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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  Nice Ride - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By DFP - June 24 - 3:16 am

  Traded a 2000 Camry LE with 205K, A nice hand me down,Im sorry to get rid of it but was starting to cost to keep it up 2011 Camry SE 4 cyl rocks, roomy for this big guy, nice JBL XM stereo, Bluetooth as well, 33 MPG like sticker says, getting over 500 miles per tank Great pickup when stepping on gas when need to, smooth, quiet ride.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris Reliable & Efficient - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - June 24 - 12:56 am

  We bought this car new, our first car, when we just got married. The car has served us well. We have not had one single issue with the car in 42,000 miles. Have not even had to replace the brakes. This car returns mpg numbers up to 39 on the highway, 36 in mixed driving, 34 city in warm weather. In the winter, we avg 33 mixed. The interior design and quality are good, but the seating position front and rear are very upright, which on trips an hour or more becomes quite apparent. It is also very narrow inside. Automatic transmission has been flawless. This car basically needs no major maintenance til 100,000 miles, not even spark plugs or tranny fluid change. A great first car.

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  Quick and Nimble - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Out Door Guy - June 23 - 10:16 pm

  Got rid of my Nissan Pathfinder for this ride. Ive put 800 miles on it so far without any problems. The manual tranny shift is at hand level which makes changing gears pretty effortless. Overall the vehicle is quite nimble and fun to drive although the engine is noisy in 1st and 2nd gear. Once up to speed it rides well. Mileage is a solid 26 city, 29 highway. As others have noted the suspension is stiff so when you hit a bump or pothole you feel it. As you know the storage is fantastic with hatchback convenience. If you haul a lot of outdoor gear like skiis, camping equipment or a bike this is the car for you.

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  One quick Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Pablo - June 23 - 10:00 pm

  Massive tire spin but that adds to the fun. Fuel economy is great for a high horsepower engine 381hp! its hard to keep your foot out of it for long. Ride is great except on the worst roads. Rear seat room is cavernous even at 61" I fit.

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  Great car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By celicagts - June 23 - 8:06 pm

  I have owned my celica for almost a year now with no complaints. The look of the car is like no other almost like an exotic look. Performance is great but only after 6200 rpm when the "lift" hits as Toyota calls it with its variable valve timing. Handling is great even better when you put aftermarket springs in the bring the car a little lower.

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  Wait for the 2006.......... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By giggs11 - June 23 - 2:30 pm

  My car has 1800 miles and is 3 months old, I have taken the car to the dealer over 20 times. Problem consist of leaking, gear, rear brake and suspention noise. The vehicle I recieved had a defective seat, Shaft, seams behind the dash and even noise from the ignition when the car doesnt start. I would advise any person interested in this car to wait for the 2006 when they fix all the problems in this model. Toyota customer service dont put in the effort anymore thay just dont care, I have been treated very badly by both the dealer (who is 100% loyal to Toyota) and Toyota Corp. The dealers still dont know how to repair this car nor do Toyota. I had this car at the dealer for over 20days out

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  I Love my Echo at the Gas Pumps - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Dawn - June 23 - 12:13 pm

  I love my ECHO. I get close to 50 mpg. With the prices of gas today, it only takes $20.00 to fill her up. Its a fun car to drive and is very reliable. I am sad that Toyota is not making Echos any longer for the US. I actually got a letter from the Dealer wanting to buy this car back. I hope to have this car for many years.

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  Honda vs. Toyota - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By geeman - June 23 - 10:00 am

  If you are like me, I was torn between the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Both are very good cars, and you cant go wrong with either (probably). But the Accord is a bit more of a drivers car, its handling a little stiffer and its motor a little peppier (and a little noisier). Camry has a very smooth ride and is very quiet inside too. Camry owners have experienced some engine oil (sludge) problems, so if you choose an older model Camry, look inside the valve cover with a flashlight to look for black sludge. Also strut mount failures. You are looking at $250 per strut to fix!

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  My wife was right - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Valex - June 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife has wanted this beast for years. Now she got it and all I want is to drive it. Power and agility. Incredible control and even a great turning diameter. The nav syst is a blast, and the thing looks cool as well. Plenty big, the seqioa is a bus and drives like one- no comparison.

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  Good Value - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By doomer - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Stylish car with a lot of room for the size. Very dependable and a nice ride for the money.