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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  My regrets, dont make them yours - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Cegalton - August 22 - 6:33 am

  Did Toyota rush this car or what? Toyota seems to have fallen from its traditional solid built platform to a car that, welI, now regret I bought. New squeaks in dash are developing weekly. The transmission is the nightmare many have already talked about. Step on the gas and sometimes the power just isnt there immediately. Going up an incline the car down shifts to 5500 RPM way-over powering the car. Perhaps the most annoying thing to me, the transmission kicks up and down on shallow declines - never had this in any automatic before. If you care about a smooth transmission run dont walk away from the 4cyl automatic 2007 camry.

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  Reliable car but thats it! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By thedriver93 - August 22 - 2:43 am

  My dad bought me this car when I graduated high school. I got an all white with backup camera and cloth seats. It was great at first because it was my first car and all but that wore off, QUICK! It was recalled for unintended acceleration which dropped its resale value 3 months after I bought it. The bottom of the car would scrape every time I would pull into anyplace including my own drive way which was rediculouslu annoying and ended up havin the bottom drag everywhere I drove which wasnt pleasant. Needless to say, never buying another Camry, EVER

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  Great but annoying too - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By BobM - August 22 - 2:36 am

  Overal this is a very comfortable PU. I replaced a Toyota PU with 210,000 miles only because of rust. Problem already with the Tacoma. Purchased vehicle 6 months ago and I have replaced the rear bumper twice already due to rust in the corners under the license plate. The third bumper shows the rust popping through already. V6 automatic gets 16 MPG combined local and over the road. I saw no difference. Loud! Dont plan on listening to the radio while driving the interstate (you get 6 speakers but need 12). I hate the expression "Its a truck, what do you expect!". My last "truck" was quiet! The sound of rushing air almost puts you to sleep on a long trip. Constantly over steering.

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  Great for family - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cveto - August 22 - 1:10 am

  Bought it for my wife and she loves it. Things we love about it are 4wd, peppiness and styling. This vehicle got it all. It is not a male appealing vehicle but I enjoy driving it too. It is a all weather suv Rather than a offroad. If you got a kid or two that is the vehicle you need.

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  Dark Blues the Best - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy - August 21 - 9:13 pm

  I love my Prius. Its made up the additional cost almost right off the bat, from a $3K tax rebate and insurance discounts; it handles and accelerates well (from its high torque electric motor); has plenty of room and cargo space(it is a mid-size sedan); gets fabulous mileage- twice that of other sedans; looks great(in my Dark blue, or pretty black ones Ive seen on the road); and is super convenient (wireless key-fob that ulocks it when you walk up, and also a push-button ignition). Even without the fact that its the best selling and efficient hybrid in the US, Id still buy it over another sedan.

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  Love my Taco - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack - August 21 - 4:23 pm

  This is my 5th Tacoma. The new larger body style and larger motor make this truck better than it has ever been before. I am very impressed so far.

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  What else would you buy? - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brad - August 21 - 9:23 am

  Our 4Runner LTD has been fantastic. Extremely comfortable and reliable. We change the oil and put gas in it; nothing else. Toyota reliability is reason enough to own this car. The V6 has plenty of power. Off-road and in rough conditions, this vehicle has not let us down. We average 20 mi/ga...pretty decent for an SUV that is driven hard. Relative to a Cherokee, the 4runner flat out is better in corners, accelerating, and overall handling. As for luxury, our other vehicle is a new BMW and I feel more comfortable in the 4runner. We use the cargo space so often. Buying large objects (e.g.furniture). Our lab loves the back, tonnes of carrying space, and moves 4 people on long trips.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Pat - August 21 - 7:23 am

  Wonderful on a trip. Feel uncomfortable on wet roads and sometimes when pulling out seems like it slides or skids. Maybe just the driver.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla review - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike D. - August 21 - 6:33 am

  My Toyota Corolla LE has been an above average vehicle, but it has had several problems. The keyless entry stopped working around 60,000 miles and the trunk latch busted around 70,000 miles. Then at 80,118 miles my catalytic converter had to be replaced at a cost of $1400. The emissions warranty expired at 80,000 miles and Toyota refused to help me with the cost. I expected a better vehicle and better customer service from Toyota. Overall it has been an above average car, but the quality issues and the service issues must be improved.

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  Stylish runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By george - August 20 - 7:40 pm

  I have taken this runner on numerous trips arizona nevada sandiego, great mileage, handles well, comfortable, reliable and fun to drive. Handle well on the off road too. A great buy you can count on.