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, but not the best Ive had - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By jschuman - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, but not as good as the past ones. I had to replace both front axles for $800 at 80K and replaced many seals due to leaking oil since 30K. Ive owned Camrys since 1986 and still love them compared to GM products.

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  Odd Problem on A Reliable Name - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By CamryDriver - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Camry about 6 years ago and I love it but I have always had a problem with the CD Player. When I would brake, the CD that would be currently playing would skip until I fully stopped. Just this year my check engine light came on and went off and did that for a few months. I thought it was an electrical problem because the car drove fine and I was linking it to my CD player. The electrical tests checked out fine so I then needed to go get the oil changed. It turned out that my engine oil gelled all in my engine. I was also told there is nothing that can stop this problem and it can happen again in another few

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  Great truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Geojer - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought it new and drove it all over the Montana forest roads, then moved across the country to Miami, Solid feel on two track, mud and on the highway, the 4cly wasnt porsche-like at takeoff with a bed full of rocks but did just fine considering, Great MPG on the road. Seats are a little puritanical in their comfort level, but the ride is good. Overall this is a great small pickup, its not flashy or full of buttons and levers to break, just a solid pickup!

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  Great Truck with one issue - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By hedofbred - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck for the price, and all that Toyota quality. One outstanding issue is with the drivers seat. It seems to disengage itself from whatever position you locked it in. Its like a little click and it happens every time you accelerate or brake ie; motion makes this happen.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By KHP - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 4Runners before this one. They have continued to improve a great vehicle. Fun to drive, reliable and all around a good vehicle.

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  great van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By crab - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Always reliable. Very little maintance.

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  this is a greatcar - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By roxy - April 30 - 10:00 am

  i love this car

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  Disappointed in Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Leon - April 30 - 6:36 am

  My first Toyota and I am quite disappointed. I bought a Toyota Tundra because of Toyotas past reputation of quality. Toyota quality is definitely a thing of the past. Be cautious of the 2010 Tundra. When manufacturing they put the wrong VVT spring in the motors of a bunch of Tundras. Unfortunately for consumers, Toyota continued to sell the trucks despite knowing there was a major problem. My truck has also been into the shop for a sinking dash and still doesnt run like it should. Gas mileage is horrible, lack of power. I will likely trade it in on an F150 since Toyota doesnt seem concerned that they are wasting the time of and aggravating many customers.

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  Very satisfied - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By eisendo - April 30 - 2:20 am

  Bought this car in January 2004, and the only thing I have had to repair are the front brakes. The car is very dependable, comfortable, and gets decent mileage (25-city; 35-highway). Toyota needs to equip its cars with better OE tires than the Goodyear Integritys that came with the car... had to be replaced after 20000 miles, and they got lousy traction.

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  2nd time owner of an HH - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Barry - April 29 - 9:26 pm

  Overall very pleased with the vehicle. It is very quiet and smooth riding and plenty of room. I expect the fuel econ to improve at 600 miles driven fuel econ at 23.4 mpg on tank 1 and 25.1 on tank 2