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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  Favorite Vehicle Ever - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Favorite Vehicle Eve - June 10 - 1:33 am

  I change vehicles every 2-3 years due to the amount of miles I drive. I have owned 2 Lexus (Lexi), 2 Audis and others. This is my favorite vehicle ever. I opted for the 4 cyl. to get the better gas mileage. I am getting 29 miles on the highway and 23 miles city. Incredible for a vehicle this size. I test drove the 4 cyl and the 6 cyl and bought the 4 cyl. Brought the salesman with me for the extra weight in the vehicle. We both weighed about 200 lbs. I didnt notice a considerable difference in power or acceleration. Others stated problems with seat comfort, fit and finish, yet I have 100% satisfaction. I love it. Everything I paid $27.733 for the LS with most all options.

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  287 K and still strong - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - June 9 - 2:16 pm

  Why did they bother with the later tacomas? This one gets heavy use and I can run it with rebuilds and regular maintenance for much less than a new tacoma. Im a forester and drive 75 to 100 miles to where it goes off the pavement for the day. Its had two transmissions (one bad from the rebuilder) , new heads from the bad local gas, three new radiators from the log trucks and gravel hacks. Biggest problem now is its become hard to get real toyota parts. MPG still 23. Biggest advantage is the size. It fits into grown over logging roads that a full sized PU wont - however, it has become difficult to locate in parking lots with all the oversized vehicles.

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  best of many - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Gurple - June 9 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car new in 98. My only real gripe with the car is seat comfort, the seat bottoms are too short and I have never fit the car. I guess I should have paid for a power seat, maybe I could have found a comfortable position. Durability has been terrific, 92 thousand miles, orig brakes, only replaced battery, gas cap, tires and tail light bulbs. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. The V6 engine has excellent power and is smooth. Ill buy another Toyota, but one that fits me next time.

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  Wow you cant kill it - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By n/a - June 9 - 8:10 am

  250,000 miles and never have replaced anything except tires. If you want a car that lasts mechanically this is your car. I am not easy on cars and this one has never left me stranded, whether on long trips or 100 mph for half an hour. Worth its weight in gold.

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  Even Toyota Builds Lemons - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By alw - June 9 - 7:50 am

  The 4Runner is a very practical vehicle, handling well in all weather and road conditions and hauling dormroom-bound cargo with ease. Unfortunately, this vehicle came with a defective master cylinder, dropped a transmission at 80000 miles, and has had numerous switch, latch, lamp, park brake, etc. failures throughout its life. I will be hesitant to buy another Toyota because of the poor company and dealer response to the numerous issues.

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  I love my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimk33 - June 9 - 6:40 am

  Ive had my 2006 Prius for about 5 months, and driven just over 4,000 miles and I love it. I find it to be more fun to drive than my 280Z (Im dating myself) or my MR2. Ive had it up to 85 mph on the turnpike and it doesnt break a sweat. My normal commute is at around 45-55 mph on country roads, and Ive been getting between 50 to 52 mpg. I havent really tested its acceleration from a stand still because of the hit it would have on gas mileage, but have never had a problem keeping up with traffic. Its incredibly roomy for a car that gets an actual 50+ mpg. Adults can comfortably sit in the rear even with the front seats all the way back.

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  A Well Designed Family Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JerryS - June 9 - 3:13 am

  Looking for a basic family sedan, I drove numerous brands over many months. The quality of construction, ride, quietness, and legroom are excellent. While the 4 cylinder does not have the punch of the Honda Accord 4 cylinder, the comfort and quietness of the ride won out. Others have complained about the "pause" on downshift when hitting the gas. Its there. But it doesnt bother me the way I drive. Seating front and rear is excellent.

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  In Shop After One Week - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By kman - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck brand new and had it only one week before the Air Conditioner went out. Service is replacing most of the A/C system as metal shavings from the compressor infiltrated the system. I would not order the truck with Toyotas navigation system again. I was expecting at the very least, new maps. I received outdated maps coupled with an unfriendly system to use. Any Garmin blows it away. If you do get the Nav/Radio system, you must get the steering wheel controls. Otherwise it is so cumbersome to use its unsafe. My first Toyota. Im not filled with confidence.

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  Replaces first generation 98 Sienna XLE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Leigh - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Have 4 kids. Started out thinking I would go with a Large SUV. Happened to see the new Sienna, looked at it and my 14 yo saying she had more room in the back seat..we started minivan shopping! I have a 98 Sienna XLE (kept it, couldnt give it up after 210,000 miles), so I knew the reliability was excellent. Bought 1 mo ago, We love it! Nice driving experience. love almost everything about it. Waited til the Honda Odyssey came out to buy, but Sienna won out (personally thought the Odyssey was ugly as in the back looks like a droopy backside!) and Honda not willing to come off MSRP the first months of release.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By CarGuyOne - June 9 - 1:30 am

  Excellent car for the money. Comfortable, standard features are more than adequate and the reputation cannot be beat.