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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  92 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jim smith - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable to drive. Has a safe and secure feeling when driving down the road. Gives a big vehicle secure atmosphere when operating the Sequoia. Really enjoy the ease which the vehicle can go from 4 wheele drive to 2 wheel drive and back.

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  Quick and nimble - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By nightbirdflyin - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for three years with not a hint of problems. Quick and nimble. 30mpg is a great tradeoff for a the lack of cargo space. If I take the metals out of my bag all my clubs fit in the storage area. I do have a ping carry bag. It has been running on Amsoil since the week I bought it.

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  Its no Range Rover thank goodness - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By misjam - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The hightech drivetrain is outstanding. It has plenty of power and goes anywhere - I live in NW Montana and this is the car to keep you safe and secure in all weather.

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  Eliminate headaches...buy a Toyota Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By T. Shields - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 1995 Toyota Camry LE, this is the four cylinder model and I think I have died and gone to heaven. This car is it, you cannot do any better.Reliable, comfortable, great stereo system. I believe this is the best car I have ever owned. One downfall..dealers are charging way too much for repairs, not that I have needed anything done yet, but I think they are "cashing in" on well this car is liked by the buying market. If the car ever needs any work, I will be doing that myself. Toyota dealers, we, the buying public are watching you and your pricing structure.

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  Eliminate headaches...buy a Toyota Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By T.S. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 1995 Toyota Camry LE, this is the four cylinder model and I think I have died and gone to heaven. This car is it, you cannot do any better.Reliable, comfortable, great stereo system. I believe this is the best car I have ever owned. One downfall..dealers are charging way too much for repairs, not that I have needed anything done yet, but I think they are "cashing in" on well this car is liked by the buying market. If the car ever needs any work, I will be doing that myself. Toyota dealers, we, the buying public are watching you and your pricing structure.

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  near perfect - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By webby - May 4 - 10:00 am

  flawless quality. 61K miles and still perfect without any problems. the best quality of any vehicle I have owned. Negatives are :it is small, bouncy ride on highway trips, radio not what one would expect from toyota on a 35K vehicle.but those things are insignificant compared to the quality benefit. will only sell because we will need a bigger hauler.

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  Competition? What Competition... - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By travelerjb - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This one Id truly classify as a "luxury car". In every way it meets that criteria. Sure, its NO sports sedan in the flavor of a BMW or Jaguar, but then its not even close to those price ranges as well. If you want space, this car delivers in spades. All in all with the comfort level both in the seats and on the road it delivers. The engine has plenty of passing power, yet rarely lets you know its there. The utter quiet is a welcome pleasure, especially on the brutal roads of the Midwest. I wasnt as intrigued with the Avalon until I drove a XLS loaded. I guess I like having it all, and indeed this car delivers.

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  good rav - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By clark t - May 4 - 10:00 am

  love the rav this is my 2nd one The only thing realy is the noise on the inside at the back I think it is due to the overhead seatbelt buckel.

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  Not Your Mom and Dads Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By BlueSmoke18 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my Corolla last week. Rides like a charm- very comfortable and plush; makes me feel like Im driving a Lexus(actually the same platform as the Lexus IS300, only with a 4 cylinder engine). Toyota has done a great job with their restyling of this car. Performance, feel and design are head and shoulders above the similar Nissan Sentra and Mazda Protege. Reasonably priced and reliable as it gets, you cannot go wrong with the Corolla.

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  39 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Felicia - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I Loved this car, for 6cyl engine it is very good gas mileage,beautiful and nice looking car, the body look slim compare any other van wich look like a bun.