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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  1st Toyota! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Robert J Hayden - January 4 - 9:16 am

  I always was intrigued by Toyotas but never found 1 that I wanted, or not @ a great price. The choice was between this & the Accord coupe. This won because it had more equipment & was an 06. The car rides great, excellent power, 5 speed automatic & nice, leather seats. Body is supurbly tight! Engine revs to 2100 rpm when cold, too high? Redlines @ only 5800 rpm, maybe because max torque is @ 3500 rpm? JBL stereo is awesome. Its an American made Toyota, assembled in Georgetown, KY. If you can get a good deal on a Solara, buy it!!

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  Got a LEMON?? - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Curtis - January 4 - 1:40 am

  I bought a 2000 Toyota Tacoma with 54,000 miles ended up paying 14,000 dollars then later multiple misfires and low compression ratio. So I talked to someone who has the same year make and model. The same thing happened to him, multiple misfires and low compression ratio and it was bought from the same dealership. I am waiting two weeks so far, for them to call me back.

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  Taco love - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Todd - January 3 - 8:40 pm

  I love my toyota to death however when you have to move you gotta learn to let them go. I think its an excellent truck however they have started lacking on things recently such as metal durability...they dent so easy now. It doesnt bother me that much but i could sure use some better gas mileage, but i know thats a lot to do with me cause i cant keep off the pedal its just to much fun.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Frank - January 3 - 7:13 pm

  Traded in 00 Sienna 130k mile, Comfortable ride handles great in the rain. Car grows on you the more you drive it. 3rd row is great for the kids. I wish they had split the sitting. 2nd row is spacious for adults. Cargo Mat and privacy screen are troublesome to put away with last minute seating.

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  Yuri the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By 2007 Yaris - January 3 - 6:06 pm

  I absolutely love lil Yuri the Yaris . 61,000 miles and no problems. the light is on for abs braking system. Changed the brake pads -- guess I will need to take Yuri to the Toyota Dealer to shut off the light. there are blind spots on the post --easy to get into an accident -- but I have never been hit -- I am a careful driver. the trunk rubber seal is out whack . No big deal. this car has been fun to drive and has has excellent gas mileage since I bought it in 5/2006. When I look at other cars on the market I think yes those are cool BUT you cant beat the gas mileage

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  Almost perfect, but the tranny! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - January 3 - 2:36 pm

  Only had the Taco for about 2 days when I noticed the transmission responds poorly. Usually when making a left or right turn, as you slow the motor revs. If youre still rolling (less than 10mph) then accelerate, even gently, the engine revs up to 2K before clunking into second. So Ive been left essentially stopping mid turn before pulling away. IMO, a dangerous design flaw thats going to get someone T-boned or killed some day. Otherwise, a pretty decent truck. Some of the interior plastic is a little cheap, but its a truck, so no big deal.

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  Solid - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Handles Great - January 3 - 3:53 am

  Has enough room for all of us. Plenty of luxury for the kids.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jack - January 2 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is very nice, it handles well, drives smooth, has great power, and an awesome safety rating. It drives well around town and handles very well on the highway. Everything you can think of and more is designed into the interior, making the 4-Runner very user friendly. You can not find a better SUV for this price range.

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  Decent car for the money - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By mmckimmey - January 2 - 9:23 pm

  Overall, the Toyota Corolla is the basic transportation. No cruise, no ABS, and bland, boring styling. Its not bad looking, but not nearly as nice as the Civic from the same year. Outside, the car is fairly boring. The headlights are a neat shape, but thats about all I can say about the interior. This car is absolutely boring in tan. Inside, its still boring. Tan, tan tan. The seats are fairly comfy, no complaints there. Rear legroom is a joke. Trunk space is good, enough for a long trip. Overall the car has been very reliable, mass air flow sensor is the only major thing replaced. Other normal things like timing belt, etc.

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  A good small SUV - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By badreligion - January 2 - 5:24 pm

  Due to my family growing in size unexpectedly, I traded my 2011 Audi A4 Premium for a 2011 Rav4 Sport V6 with leather and other options. Once I replaced my radio with an aftermarket unit, I am just as happy with this car as my Audi. It is a bit slower, but the V6 is no slouch. The LED taillights look nice, and the full size spare makes me feel good about the car.