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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  disappointed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By centralcal - December 24 - 3:13 am

  I cant believe how dissappointed I am with Toyota with this truck. I have never felt the need to post anything on any web site, but have done so on both the 05 Taco board and here tonight. This truck is not toyota quality. It is noisy and unrefined. Do not accept mediocrity. The engine noise is dreadful, the wind noise is not good. Drive a Tundra or a 4R and you will see what I mean. The ride is very pleasant from a suspension standpoint. The interior and stereo are excellent. I would bet this truck undergoes some changes (more sound buffering, better options), so do not buy this edition unless you have to.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Juwel - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  Bought the vehicle new at the end of 2004-after a half year shaking and unsmooth operation of the steering. Dealer found no problems. Several alignments and different sets of tires showed some improvement, but still not what you expect from a top of the line Toyota. From approx. 20k on rattling and noises from different interior parts... Now after approximately 50k the crank shaft pulleys broke (another $2k was quoted to fix this issue). In short: I bought this car since I had such positive experience with my 1990 Toyota Pick-up (now over 260k miles) and almost no repairs. However my Avalon is from a different breed: Lots of expensive repairs combined with a minimum of enjoyment.

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  A chick magnet - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By jrmulch - December 23 - 8:43 am

  A great car. I call it my golf cart for the interstate. Gets great gas mileage, roomy interior and trunk. Great sound system. My 15 year old thinks it is the bomb with speedway blue metallic color and the exterior moldings. I think I may not be driving this car when she turns 16. Oh well, Ill just buy another one.

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  Love My Reliable Soccer Taxi - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By A Soccer Mom - December 23 - 7:59 am

  While the Sequoia is not great on gas mileage, it has by far been the most reliable vehicle Ive owned. I bought a 2004 SR5 brand new and kept the oil changed. It still starts instantly like it did over 10 years ago. Ive taken my teenage boys and their teammates to tournaments, and everybody sat comfortably with enough cargo space for luggage and soccer backpacks. I have replaced the battery, shocks ,struts, and brakes. I have never replaced the timing belt, and it has almost 300,000 miles on it. I have had 3 drivers run into me while sitting still and this vehicle has kept me safe. My DVD player has never been great from day one. The movies get stuck in the player. The radio volume button has stopped working properly. The motor of the back window wiper has died. Neither Toyota or the dealership notified me of the ball bearing recall. Thank God I wasnt traveling at a high speed when mine broke. The arm rest is broken and the seat cushion has torn on the drivers seat. Ive owned Chevy, Ford, Nissan, and Infiniti. The Toyota has given me fewer problems and better performance than all of them.

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  Good Truck, It runs like a car - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By stopshop01 - December 23 - 7:16 am

  It is the first truck we own. Drive very comfortable and good mileage. We took 2 trips to the same road to test out the mileage. First trip fill up with Sheetz gas and got 17.8 mpg avg. Second trip fill up with Sunoco gas and got 18.4 mpg avg on the computer display. Wonder why so much different? It must be the quality in brand gas and no brand. Over all, it is very good truck and highly recommend to new buyer.

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  Nice Surprise But Do Your Homework - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Nisky16 - December 23 - 6:00 am

  So far this car has been pleasant to drive and is very versatile. Despite its sporty look, its not a sports car so if your aim is power dont buy it. It sits higher up than regular cars and feels more like a small SUV but with better gas mileage and handling. The emergency brake doesnt catch all the time when I park but is hopefully an easy fix. Ive had the car for 1 month and am undecided on whether I think the mileage is a good deal yet. Highway driving rated approx 360 miles/tank, mixed driving has been approx 300-325, city was less than 300. Hopefully the tank just needs more breaking in. Paint is durable - car was hit with hundreds of marble size hail and not a dent on it.

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  238,000 Miles and still a beaut - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Samuel Bishop - December 23 - 12:01 am

  I have been in possession of this car since its had 150 thousand miles and ive had no major issues with it. Basic maintence and repairs that come with the mileage that I have been able to do myself have kept me happy.

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  Fortuitous purchase - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Compucowboy - December 22 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my Prius before the gas crunch and I have never been more glad of a purchase since gas went through the roof. Now if Toyota only had a hydrogen fuel cell engine.

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  First 4Runner and we love it - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tina J - December 22 - 8:10 pm

  This is our first Toyota 4Runner and so far we love it. Its amazing how much reliability, performance, and luxury were getting for the price. We bought it towards the end of Q107 when toyota was trying to beat GM in number of sales, so we got a pretty good deal. Granted fuel mileage could be better, but hey, with all the other features were getting, we cant complain.

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  FUN AT LAST - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike M - December 22 - 3:13 pm

  This is an exceptional vehicle for the price. The 6 cylinder engine and the torque gives it alot of power. The ride is smooth. The gas mileage on the highway is a litte over 20 mpg while traveling between 65-75 mph. The sliding cargo divider for the bed is a great option. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Only draw back is the unavailability of a toneau style bed cover with pistons. There is no where to attach the cover with the design of the composite cargo box,