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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  Tacoma 4x4 Treasure - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Becker - January 18 - 6:22 am

  If youre looking for a great looking, great performing, reliable truck with all the bells and whistles, then the newly redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma should be your choice. It also has the highest resale value of any truck out there. This is my 4th Tacoma! . I just traded in a 2015 Tacoma and got exactly what I paid for it new! I would not own any other truck.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By extrovert - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I get great mileage and that is important since Im in college. Lots of head room. Ive not had one problem since I bought the car.

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  Wanted Reliability - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jabz - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My friend had a 4 Runner and never had any problems with it. I decided to buy one when I was in the market for a new car. Ive had my 4 Runner for a year now. No problems thus far. We can have some nasty winters here. I havent had any problems getting around. Its fun to drive. I would buy again.

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  Good Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JRA - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have not reached the MPG rating by Toyota yet. It may be the cold weather or break in period. The best I have done is 50 mpg on highway and city.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alexi - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had great fortune with this vehicle. It has been incredibly reliable. The only parts that have been replaced in 75000 miles are 1) the heater fan (a "critter" made a nest in there) and 2) the front brake rotors. Im thinking of selling it now and buying a the 2004 version, just so I can tow a trailer with the optional V8. I hope they never discontinue this model.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Me, Myself and I - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Wow! That about sums up my experience with my 2003 Matrix. The _ONLY_ issue Ive had with the car in 14 months and 51,000 miles is a rattle in the dash at about 20k miles. Although it took two trips to the dealer to get it fixed (I got a written appology for not fixing it the first time from the service manager), it hasnt reappeared in over 30k miles. If I were to improve one feature of the car, it would be the winter fuel economy. I get between 36 and 40mpg in the summer and only between 32 and 34mpg in the winter. My next vehicle will be another Toyota.

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  WOW! Amazing Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By nissa - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV, so I took my time to research all the possibilities. In my search for a quality vehicle, the Sequoia was several notches above the rest. I would suggest the Sequoia anyday if you could afford it! But it is well worth the money.

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  Good Looking Exterior - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Skit - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 2003 in Sep 2002 off the lot. Leather package but in my excitement I didnt realize until the next day it had no cruise control. For what I paid cruise should not have been an option. Truck is very roomy and quite powerful.

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  Ill never buy another one - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Cometstorm - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has a significant veer/drift to the left at highway speeds. I have found that this is a very common complaint among many 2002 and newer Camry/Solara owners. I have to continually "force" the car to keep it in a straight line. On left hand highway curves, I dont even have to steer... I can just let go of the steering wheel. Numerous dealerships attempts to correct the problem have failed. I also see that there have been many complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on this issue (along with my own)... Many of us can only pray for a recall....

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  Best Truck (Vehicle) Ever Owned - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By polliar1 - January 17 - 7:03 pm

  Besides trying to boost the value of my Toyota Tacoma, I thought Id let you know this is by far the best truck Ive ever owned. 82K miles and still drives better than the day I purchased this used vehicle.