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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  2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By GMan5380 - February 20 - 2:23 pm

  This has been, by far, the sweetest vehicle I have ever owned. Nothing has gone wrong in over 200k miles. Not even any rattles or squeaks. It drives like the day I drove it home from the dealer. It does have a few design problems, but otherwise it is a great vehicle. Anti-slip device can be hazardous when pulling into traffic from a snow-covered side street. I have been stranded in the middle of a main road with no power for 2-3 seconds after leaving a snow-covered side street. When this device engages, it drastically reduces power to the drive wheels. Works great when you are at speed, but when trying to quickly slip into traffic, it can be a problem. This device cannot be shut off.

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  Love this SUV! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Edee - February 20 - 6:13 am

  My first Toyota and first SUV. Wasnt sure if a 4 cyl would be enough - it is, has plenty of pep, handles like a car, gets great gas mileage, rides smoothly, corners well, easy to park & my very tall son can actually fit in the front seat. Love the new larger size and exterior look. The interior is well designed, everything in reach, gauges easy to read. Running lights a great idea. Cargo area exceptional for the size.

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  Double Cab TRD sport - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By Larkin7788 - February 20 - 12:10 am

  I test drove the Frontier before buying the Tacoma, in comparison the Frontier felt more sluggish and had a higher pitched engine note. The interior is surprisingly roomy, and the plastic dash components are solid and the buttons have some texture to them when you push (not simply plastic clicking on plastic). Back-up cam in the rear view mirror is a great idea I probably wont use that often. Tons of storage compartments under the seat and in the bed. Ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet, too easy to hit 75 mph, yet you still feel like you are in a truck. Refined everyday pavement driver that still made me feel in control as I raced through a field (its new Im not getting too intense, YET!)

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  Best of both worlds - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By addenw - February 19 - 12:56 pm

  With top up it is quieter than some coupes. No wind noise. The stero can be heard with the high and low notes. The body is tight and does not flex like other converibles (especially other 4 passenger vechicles). After driving on the intersate for hours you are not tired from the wind noise. And with the top down you get all the joy of a converible. Best of both worlds, and the usually Toyota quality.

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  Great Car !!! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Andrew Banks - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned this car for over a year and I really cant find anything bad to say about it!!! Purhaps a little more leg room for back seat passengers,otherwise a great buy.

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  Excellent Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By John46 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Nothing better than a truck that holds its resale value better than any other and drives better than a luxury car. None of the other half tons can even compared no wonder toyota beats them all. Not to mention its made in the USA

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  excellent built car, a mini lexus - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ownerfromNJ - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I own this car for over 1 year it is a well built machine feels like your in a mini lexus has a 130 HP ALUM engine with VVTi for 14K!

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  mp - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mprid - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Everything has been exceptional with our 2004 Sienna except for rust. We have had two bouts of premature rust within 6 months (even with Sym-tech). Rust was found on, and around doors. Comfort, handling, fuel economy have been beyond our expectations. Recently getting 35+ mpg. Rear seat and sliding with windows are excellent.

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  I love My Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jules5 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Ten years ago I purchased a 1990 Toyota Camry. I loved that car and had a hard time deciding to buy a new one. Then I saw the 2005 Corolla S with the VP#1 options I fell in love with the car. It had everything that I wanted and the price was to good to pass up. Out the door 15,880! The ride is wonderfully smooth, the pick up to merge on the freeway is right there for you, and the front look of the car reminds me of a Jaguar...ok maybe that is streching it ...but I love the looK ;o I dont understand these comments that it lacks personality... with the S version of the Corolla you get the reliability of Toyota, but a look that makes heads turn. I pur

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  Sleeker design 2005, two days owner! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Nina Davis - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I have switched from my 250k miles Honda Accord to the new Toyota Camry 2005, lets see how long this will last. So far so good, the body is more sleeker, my neighbors mistaken as a Lexus. Cool lights, looks very classy! They are brite, inside and outside. Its a very well made vehicle for the price, looks expensive, but not. Spacious truck, two large person would fit. The hubs are nice, the dealership reported theirs stolen already. The car is well design, it rides good and Im happy with it!