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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  Reliable SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Erica B - March 7 - 2:00 am

  4Runner is a beautiful car. Its enough room for five people, but small enough to take places without it being a hassle, in comparison to these oversized SUVS such as the Expedition or Suburban.

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  Love of my wife - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Racer8 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new for my wife. Absolutely no problems. We love this truck. I have a little trouble fitting in for long distances (6Â’2 & 230lbs).Weve had it up north in snow and ice and the traction control was excellent.I had my Tacoma out mudding and my wife tried to follow- mistake with the two-wheel drive- it sank to the floor pan. The traction control was the problem, it senses the vehicle is spinning out of control and takes over by shutting down the engine and braking the wheels. But turn off the system and it can manage through unimproved paths easily and rough terrain is ok as long as it is not soft.

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  Sequoia outbeats Escalade - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By NYCAT521 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Far more better comfort and luxury than the Cadillac Escalade - saved $10,000

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  Safety First - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mr. Mike - March 7 - 2:00 am

  We were hit by a chevy truck going 40 MPH square on the front passenger door. Our vehicle was totaled. But sitting on the inside you would hardly know it. One window shattered, otherwise, the interior held strong! We were hit so hard, our vehicle was pushed 20 feet sideways, and pushing another car at the same time. We are replacing it, with another Sequoia! Safety first.

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  Great Truck for the Reliability - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Pirate - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Rides like an expensive car, real smooth and quiet, and perfect handling.

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  fun little car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By 2004toyotacorolla - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I test drove both the Scion and the Corolla and went with the Corolla because it had more pickup and comfortable handling. I love the fact that the car is taller than most sedan models because I feel almost as tall as the larger SUVs on the road.

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  Acceleration Issues & Rattling Noises - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gabe Schick - March 7 - 1:40 am

  I read every review on this thread and it appears I am 1 of about 20 fellow 2004 Camry owners who have experienced similar, if not the same, issues with acceleration and/or rattling noises near the driver side firewall area. Its a shame, because prior to this Camry, which I purchased used from Carsense in 2014 w/76K miles on it, I was a devoted Toyota owner. Now my opinion of Toyota has changed. My advice to someone considering this model would be to move onto another option. Dont take your chances. And research EVERYTHING prior to signing the dotted line. Dont pass on the extended warranty either (even tough thats not a 100% guaranteed safety net either).

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  Prius 2016 - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Carlos Ortega - March 6 - 6:34 pm

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  Great SUV! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe - March 6 - 2:00 pm

  Bought it with 31K on it, have 85K now,and I am convinvced I will own it with300K. I will never get rid of it! Ilove my 4-runner!

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  Prius 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By helene - March 6 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this car in April, 2005 after 13- month wait. I was not disappointed. Car is everything claimed to be - fuel efficient (averages about 45 MPG), no repairs at all to date. This Prius is fully equipped with navigation system.