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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  Beats all Competition - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Boman - July 14 - 10:00 am

  While I have just purchased a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab this past weekend (I traded in a 98 Honda Accord, also a great vehicle), I must say that I chose the right vehicle. 4 door sedans dont compare with the versatility of a double cab or 4 door pickup. I looked at comparable models from Nissan, Dodge, Ford, etc., but nothing compares in its class to Toyota, period. The truck handles nicely, accelerates like a 4 cylinder (requires some revs, but gas mileage is much better than V6), but at least has multivalves where other trucks operate on 2 valves/cylinder.

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Thom - July 13 - 7:26 pm

  I have not had any problems with the steering as others claim. I have 6000 miles on mine and it has been trouble free. I owned a 2003 S with manual shift and really liked it, so I bought the 2010. The seat fabrics are a vast improvement over the 2003. These are much easier to vacuum.

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  excellent car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By michealb - July 13 - 10:18 am

  Bought my car in 2011 with 30k miles on it. It now has 230K and the only thing I have replaced is 2 headlight bulbs. Had regular service every 5000 miles. Driven everyday for business and personal use on the interstate, up and down mountains and regularly maintained good mpg. Started off around 47mpg and still around 44mpg even after 200K miles added to the odo. I am 6ft. Interior cabin was a little small for me but other capacities made up for lack of comfort. My wife was recently in an accident and the prius held its own. Protected her in a 65mph crash. Unfortunately it was beyond repair. Will purchase another and hope it will serve as good as this one.

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  2007 Avalon XLS - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim Roden - July 13 - 4:56 am

  The drive quality is great, except for the rear visibility when backing out of a parking space. Tire noise is a major problem if you buy a low quality tire like Good Year. Engine noise is no problem, I think other people think the noise is from the engine, when it is actually the tires. Paint is very thin and of poor quality. Just make sure you keep it waxed regularly. I have 45,000 miles so far with no problem. Oil is changed on time with synthetic and rubber is lubed with 303.

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  nice little car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bigdave - July 13 - 4:50 am

  had this car about a 1.5yr. low milage for time. great gas milage !! no problems. nice solid feel. quiet. nice detailed interior and design. sharp looking exterior with nice ground effects. really not that quick. expected that with auto and small 1.8. developing a small rattle sound from back right rear door area at times. yeah and i still cannot get comfortable in drivers seat. this was noted in a major consumers mag. other than this and the rattle, excellent car.

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  great small suv 140,000 and going strong - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By mes - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Rav4 new and it has been a great car. I put lots of miles on and am a demenading driver. The only repairs I have needed are brakestires and a new battery. I also use it to tow a small trailer and have been very happy with the performance. I plan to drive it well past 200,000 miles. It doesnt rattle or shake and is a very sturdy car. My only complaint is that it sometimes seems loud inside, but I think this is becasue of the AWD. This was a terrible winter here (lots of snow) and the AWD performed great!. This is the best erpforming car I have ever owned.

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  excellent - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By alexmojo - July 13 - 2:00 am

  ive driven other cars like bmw and mercedes, but maybe im too young, matrix is the most fun car!

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  PAINT CHIPS AND RUST AFTER 4 MONTHS - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By tanya1130 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my corolla in Nov 2002 and after 4 months i have noticed about a hundred paint chips all over my hood and along the sides of my car... This is my second toyota to date and i have never in my life seen such a disaster.. The dealer says it is normal wear and tear... Is anyone else having this problem??? Oh ya, and now i am noticing rusting spots... Tanya -MA

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By macnyc - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I considered the Honda Accord and a pre-owned Acura TL. Im glad we picked the Camry. Its fun to drive, and the four-cylinder is surprisingly peppy. I like that car rides higher than the Accord and the Acura and seems to take bumps and potholes well. Gas mileage is great! Lots of room, front seat and rear.

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  SUV alternative - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By shanqdaddy - July 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a reliable car for our growing family since we both had 2 door Honda Accords. We looked at the Highlander and was not impressed with the ride, but when we saw the new Sienna at the showroom we loved it from the 1st time we drove it. Drives like a big sedan and after the test drive the dealership sold us the 1st one from their lot. It has lots of horsepower (more than the 03) and cheaper (comp with 03. Weve driven the Honda Odyssey and the old Toyota Previa and Sienna models - This is the ONE to have.