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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  The Little Tank - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By BTD - March 21 - 3:16 am

  I just inherited this car from my Mom yesterday, but Ive driven it a lot over the years. Shes owned it since 95 and drives 56 mi. round trip to work 5 days a wk. It has NEVER had to go to the shop for anything other than ordinary maintenance. If you take care of this car, it will take care of you. Yes, it has a few insignificant rattles, but it has 178,000 miles on it. Obviously, I rated it low in the "fun to drive" & "performance" categories because its a 1.8 L 4-cyl car. No excitement behind this wheel, but w/ gas prices what they are + the incredible reliability, Ill take the tradeoff. The car is easy to drive (and park) though, and isnt slow to the point that its annoying.

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  Just Aint Got It!! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By old_jr - March 20 - 11:23 pm

  Very disappointing truck. V6 has no power. Engine is noisy; cold idle at 2000 rpm sounds like engine is preparing for takeoff. Shifting from 1st to 2nd provides a nice "clunk"; otherwise it just "whines". Feels like universal joint is shot when lifting foot from accelerator - very jerky!

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  97 t100 sr5 5 speed - 1997 Toyota T100
  By bruce777 - March 20 - 6:06 pm

  i bought a 97 t100 sr5 2wd 5 speed about a month ago it has 195000 as of now. i have put 5k on it myself. I really love this truck its small enough to go anywhere but big enough to tow and haul. the engine runs really well. i have had to put some money in to it though, and let me tell you these parts arent cheap and thats if you can find them. autozone only carries about half of what you need including wheel bearings and a number of other things that should be supplied. I am having real problems with my 5 speed trans. front input shaft bearing is going bad witch is going to be a 1000 for a rebuilt one. clutch pedal broke though firewall had to make my own bracket to stop anymore damage. drained rearend today and it was full of water. these trucks where cheaply made but there are some great ones out there just beware of the bad ones.

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  Have loved every mile! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ohionative74 - March 20 - 4:13 am

  I bought it new in 2006. I have put 120K mostly highway miles on it in the last 6 years. The original Bridgestone tires were good until 75K w/regular rotations. The brakes were replaced at 118K, not b/c they were squeaking, but b/c the fronts needed it soon, hubby did all 4 at one time. Check engine light came on at 78K, ECM in transmission went bad and was covered in a recall. Check engine light came on at 119K, ECM software glitch, no fix yet, but the light is out, car is driving fine, and the fix will be free when it is ready for download at my dealership. I have been very satisfied with this car. Least favorite aspect of Toyota build is the paint...it chips easily.

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Robert - March 20 - 12:43 am

  After searching for 4 months, I just bought a very low mileage 4 Runner with every option included. It is seriously amazing. I had a 2000 4Runner and got rid of it and got a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. This was a big mistake and Im glad to be back inside a Toyota 4Runner. The driving performance is incredible as it drives like a sports car and handles like a truck. The reliability of a Toyota is first cast and the maintenance is much cheaper than a Land Rover, BMW, etc.

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  Love this vehicle!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Pat Thomas - March 19 - 11:20 pm

  We have been waiting for this vehicle for about 2 years and we were not disappointed. We traded in our 2 year old 4Runner with not regrets. Love the 4Runner but Love this one more. Fun to drive. Handles very well. Power is great. Cant wait to take it up in the mountains to go camping.

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  Still top of class - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By derek - March 19 - 6:50 pm

  Smoother quieter, better gas mileage than competition(excluding hybrids).

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  Excellent 4-Runner! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By TawlerDan - March 19 - 6:30 pm

  I have owned this vehicle now for almost 3 years and the only thing Ive done is just your monthly/bimonthly maintance(oil, filters, etc.) It is, in my opinion, the best vehicle Ive owned.

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  Better than average - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By venza - March 19 - 5:26 pm

  Ive owned my Venza for over 15 months, some road noise from passenger side, have developed a small rattle in the steering wheel, only on rough roads, having it check out. My next car may be a Mercedes or Hyundai Genesis, or may just keep the Venza, AWD , 6cyl, Premier package. For the money it is the best buy.

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  Truly the best vehicle I ever bought - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By jimmy2x - March 19 - 4:40 pm

  Well - this is my 1st SUV. Was purchased pretty much for cross-country traveling. Rides much better than expected given that it is body-on-frame with a solid rear axle. Of course that is what gives the 4Runner true off-road capability which includes true 4-wheel LO with the ability to lock up the axles. Excellent tracking in rain and snow with at least a reasonable chance of getting out if you foul up and get stuck. Leather seats are comfortable and multi-adjustable. Good visibility and the LTD comes with a back-up camera that plays thru the nav system for a decent view behind you. Rear hatch closes electrically once you get close to avoid slamming. Not a rattle or a squeak