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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  Small Problems with Corolla XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Alan - June 5 - 1:53 am

  Nice car, but a couple of aggravating problems. Driver seat is manual adjust. For some reason, it is not a perfect fit to the floor; when turning corners, It shifts slightly against the rack it is sitting on and makes a clunking noise. You can feel the seat move as well. Driver side window seems to be a continuing problem. I had a Corolla 99 CE and the window after a while does not stay snug in its frame. Eventually you get wind noise and a window that will not close directly. Overall the car is very good except for the problems I mentioned.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Angel430 - June 4 - 7:40 pm

  This is by far the BEST car/SUV I have ever had. And, my husband gets new cars almost every year. This one is going to STAY. I have severe back problems, the back support in both driver and passenger are superb. I have little pain while either driving or riding. Every option: 6 disc changer, DVD w/headphones, sunroof, 3rd row seats, GPS, all are wonderful. I have NO complaints. This is a keeper. Thank you Toyota!!

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  My 1st NEW car - EVER @ 48yrs old - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Rex - June 4 - 6:06 pm

  I have always been the 3rd/4th owner of every vehicle Ive ever had. Finally decided to get a new car (thinking of gas mileage), researched the Yaris hatchback. Well I have had it 1wk ago today. Awesome mileage, 175 mi thus far - and only used a 1/4 tank.. I love my car! I went from a gas eating 81 Ford f150 to this Yaris. And Im completely satisfied!

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  Riding in style - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Travis West - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The experience of my 1998 toyota landcruiser has not been disappointing. In this case you get what you pay for, you will pay more but it all worth it. The comfort and ergonomics of this vehicle is superb. Engine is a silky smooth V8 that has the extra power if needed when passing or climbing a hill on the weekends.

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  Really Good Car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Sanjeev - June 4 - 10:00 am

  You will be surprised to find such a good car at such a reasonable price. You will not drive anything less once you drive Avalon. Why would someone spend lots of money on smaller BMW ? This car is very roomy inside, you have to see it to believe it.

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  Great Rough Riding Truck! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Temple62 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the roughest riding vehicle I have ever owned. Like a low-rider ytou have to slow down for any dip in the rode quite unlike my Honda. Above average in all other respects and ahead of the pack with the sliding rear window design!

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  1998 Tacoma SR5 V6 4x4 - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By objwiz - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I really like it. I do with the interior was more "exciting" as its really blah. And the cup holders are in wierd positions. Strong V6. Ive towed and hauled with it and experience was great.

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  Good looks, fuel economy, comfort & perf - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By RWolsh - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Its no Mercedes, but for the value you cant beat it with any other car. It has great get-up-and-go, comfort even for a tall person, excellent looks and fuel economy is outstanding. The Toyota Corolla LE is the best choice if you want to save your money and not sacrafice the best things that are important to you...fully loaded options like pwr windows, locks, keyless remote entry w/alarm, cd disc changer w/AM/FM cassette, dual front and side air bags...a bargain you just cant beat.

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  Cute but small! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By lstpierr - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought it in 2000, and havent had any problems. Only thing worth mentioning is after shelling out almost 30k, Tires should be something that you wouldnt have to worry about for a while. Well, with 19k on it, had no choice but to remove those yuk Firestones with some Michelins. This also improved the somewhat harsh suspension. Overall, I think the van is great for 4 passengers, but any more where you will need to constantly use the 3rd row seats, forget it, its too small, and the cargo space is ridiculously small. Also, ergonomically has some blind spots, its tough to back up with it. Its a cute looking van, but too small.

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  toyotatundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By sunset47a - June 4 - 10:00 am

  silky smooth quiet nice ride lots of power