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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  moved up from Prius - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By kh - January 11 - 11:30 pm

  2004 Prius driver, enjoyed Prius This car is a major upgrade. More power, great quieter ride, very roomy. mileage drops to 36, 37, but I am very impressed. It looks and rides like a sedan. Spoiler helps, wife and kids are happy . Tell me it doesnt look like spaceship! Impressed so far!

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  Never Again - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By McGuire - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is now my third Toyota that has rusted to the point of no return. I paid for and used an extened rust warranty. After only 3 years the truck needed paint and body work on the doors, fenders and tailgate. They are all in need of work again - $2000 worth. Not this time.

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  Blue 1995 Camry 4 Door Sedan - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Cypress516 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding automobile after having purchased "used" @ 48,000mi, and now driven to 63,400. Extremely comfortable, with tilt- up/sliding "roof", and "loaded".

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  Great small car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bob K - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The Matrix has a good combination of features going for it. It gets very good gas mileage for a automatic transmission. It is distinctive and pleasing in appearance. It handles well.That is why I have rated it well.

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  Im a believer! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By barneyfife - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Ford F-250, it was a good truck and served me well, however, the Tundra is excellent! Looked at the Fords again but they wouldnt deal on them and are alittle to proud of something that does not hold value very long. Driving the Tundra is like riding in my wifes Highlander, very smooth. It offers all that an American made truck has but holds its value. Also, the Toyotas have the better warranty (5 yr/60,000 miles on the drivetrain), and thats comforting. Also, the reliability is second to none.

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  Oh What a Feeling - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sharper - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my new 4Runner in early February - 5 days before a major winter storm (18" of snow). Absolutely LOVE this vehicle. Fantastic in the snow - exceeded my expectations all the way. Very comfortable, more than adequate power, lots of room for all passangers. Quality built and a blast to drive. Ive got over 7K miles on it now and people are still asking how I like it and I still answer the same - I absolutely love it - I have nothing bad to say. Oh, and Im getting almost 21 miles per gallon on the highway - you cant beat that in an SUV!!

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  Bought it without a test drive - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mhoerman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our 03 Corolla CE w/ automatic. We bought it without a test drive. Even though we could have gotten a comparable Civic for $500 less, this is our car. It drives great, performs well, and has 12 features that my last new car (a 1990 Civic didnt have). After test driving the Focus, which was very spare, noisy and drove like it already had 100k on the odometer, this car is tops.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Hallowell - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has put a lot of thought in this vehicle. Quiet, clean smooth riding with a great sound system.

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  Very nice family sedan - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By David NH - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Its been 2 weeks and so far so good. The SE doesnt absorb the bumps quite as nice as the LE and XLE, but you trade that off for the sport suspension. My biggest beef is the passenger seat is not as comfortable as others (Altima, Accord, Taurus, Maxima).

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  2003 Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By generalser - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Camry XLE has exceeded my expectations for the first four months of ownership. The quality of ride, quiteness, mileage economy, trim,and safety features makes this vehicle a great value for the price. The only recommendation that I can offer is improvement in side view mirrors, ie seeing the parking or road lines along side, especially when backing the vehicle.