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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  New Prius not as good as old one - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By P Michaels - November 13 - 1:33 pm

  This is my second Prius. I purchased my first in 2000 and loved it. The new model has been a major disappointment. My major complaint is with the quality of the car. I have had numerous problems with navigation system and overall fit and finish of the car. Noises coming from dashboard and hatchback that dealer cannot find or fix. Hatchback sounds like old pickup truck going over bumps. Suspension stiff and noisy. Acceleration is overrated compared to auto reviews. Mileage not as good for my driving conditions because larger engine requires more time to warm up. At times engine violently shakes car when going off. Experience confirms Fall 2004 WSJ story on slip in Toyota quality.

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  Perfect SUV for your needs - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By adman102 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After about three weeks and 1000 miles with this SUV, Im very impressed! Gas mileage has been in the lower 20s, impressive for an SUV. Interior and exterior fit and finish is excellent. It pulls a 3,500 lb. boat very well. Im 63" and leg room is adequate, as is head and shoulder room. The 4Runner steers and handles tightly, almost car like. So far, this is the great vehicle its been touted to be! It has all the features I wanted without some I didnt.

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  187,000 miles and still going... - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By tiff - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my toyota corolla, it is the most reliable car we have ever owned. The maintenance is almost non existant. I would highly recommend this car to any one.

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  Awesome Truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Skymaster0017 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great reliable truck. Great for everything you would need a truck for. It never has complained about anything as far as hauling or pulling. Impressive 4 cyl. eng. Plenty of torq!

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  I like my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jack larkin - November 13 - 10:00 am

  We got our Prius in Jan 04. We have used it as our primary car this summer. It gets excellent mileage - about 50mpg on trips - has great pickup, and handles well at all speeds. In cruise control it went up WVA mountains without hesitation and no loss of fuel consumption. It has room for 5 average people, and the storage space under the back area holds a lot of things, leaving room behind the seat for luggage, etc. A really great car. I dont understand why Toyo made so few of them.

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  hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bill1233 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This proof of concept vehicle is the most fun I can imagine. It is a great in town car which should one of two cars in every two car family. The most striking feature is how quiet it is at rest. It heats quickly and cools quickly. The keyless entry and start up are great gimmicks. The small engine makes the car much roomier than one would think from the outside.

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  Love this car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Shaun S - November 13 - 10:00 am

  big truck in a little car body

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  Not all Toyotas are created equal - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jsampat - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new Sequoia 8/04.Check engine light came on at 22 miles. The wheels started vibrating since day one. Dealer in another town changed all tires, aligned and tested the vehicle. It still has the vibration.Wonder if the manufacturer made a lemon? Already made four different visits to the dealerships.Still trying to solve the persistant problem.Anyone has any sugestions? Toyota seems to be ignoring this problem.

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  best compromise - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By to work and back - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Vechile purchased to meet mileage, saftey and poor road conditions( rain/snow). Driver comfort a plus due to long commute. Interior space very good for both front and rear seat passengers. Interior space accomodations for items very good due to flat fold seats and deck material. Standard features and xr option packages left little to be desired.

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  I love it. - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jim Ehrsam - November 13 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The Solara Convertable gets a lot of heads to turn. You dont see them everywhere you go. We love to go cruising on Weekends and this is a great car for that.