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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  Rav4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By ndrav - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The rav tends to be a ok car for what you pay for. Very loud on the road and has developed a lot of sqeakes and rattles. Underpowered and anemic when trying to pass. Gas mileage varys between 18 to 25. Car has a tendency to eat windshilds 1 per 15k miles avg. Mechanical reliablility has not been particularly good averageing between 1500 and 2k dollars a year in maint. Car currently has 170k miles on it and it will not be makeing 200k without a major engine overhaul. Decent offroad capability and hard to beat on snow and ice.

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  A Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CaptainKirk - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fun to drive. Toyota reliablility and an outstanding value.

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  Ill be darned... - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By diktrikl - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt have considered the Avalon as an outright new car purchase but was pleasantly surprised at ride quality (on par with Volvo S-80) and feel I got a bargain at $17K. Theres no way you are going to find one from a dealer for under twenty grand. Toyota reliability and savings to boot... seems trivial to gripe about the bland white color.

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  Good Toyota - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Michael vanHaagen - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought the base model with no frills. I needed a good reliable car that was good on gas and had lots of interior room The Matrix fit the bill.I love the way the seats fold down to make it into a mini station wagon.I feel that for the money you get a good car with lots of good standard features.

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  From Honda to Toyota - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By pchewning - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I have always purchased Hondas in the past. I purchased a 1981 Honda Civic Wayon in 1981. 11 years later I purchased a 1992 Honda Civic Wayon. That was the last year they were made. I was worried that I would not find a comparable car in 2003. I was wrong. The 2003 Toyota Rav4 is great. It drives easy and very smooth. I love the back door which opens from the side. I look forward to purchasing another Rav4 in 2014. Thanks Toyota. Patty

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  My Rav 4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Lis Mrie - June 13 - 10:00 am

  My Rav 4 was the first car i ever fully bought on my own,, something that can be a very scary experience, but in the end it was all worth it. The dealership i delt with was wonderful and made things as smooth as can be. I have not had my car for a year quite yet, but have enjoyed every single aspect of it. I drive a ton for work and haul quite a bit around for my occupation and my car has made just my job that much more enjoyable. Knowing that it is a well made reliable car brings much ease of mind to my already stressed life!!!!

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  The best choice out there - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By glad all over - June 13 - 10:00 am

  We looked at several vehicles but kept coming back to the Highlander. The combination of style, comfort and performance is really the best out there right now for the money. We have been enjoying every minute in our new Highlander, it feels good, looks good and performs fantasticly. The Limited version has all of the features we wanted at a good price, none of the extremes of some other competitors such as Murano or even the Pacifica (yes, we did test drive one). I am looking forward to driving this car for a long time.

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  Very Happy! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By blueflyyguy - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. I am able to pull a couple of waverunners up Parleys canyon well, and the Temp. gauge never leaves the middle. I wouldnt pull much more, but I am pleased. I used to drive a Ford Explorer, which gave me an SUV ride, now that I have the Highlander it is almost exactly like driving my Honda Accord. I bought the 2002 model used with 3k miles, so I got a good price break for a practacially new car.

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  Jack of all trades... - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jdmcderm - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This car does a lot of things very well. Its stylish, roomy and has an impressive list of standard features for a base model. The ride is very comfortable, but not particularly involving. Ive owned several Hondas and considered the Accord, but felt that the interior material quality was inferior for Honda and the styling was bland. It was, however, more fun to drive than the Camry, especially in a V- 6. Also consdered the BMW 325i which was too small to be practical for 4-5 adults. All things considered, Im happy with they Camry, but the BMW will be at the top of my list next time around

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  Satisfied So Far - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By MH - June 12 - 5:50 pm

  Bought this car in August 09, currently has 4500 miles. So far, so good. Has a very smooth, comfortable ride. The steering is a little odd, and takes some getting used to. Cant really get a feel for the road when driving, but is not a deal breaker. Definitely not a sporty driving experience. The controls are all well placed, and work well. The clock position doesnt really bother me. The trunk is adequate. The seats are very comfortable, and back seat space is surprisingly good. No brake or mechanical issues, or strange noises or rattles so far. Hoping to keep this car for 10+ years, so hope that continues. This car replaced my 15 year old Geo Prizm (basically the same as a Corolla).