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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  Great except for one thing! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By daf62757 - December 19 - 4:56 pm

  This is actually my wifes car. I drive it about once or twice a week. The car now has 55K miles and the problems, or complaints that I want to mention are the lack of power when the AC is on, and the knocking that comes from the steering column linkage. The power is expected because its a 4 cylinder. The linkage problem is a flaw that has received a technical notice, but no recall. Very frustrating that Toyota wont recall this and fix a potentially dangerous problem. Otherwise, a very good car and excellent for your wife to use for work or kid hauling.

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  ECHO that goes! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By sonatafan - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My Echo is fast

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  My 2001 camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By RobinG - December 19 - 10:00 am

  You know those commercials where the car owner says "I love my Toyta Camry!"? Well, I can now add myself to those ranks. The Camry is a well built, reliable semi-luxury sedan I think. I love the feel & you do have a real sense of driving a car that will take care of you if you take care of it. I am a sold Camry owner for life!

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  5 years with a Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jackgray - December 19 - 1:16 am

  In 77000 miles of chicago winters and texas summers this car has never caused me a problem. All I have spent on it is changed the tires atg 35000 and bought 4 michelin crossterrains.They are a little harder ride than the bridgestone OEM but still have about another 10K in them. I bought this the first year they were out and have never regretted it once.

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  Bland. Basic. BULLETPROOF. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By London Lad - December 18 - 9:34 pm

  The bad bits first; the Camry is so bland to look at, its almost a stealth vehicle. Its equally bland inside. Possibly the most beige car in the history of the world. The drivers seat lacks adjustability and takes some getting used to. The CE version that I have does not have remote locking and cruise control. For the first time in 20 years, I have to key my car open. Now for the good bits; this car is surprisingly engaging to drive. Nimble, surefooted handling with crisp, well weighted & balanced steering. The 4 cylinder 2.2 engine is not as punchy or as refined as the 24 valve twin cam V6 units I drove for years, but its lively and responsive. More importantly, this relatively simple engine is ultra reliable. And its easy to work on because its well laid out with plenty of room - not that Ive needed to do anything. Also, it is a non-interference engine, so timing belt failure will not cause disaster. And lastly, its fuel economy is excellent. Its a perfect commuting car. The aircon is ice cold, the transmission silky smooth. It had done 131k when I bought it, now up to 153k. No issues other than the passenger side external door coming off. Update: car is now up to 170k miles. I replaced the rear shocks, springs and mounts using pre-assembled Gabriel Guardian units. The job was really easy. Fitting them took 2 hours, the most fiddly part of the job was removing the interior seats and trim to get at the mounting bolts. Cost of parts $250 This car now handles like its new. I also replaced the thermostat at 160k $75 for metal housing, thermostat and coolant. Job time, 15 minutes thanks to the time engine layout. The more I drive this little gem, the more I love it.

• 

  Bland. Basic. BULLETPROOF. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By London Lad - December 18 - 9:34 pm

  The bad bits first; the Camry is so bland to look at, its almost a stealth vehicle. Its equally bland inside. Possibly the most beige car in the history of the world. The drivers seat lacks adjustability and takes some getting used to. The CE version that I have does not have remote locking and cruise control. For the first time in 20 years, I have to key my car open. Now for the good bits; this car is surprisingly engaging to drive. Nimble, surefooted handling with crisp, well weighted & balanced steering. The 4 cylinder 2.2 engine is not as punchy or as refined as the 24 valve twin cam V6 units I drove for years, but its lively and responsive. More importantly, this relatively simple engine is ultra reliable. And its easy to work on because its well laid out with plenty of room - not that Ive needed to do anything. Also, it is a non-interference engine, so timing belt failure will not cause disaster. And lastly, its fuel economy is excellent. Its a perfect commuting car. The aircon is ice cold, the transmission silky smooth. It had done 131k when I bought it, now up to 153k. No issues other than the passenger side external door coming off. Update: car is now up to 170k miles. I replaced the rear shocks, springs and mounts using pre-assembled Gabriel Guardian units. The job was really easy. Fitting them took 2 hours, the most fiddly part of the job was removing the interior seats and trim to get at the mounting bolts. Cost of parts $250 This car now handles like its new. I also replaced the thermostat at 160k $75 for metal housing, thermostat and coolant. Job time, 15 minutes thanks to the time engine layout. The more I drive this little gem, the more I love it.

• 

  Happy with car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By J Lewis - December 18 - 3:23 pm

  I did look at five different makers before I decided on the Matrix. It offered everything I wanted for the money. I knew it had the same proven engine that the Corolla had, this was a big factor.

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  Reliable, just wish it had more hp - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Firefighterjake - December 17 - 11:23 pm

  I traded in an older 4Runner for this one back in 2001. If youre looking for a reliable SUV, this is the one. Its well built. The only issue Ive had is the infamous Maine road salt has required a fix of the parking brake. It offers some great features and is a true off-road SUV. It will get you there and back again in style.

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  Its Been Very Good - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Good Around Town - December 17 - 12:36 pm

  I bought this 2009 1.8 4cyl / auto March 2008. I drive 50 miles a day and it has been good on gas 28-30 in town & 32-35 Hyw. The seats looked cheap so I bought some leather seat covers for $20.00 each and they been very comfortable. I have noticed the Paint is very cheap there are lots of chips on the hood ! A bicycle ran into the front when I was parked and pushed the bumper off to the side about 1/2 inch. I wonder how it would be in a real accident? We took a trip from Tulsa, OK. to Whittier, Ca. 3500 miles and had a very nice trip. The 1.8 cyl ran up over all the mountains with cruise control, on and the air conditioner on, and never slowed or had any problem. Were home safe and loved it.

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  Driving Blind - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Waz - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy the Celica for its style and performance, however the visablity is very poor. Their are several blind spots. The rear spoiler is right in the line of sight for the rear view mirror making it difficult to see whats behind you.