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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  Toyota Sienna - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By chunter67 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought the van in 02 to replace a 91 Pathfinder. Has proven to be very comfortable on long trips with to small kids. Gas mileage is what you would expect for a 6 cyl. Have kept it serviced every 5000 miles at the dealer. Had initial problem with the power sliding doors not working. Right at 36000 and the rear seat will not pull out. Only taken it out 3-4 times. Dealership had to order part. Also, the passenger power window doesnt go down all the time. Overall, wished I could have afforded the Odessey, but this has been ok. Wife likes it for taking the kids around town. Dont get the optional center console; waste of space and no space.

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  Pick another year - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By litedog - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I too had the brake problems from day one, front and rear. Also had both exhaust manifold crack. In addition, over the past year it began blowing O2 sensors on a regular basis. When the transmission began slipping, I had enough. The Toyota dealers refuse to believe that there is something wrong with these trucks. My last Toyota.

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  No serious issues but............ - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Firsttime ravowner - December 18 - 10:00 am

  My only complaint is that it shakes or shimmys at 65 mph or so. i asked my dealer to check tire balance and they only test drove it and then told me, "We dont find anything unusual here." So, what do I do? Believe me, the steering wheel shakes back and forth on smooth highways, at high speed. Anyone else notice this?

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  Im glad to have a Toyota own - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By coloradorocks - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Since that Im college student. I love this car. With all the room in th trunk and the back seat I am able to move all my stuff to college and back home. The interior is really nice. I like that layout of the buttons for a/c, rear windopw defroster, and etc., because then I reach over really quick and my eyes stay on the road. Compared to my other cars that I owned in the past. I sit up higher to have better visiability.

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  corolla xrs - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By tsdws - December 18 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car to drive it have awsome handling and it have a very good engine. the six speed is nice because if you want put it in to sixth gear it will almost float.

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  253,000 miles and counting! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rico - December 18 - 9:46 am

  Its the bare basics of a car that runs every day, handles off road adventures, and almost fits five comfortably! You have to drive this car, no cruise, no auto anything, no ABS, and very few problems. Watch for corroded battery terminals, replace the positive fuse block/terminal at 170,000 and save some headaches. I had a final drive seal go during warranty, but Toyota fixed it once and then the dealer fixed their bad installation as well. This car has run Sheep Pens Road in Baca County, Colorado, driven Pikes Peak, driven thousands of miles of dirt road and mud, and still drives my +200 mile daily commute. I get about 37 MPG on a two hundred ten mile daily commute on a US highway, but I have stretched it to 46 MPG on a few interstate highway trips with four adults and luggage (okay, very sparse luggage). It is not frilly, not fancy, but it will get you where youre going with a little fun. Ive had it up to 108 MPH, and it starts to lift in the back so stay unser 102 MPH. I think the sport wing would get her up to 120 MPH no problem.

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  I feel good in my new RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By chris perko - December 18 - 2:40 am

  Its a great little car25

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  Fun Little Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By STLSportsGirl - December 18 - 2:40 am

  This is a fun little car. Very sporty on the inside and out. You do have to keep in mind that this car is little, the boyfriends head is about a 1/2 inch off the roof and he is 6ft 2. Acceleration is nice as well as the handling. Nice sound system, with a cd and tape! She is a little noisy and her rpms do run a little high when idling...but other than that a great car! She sits VERY low to the ground as well so if youhave trouble getting in and out of small, low cars, this is not the car for you.

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  Best car out there under 30k! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Darren - December 17 - 11:03 pm

  I bought the SE V6 4 months ago, and I have to say this is the best car you can buy out there for under 30k! Its fast, rides great, roomy, and looks awesome! Everywhere I go It turns heads. People say it looks like a cross between a Lexus front, and a BMW rear end. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  Great vehicle! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Luis - December 17 - 12:03 pm

  I love this vehicle! Ive had it for over 3 years and 80k miles and not one single repair (knock on wood). The only work done on it has been changing the fluids and a new set of tires last month. It represents Toyotas quality at its best. The only complaint is that the interior is somewhat small compared to other SUVs.