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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  worth the wait - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By garmar73 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I researched the Prius for two years before I bought one. The machine is, I feel, very sound from an engineering point of view and assembled in such a manner that I have not had to return to the dealership for necessary warrenty work, as I have had to with other new cars that I have purchased. I would not drive anything else.

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  95 Toyota Camry Xle - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Limey - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Only problem was a burned out tail light bulb twice,hardley the cars fault.Excellent dependable family car.

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  Reliable One - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By itolittle - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Very Toyota like vehicle. Strong and dependable. Stylish exterior. Interior although adequate and functional does not live up to Toyota quality....a little cheap feel to it. Full-time 4WD would be nice feature. Overall, one happy customer

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  RAV4 a Great Little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Cybermeez - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This Rav4 is my third Toyota, previously had 2 pick-ups. The RAV lives up to the Toyota reputation good mileage, reliability and a sturdy 4cyl engine. I do a lot of driving often in bad weather and the RAV gets me through, though with a little less bravado than my old Tacoma. The RAVs interior cargo space makes it a fair trade off.

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  I want 2 b spoiled - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bro8x - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Picked this baby up a week and a day ago. Ive put about 650 miles on it so far. The car practically drives itself. Very smooth cruise at 80 mph.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Slingshot - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 99 Solara and every single thing in this car has improved. More comfortable, powerful, sporty, etc. The NAV system is great and it is a joy to drive this car. It is very distinctive on the road now since very few are around (unlike the too popular Accords).

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  Great, reliable truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By lwdngwruvz - September 5 - 1:28 am

  I bought this truck based on Toyotas customer service and durability of my 1990 Toyota 4x4 pickup. Anyway, about this truck... Excellent durability, reliability and really fun to drive. I am tall, so the headroom is awesome. Plenty of power for my needs, great braking and very comfortable. The tires that come from the factory wore out way too quick. I have had to replace two O2 sensors, which is a bummer. I have had to replace two latches for the rear windows. Other than that, I have had no problems with this vehicle. I try to perform regular maintenance, but I slip quit a bit.

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  After 5,000 miles with my 2005 Tundra... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By rjw5150 - September 4 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the truck used in July 2008 and have been pleasantly surprised at the comfort and performance so far. When buying used, I highly recommend a Toyota off-lease vehicle given that it is easier to see its maintenance history. I didnt buy an extended warranty because I expect Toyota to be built well and durable. So far that is the case and my Tundra drives well, the double cab exceeds my expectations on space and room, the engine provides adequate power for our homeowner and daily driver uses such as hauling lumber, furniture, and the occasional load of dirt or rocks. Everything appears to be functioning as designed. Well see how well the truck performs as I rack up the miles.

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  check fit and finish - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By OCD - September 4 - 2:46 pm

  This vehicle has been great. You will not be disappointed. The only problem I have is that the passanger door does not shut like the rest; misaligned, however no wind noise heard. I am afraid to go to dealership because the fix might be worse. My SR5 is loaded without the sunroof I dont need. Looks better than the Expedition.

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  This is a great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By watlerules - September 4 - 9:13 am

  I drove an Accord, Altima, and the Hyundai. I believe I made the right choice for sure. This is the quietest car Ive ever driven. The JBL audio system is superb and the bluetooth was standard on my XLE. I drove to California and this car made all the difference in a drive Ive made many times. I cant imagine a quieter car. There is virtually no road nose and I like the steering feel. It takes much less effort to control on the open road than my 05 Accord I traded in. I have received many complimentary remarks about the color (Magnetic Gray) which I only got because it was the only color they had with the Navigation System. I love this car and I plan on keeping it for a long time.