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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  Best Compact Sedan on the Market! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Flyest - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased my car (two months ago) and I have fell in love with it. It looks great, it’s reliable, and it has great gas mileage. I have the DX model, with all of the possible features, and I have to say...it is the "Queen" of all other 1997 Corollas. I would definitely recommend a Corolla to anyone.

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  Avalon review - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By bobh1018 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  major problem was fuel injectors fouled real bad at 38000 miles .Had to be replaced . Expensive job .Purchased regular gas at major gas station majority of time .

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  Think of what this car/truck is - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By DAB - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Sequioas have had some A/C compressor issues, Tranny issues, iterior issues. All of which have come and gone. I just wanted to say that the VSC kicking in when pulling out in traffic when one of the rear wheels slips a little bit is the biggest complaint. It cant be turned off without being in 4WD The Gas Mileage: 16.5 average city/hwy Brakes: 3mm left after 54k miles so about 25% left. Also what no one has said that I can find is that it really excels in 4wd on windy gravel roads - that is when the vsc really does help - and it is a WHOLE lot of fun. I could not go half that speed with my miata without spinning out.

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  Awesome Ride - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Toni3 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Love the speed, maybe a little sluggish off the line but very fast in the long run. Love the interior, very stylish and nice cluster board. Exterior is awesome. Dont need to do much on the car.

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  Always a safe bet Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By alaricsept - April 6 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The truck has performed without hesitation and without requiring any stops at the dealership. The engine is actually getting stronger as it breaks in, and the silky smooth acceleration. The brakes feel good, they respond quickly and quietly in all situations. I have towed with it a few times and have had it loaded with at least1/2 ton and at most 1700lbs of sand, rock or mulch on several occasions, the engine handled it with aplomb, but the truck reminds you itÂ’s a light duty when the rear end hits the stops. So all in all it fits our lifestyles nicely and is quickly becoming a trusted member of our stable.

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  A Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Robert K. III - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Has never broken down. Gets about 30 mpg on the highway. Can tow a trailer. Very comfortable. Over all a very good buy. Would get it again

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Yordge - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Highlander I have owned. I purchased a 2003 to get heated seats and better ergonomics. Both Higlanders have had wind noise problems that have mystified the Toyota dealers. Go Figure. I drove it to Orlando from Maryland and it was a pleasure- good milage and plenty of room. I do wish Toyota offered a DVD package for the kids. MI know Il get a Lexus.

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  One NICE SUV! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jalesriley - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Luxurious ride. Beautiful, well thought-out interior. Nice amenities. Great cargo space. Just okay gas mileage (currently ave. 20/gal). "Vanilla" outside design.

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  A luxury car in disguise! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Copacetic - April 6 - 10:00 am

  My car was special ordered with the leather package, side airbags, ABS, 6 speaker stereo system. It was built in 6 wks in Canada and delivered in record time. It feels like a luxury car and I am thrilled with it! If the badging were removed you would never guess that you are sitting in a Corolla. I do not smell the rotten egg smell that everyone complains about. The ride is very smooth and I get about 37 mpg. This car is a terrific value for the money and handles well.

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  I love the camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sarwat Ahmed - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The camry is very good because it safest car I ever drove. I feel real relax while I drive CAmry is the best