premium Stereo" which comes standard on the XLE model, and can be add as an option on the LE. They are the worse sound system you could find. Theres nothing premium about it. 8 Speakers that Toyota claims locate at 6 locations, funny I couldnt come up with 8 at all. They intentionally make this as a gimmicks. In conclusion: XLE HAS (VERY, VERY) BAD SOUND SYSTEM. IT DOES NOT WORTH YOUR MONEY. If you picked LE model, save money and go out and install a better sound system. DO NOT choose JBL Premium sound system. Youll be glad you did not chose. I guranteed it.

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  Former Accord Owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By westies01 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Just got my car the other day and notice a big improvement over 2003 Honda Accord EXL. I purchased my Accord in 09/2002. I have had to have a strut replaced after 2 weeks of owning, new rotors, water leaking in the trunk and stains on the headliner. The headliner was replaced once and was staining again. No problems withis car and I think Toyota may have a better product.

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  I love my Celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By denyse - February 13 - 9:40 am

  Ive had my Celica for 4 1/2 years and this is by far the best of the 5 cars Ive owned. Its really comfortable, even on long trips, holds TONS of stuff in the trunk, is sporty, good looking and reliable. Im at about 111,000 miles, and although Ive had to put some money into shocks, belts, etc. lately, its nothing that I didnt have to expect to do for a car of this age. Ive had 2 mechanics tell me that I should easily get to 250k miles if not more without major problems, and that in their opinion, this is one of the most reliable cars you can own. The ONLY car I would ever trade this in for is a newer Celica...Im planning on driving this baby til it turns to dust.

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  Perfect for Econ-Minded - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By commonsense29 - February 13 - 8:58 am

  I bought this car used with 15,000mi. Since then, I have driven to about 45,000 in two years. In my time I have realized how great it is from an economical standpoint: I get about 30/31mpg city, 36-39mpg hwy, maintenance costs are low (so far only oil changes and one cabin air filter replacement), insurance prices are low, and driver comfort/peace-of-mind is high from great visibility, good safety scores, and ease to drive/manage infotainment. That said, the interior isnt quite as "fancy" (futuristic or sharp designs) as competitors, but is great for the price. I would definitely recommend to a budget-orientated driver.

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  Love my Venza!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lal_clt - February 12 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my 2009 FWD 6-Cyl Venza in May, 2009. I now have 81,000+ miles on it and have only had one minor problem in the last 4.5 years! It is the best car I have ever owned and I love everything about it. I think its the best kept secret on the market. I recently bought a vacation condo near the beach and was able to transport all of my odds and ends - chairs, headboard, kitchen table, etc in my car at various times because there is so much cargo room. Ill probable replace my car at the end of 2014 and it will be another Venza!