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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  Love my Yota!! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Sandy Snide - August 30 - 10:58 pm

  I bought my Corolla CE new in 07/2006. 134,000+ miles on it and engine and AT still great! Other than regular maintenance, Ive only had to replace a wheel bearing, brake caliper, shoes and pads, and front rotors. Of course, here in Maine we have lots of frost heaves and potholes to break for so I guess that explains it. My baby goes great in snow with all season radials and Ive never gotten stuck anywhere except in my yard when we had 6 inches of crust. Love the roomy trunk! Recently, the clock works only intermittently and is driving me nuts, but I guess I can deal with that. I was nearly T-boned by a Jeep one day but floored it and got almost out of his way. He hit me on the back of the rear passenger side fender/bumper. I was surprised to see that the only damage to my car was a small piece broken out of the bumper. Gas mileage is great! Tires seem to wear fast even with regular rotation, but that may just be the tires. I honestly expect Ill get well over 300,000 miles out of this car, which I purchased for Toyotas reliability and longevity. I do wish the paint was better though - it chips very easily. All in all, its a great car and I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By TonyB - August 30 - 4:53 pm

  My 4runner is perfect for what I need and thats the key. For the people who dont like the towing (marginal) of the 4runner or that its too trucklike (its built on a truck frame!) make sure you buy the vehicle for what you will use it for. Mine is great in the mountains, hauling 4 people with ski equipment, camping gear, bikes, etc. Phenomenal in the snow and mud and mountain passes, but still refined on flat surfaces. Much quieter than my 2000 4runner. Good size without feeling boatlike. Bulletproof reliability and resale value. This vehicle certainly covers the utility in SUV,with great body styling. Again, I wouldnt suggest for towing or grocery grabbing.

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  The best small car ever - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Amurtadi - August 30 - 2:46 pm

  I made 103K KM since I bought it new for C$13000. I had no trouble with it at all. It is the best bang for the buck. Drives and handles very well. It is not very comfortable for long distance travel but you can drive it very comfortably for 100 mile with no hassle. Excellent leg room in the back seat for 64" tall person.

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  She is a keeper - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By dtown40 - August 30 - 1:50 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and so far, I am very pleased with it. Traded in my 1999 Honda CR-V for it, and it is so much bigger. Much more power and smoother ride then the Honda. Hope the longevity in quality is as good as the Honda. Amazing how little difference there is in MPG between the two, seeing how the Toyota has a 6cyl engine and the Honda had a 4cyl.

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  I GOTTA HAND IT TO "YOTA" - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By DavyD from Cali - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Matix XR since Dec,03. Ive had absolutly no issues with this car Windows are blacked out for the most part and Ive had the dealership TRD kitted (lowering springs) for warranty purposes, MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE folks when headin down the highway or drivin in SF. Its made all the difference. Over all I love the car its been a blessing to me, specially how I fell into it, wonderful deal and interest rate. I had buyers remorse at first, just very glad i didnt trade it in for something else. Peace Davy D

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  My trix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By xmaestersquallx - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, it gives you an image all your own. Though it may be a little noisy and not enough power to beat a sports car, it has space. alot of it. Has many nice features. Its a utility vehicle in a sports car meet wagon package. Its unique, and its great.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By dmbjork - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Im not a car person and didnt really care so much what I bought as long as it was big enough, reliable and got good gas mileage. I went with the Matrix and the longer I own it and drive it, the more I love it. The only thing I dont like about mine is that its black. I looks really nice when just cleaned, but boy, does it look bad when its dirty! Ill never buy a black car again.

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By denton - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Avalon is a car for the open road, where comfort, quiet rides and value are considerations. The Avalon is built in the USA and has more U.S. parts than most GM or Ford automobiles, and yet it is designed with the Japanese to offer exceptional performance and value. I have had my Avalon for over three years, and have 145,000 miles on it. I have changed the oil and performed required maintenance. So far, my Avalon has performed flawlessly. My next car is another Avalon...but not before my wife buys one!

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  Supercharged - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill Marble - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Ride better than expected,peppy with standard v8 but awsome when up graded with a TRD supercharger and Pipes. Disapointed it didnt have a Dimming mirror withe outside temp and a compass.Im putting one in

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  What a find!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wampaku - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Really wanted a sports car but have knee problems that make exit difficult. A friend suggested the Solara and I was very pleasantly surprised. Almost as much fun as a true sports car and the comfort of a luxury sedan. Love the car more than I would have ever expected.