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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  Very Nice! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By bobbbb - June 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought this 4Runner a few weeks ago and love it. Had the last 4Runner for almost 9 years (and 147,000 trouble free miles!), but it was time for a new one. You can really tell the quality is there unlike most of the competition. The handling is great and the power is great in the 6-cyl. What more can you ask for? Its a great vehicle (and Im not normally a fan of SUVs!).

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  Toyota has done it again. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By TITAN1 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven every SUV out there,and I can honestly tell you the 2003 Four- runner is the best of the lot.Its "i- force" V8 impossibly smooth,strong and refined.Fuel economy is actually pretty decent for a SUV of this size and weight (Ive averaged 17 in the city and about 21 on the highway.)As for interior appointments; they are second to none, with unquestionably the best stereo Ive heard in any vehicle, suv or otherwise.By the look,sound and feel of things in the cockpit, youd almost swear you were in a Lexus.Add to all of this that the completely redesigned Fourrunner has killer good looks,and go- anywhere all-wheel-drive capability.

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  Kudos to Toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By HuntPSU1 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my V6 Ltd with all the bells and whistles. Previously drove a 97 4Runner Ltd 4x4. Theres no comparison to the older model--the 2003 model is tops in all categories-- handling, power, features, and in my opinion, styling. While not cheap-- dealers are negotiating on price. My previous 4Runner had no significant problems, and I expect nothing less with this one. If you are in the market, definitely test drive it--it will impress you!

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  Fun to Efficiency - A Superb Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JoeBay - June 16 - 10:00 am

  After extesive testing and research I have decided that the new sienna outperforms all other minivans in every possible dimension. It is drives very well, is very responsive and has tight control - you must take it on a test drive if you are thinking on buying a minivan. It is surprisingly quiet at high speeds. The safety options are reasonably prices. It is very roomy inside yet not too bulgy on the outside. It is more confortable than a suburban (with 8 seats) yet does 70% more miles per gallon and is much safer. It beats the Honda in every dimension. The seats are easy to fold.

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  2004 Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ssharma1 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Somewhat disappointed though with noise level at highway speeds.

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  The Little Car That Wont Die - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Allan - June 16 - 8:00 am

  This is one RELIABLE vehicle! I use it to drive long distances over a three state area. It was purchased by my wife nine years ago and I took over driving it with 86000 miles on it when we bought a Camry that she wanted to drive. I now have 208000 miles on it and it shows no sign of letting up. I perform regular maintenance on it. Only problem we had with it was the alternator and one of front CV joints. (both were replaced) This little baby has great pickup from a stop and plenty of power at higher speeds. (ever drive I95 north of Richmond, you know what I mean) I understand that this particular car was built in Japan - those guys sure knew what they are doing didnt they?

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jonbond - June 15 - 2:33 pm

  We got this car based on the reputation, gas MPG and based on the looks!! rep of Corollas is outstanding and it looked so much better than any other small car out there at the time. This car has held up to its rep of being a GREAT reliable car!!! This car looks good and drives well and gets even better gas mpg with the manual tranny that we chose. We average with city/hwy as we always drive both during the week anywhere from 29 to 37 depending on how fast we drive that week! The AC is always on since we do live in Texas. HIGHLY recommend this car!!!!

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  no review - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jo - June 15 - 8:57 am

  Too early in the process.

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  Great Little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Granma - June 15 - 2:06 am

  This little car may have saved my job, home health aide. Though I get a gas allowance, it no way covers the cost of gas for a Buick LaSabre at about 25 mpg. This Yaris so far gets about 39 mpg on the highway and county roads. I travel about 200-250 weekly. Love my blue Yaris!!!

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  No vehicle has come close - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By JCM - June 14 - 3:03 pm

  This is my second 4Runner. After driving an SR5 for 3 years I decided to lease the Limited. After 3 years of reliability I decide to purchase it. 185,000+ miles later I am still enjoying the reliability of the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It has never had any major mechanical problems. Ive had to replace the battery twice, brake pads once (always parked outdoors), and only now do I have to replace the muffler. The only electrical problem is the CD player skipping. It has been so reliable I am going to drive it until the wheels fall off.