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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  Great purchase - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Daiquiri - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My Celica is almost two years old and was a great buy. I got a fabulous deal on it and have not been disappointed. I now really want a convertible or a car with a removable roof-panel, otherwise Id keep it for years.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Stephen - February 24 - 12:23 am

  I bought this vehicle new and have put nearly every mile on it. The truck has far exceeded my expectations. It is now over 11 years old and has 215,000 miles on it. Outside of normal maintenance items, the only things Ive replaced are the drivers seat belt, a $30 switch to the 4wd solenoid, and the CV boots. Thats it! The truck averages 20 mpg which I consider great for a nearly full size truck with 4wd. It does have the manual transmission and Im still on the first clutch but shifting is starting to get rougher (synchronizer?) Driving at 65 mph with no A/C, it gets 21 to 23 mpg. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable truck. I wish they still made them!

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  REAR DOOR OUCH!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Todd - February 23 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car for my wife overall it is a Toyota (excellent vehicles) however I have been very concerned about the rear door. I have small children and that door is an accident waiting to happen every parent should watch out. What is with the weight of that door? It is a mousetrap and I am concerned that children can be seriously hurt or injured by this poor design. I would keep the car if Toyota could come up with a fix but IÂ’m fearful that children have already been hurt by it. Watch it especially if you live in hilly terrain as we do!!

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  One word - RELIABLE - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By bucnasty - February 23 - 8:56 am

  My tacoma has 190k on it and it has started and gotten me where I needed to be every day. Motor still runs like new, the only thing I have ever had to do to the truck was put brakes on, replace shocks and CV boot covers, and replace a rack and pinion mounting bushing, Ive probably only spent around 500 dollars on maintenance on this truck and have owned it for 6 years, with 190+ K miles on it. I honestly think it would run forever.

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  Static on Radio when using Rear Defrost since purchased - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaowner13 - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  This is our 2nd Toyota Camry, the first being a 2004 with 150k and still running well. The 2013 Toyota Camry has had issues with the radio having lots of static when using the rear defrost. Last winter the dealer looked at this and did not believe it was an issue however you only seem to notice it in the cooler months when using the rear defrost. Have any other 2013 Toyota Camry customers experienced that issue?

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  2nd Toyota Pickup - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By RuRod - February 22 - 4:20 am

  I sold my first Toy pickup after driving it for 22 years! The 2004 truck is very nice too. Rides good, handles well, nice fuel economy, and no mechanical problems yet after two years and about 26000 miles. Manual tranny is a bit "whiny" in 1-3 gears. Other than chugging up steep hills with the small four, Im pretty happy. About 23 mpg in town, 28 on the freeway.

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  Skeptic but won over - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By hillabeans - February 22 - 12:27 am

  I purchased a new 2011 Prius as they were clearing them out for the new year and have had it for a few months now. Having gone from a 2000 Toyota Echo I am amazed that even having a fuel efficient car before, this one is phenomenal. I started to nerd out watching what powers what on the dashboard screen and naturally am becoming a smooth driver. With the smart key I never take my keys out. The car will beep at you often until you get used to its logic. The inside is not the most luxurious but I could only afford the minimal options. I am very proud to own this car.

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  Great Mileage - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Roger - February 21 - 1:00 pm

  I purchased my Camry from a dealership with 39,000 miles. At the moment I have only driven it about 1000 miles, but so far it is an exceptional car. The car is functional, comfortable, quiet and roomy. The operational controls are all within easy reach. The overall quality is better than anything Ive ever owned. My city mileage is 23-25. Highway is 35.5 at 66-68 mph (2.4 auto), on my one and only road trip.

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  Fun Car but Horrible Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By carlosarturo1 - February 21 - 4:27 am

  After owning this Cool SUV for 3 years I finally traded it in yesterday. Love the look and how fun it is to drive. We put mud tires and all the whistles and it turned all heads around. However, the gas milage is Horrible! I got about 14 to top 17 in the freeway. Not mechanical problems at all in 3 years.

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  Biggest Little Car in Town! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By fb - February 21 - 2:16 am

  Terrific car. Ive fit sheet rock and lumber, furniture, and my critters (3 dogs and 2 cats) in this car with plenty of room to spare.