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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  Fun to drive!!!! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By HankInTempe - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I read all the reviews on all the magezines. Narrowed my list to 12 models, and test drive them. The Celica was low on the horsepower list, but best in suspention and handling. The power is outstanding for everyday driving. The gearbox and clutch are perfect. Lane changes and cornering are the best part of driving. The cockpit feels the best of any car I drive from Honda, Acura, Mitsubishi... The seats are low and give the go cart handling feel. I didnt want the best 0-60 time, but I do want to take corners at 40 mph. This car does exactly that. Off the lights, its no slug. Ive blown away some really nice cars. BUY ONE!!!

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  2001 V8 Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By minder1 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  If you want the best mid- to full- size pickup this is it for regular use, this is it! If you want an oversize truck for towing extra large loads (above 7500 lbs.) and are willing to compromise on quality/reliability buy a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge. This vehicle is clearly superior and is an excellent tow vehicle for loads under 7500 lbs. The Lexus derived V8 is amazing. Unlike a previous reviewer, always test drive before you buy. I am 61" and seating is very spacious.

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  I got what I paid for - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By norm - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I paid 19750 for my RAV 4. After spending over 27000 on a 96 Grand Caravan it felt great to spend less for greater quality. My 2WD has performed well in heavy snow. Gas mileage has been almost 30 on the highway. The car handles responsively and has enough pep to get me up hills. The AC is ice cold and for a small vehicle the front interior is spacious. Ive owned eight vehicles and this is my favorite. No need to get 4WD - the 2WD will take you just abo

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  My wifes SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By bronco86 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife didnt want another suv till she drove this one. The moment she test drove it, it started to to belong to her.Its hard to deal on a car when the dealer knows its sold to you ,I would of payed FULL list , but didnt. Its a great small SUV,for 5 peopleand packages

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  Fine For Me - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Silver Man - February 8 - 5:36 am

  Seeing that this is my first SUV purchase it was well worth it! I test drove the Tahoe. I wasnt feeling it at all. The Expedition just didnt look appealing to me either. Once I saw the Sequioa. I fell in love with it. Once I drove it I knew this was the truck for me. My wife who drives a Honda Accord even likes the way it handles. Im 6`4 so its just fine with me!!! Thank you Toyota for getting it right!!

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  40MPG+ & Loving it! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jerry - February 8 - 2:53 am

  I got my wife TCH09 and the following week ended up trading in my Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and getting one too. Very nice ride and cant beat the MPG. Going from 15MPG to 43MGP!

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  Small car with big feel - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By ckp - February 8 - 12:20 am

  I bought this car to save money on gas over my F-150 4x4. The mileage is great at between 29-32 MPG city driving back and forth to work. Im 65" and am amazed at how comfortably I fit into it. Its a very reliable car, in 18 months, I have had no problems. I change the oil and put gas in it. The interior is awesome with multiple seat configurations when I need space. The outlet in the dash is cool, as are all of the other features I have (premium sound, 17" wheels, sun roof, cruise and A/C). With the 5 speed, it runs very well (not a race car), to include highway traffic with the A/C on - no problems!

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  Im in Luv!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Getnsmart - February 7 - 9:26 pm

  Im actually in shock that I have this baby. I have a couple of toyota pickup, most recently an 03 Tacoma Quad cab and this 4Runner blows them all away. The ride is much more comfortable than the truck I had. The 6 cyl is 55 hp faster than the truck and I can definitely tell the difference.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jrsat01 - February 7 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this as a cert used with 9000 miles... currently has over 260000 without "any" problems... normal wear and tear... tires, brakes, oil changes etc... still get around 28 mpg, can only say its no wonder Chrysler and GM are having problems... this car is quick, quiet and very dependable. This was/is a great car.

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  2012 Toyo Highlander - Overhead Console - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By jaregm65 - February 7 - 7:48 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Highlander in Dec. 2012, I do love my Vehicle, befor this I had a 2000 Rav4 so this is a step up for me. I am having Major issues with my Overhead Console that has the Small Compartment above the Rearview Mirror. I have taken it in already for this problem twice for falling completely down and the small door not closing. Im wandering if other owners are having this issue and what have they done to fix it because it seems that the dealer just wont fix it they just bandaid the problem. I just dont kbnow what to do anymore and I am frustrated because this is my new car and I shouldnt have any problems and yes I have purchased the full and extended warranties. Help Please