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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  I Love my Echo at the Gas Pumps - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Dawn - June 23 - 12:13 pm

  I love my ECHO. I get close to 50 mpg. With the prices of gas today, it only takes $20.00 to fill her up. Its a fun car to drive and is very reliable. I am sad that Toyota is not making Echos any longer for the US. I actually got a letter from the Dealer wanting to buy this car back. I hope to have this car for many years.

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  Honda vs. Toyota - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By geeman - June 23 - 10:00 am

  If you are like me, I was torn between the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Both are very good cars, and you cant go wrong with either (probably). But the Accord is a bit more of a drivers car, its handling a little stiffer and its motor a little peppier (and a little noisier). Camry has a very smooth ride and is very quiet inside too. Camry owners have experienced some engine oil (sludge) problems, so if you choose an older model Camry, look inside the valve cover with a flashlight to look for black sludge. Also strut mount failures. You are looking at $250 per strut to fix!

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  My wife was right - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Valex - June 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife has wanted this beast for years. Now she got it and all I want is to drive it. Power and agility. Incredible control and even a great turning diameter. The nav syst is a blast, and the thing looks cool as well. Plenty big, the seqioa is a bus and drives like one- no comparison.

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  Good Value - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By doomer - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Stylish car with a lot of room for the size. Very dependable and a nice ride for the money.

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  Very Impressed - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MINB - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Evaluated all of the US and foreign mid and full-sized SUVs in this price range. With the 4.7L V8, this was the vehicle to beat. Smooth, powerful Lexus designed drivetrain, extremely quiet, great ride, great looks, lots of room, and averaging between 18 and 20 mpg. The quality of this vehicle is superb.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim12345 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for nine months and made two cross country trips - it is great. Gas mileage is outstanding and it will run with the crowd at speed on the interstate with no problem at all. Car was perfect at delivery and zero problems. I could wish that the materials in the interior were a little better, but for the price I dont think it can be beat. It is probably the best overall quality car Ive had, including some which were much more expensive.

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  2003 Camry SE V-6 late model year - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By skydoch - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Thought about the LE, but didnt like the mushy ride. Went with the SE with the V-6. Glad I did. The strut tower brace and stiffer springs and performance tires, make this car a joy to drive. Waited for the new 210 Horsepower engine in the late model 03 models. What a difference in power and fuel economy. Getting 23city, 30Highway, Not bad! Only thing I dont care for is the rear spoiler. Sporty but not functional and makes backing up difficult. Overall Im satisfied with my first Toyota so far.

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  Yaris fun - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Skip - June 23 - 7:26 am

  Great price, great fun to drive, great MPG worst I have gotten 33 best 46. spartan interior could use a little upgrade there on base model missing pop out back windows on 2 door hatch back. I love the absolutely red "Scarlet" Yaris

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KWS - June 23 - 4:33 am

  I just purchased this car a week ago and first tank of gas got me over 400+ miles averaging 38mpg. Only miss cruise control of which I will probably have dealership install. Im 61" and the leg room needs a hair more for me but other than that this is a great car.

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  My Avalon - Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By RICHARD - June 22 - 11:50 pm

  We are very pleased with the car. The Avalon is definitely a "geezer" car, but thats okay since we geezers have more sense about the important aspects of car ownership. The interior is about as roomy as a large car and just as comfortable. The cars engine is quite responsive and quiet and economical to run. I would recommend the car to anyone looking for a car of this variety.