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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  glt - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By chucknbarb - October 21 - 10:00 am

  the toyota tacoma double cab is all you expect and more.more interior room than the similiar dodge dakota,more pickup than the nissan and ford and chevy are so far behind the curve-oh well.the truck interior wears well with the driver and passengers as it rides like a car with all the comfort and more room of most cars its size.you could go on and on about this vehicle but i believe a movie statement from MIB says it all--the best of the best of the best,sir.....

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  Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bmix - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I am what most consider a loyal Toyota owner, having owned over 5 Toyotas. All of which I have driven over 200,000 miles a piece. My second car, which I still own, is a Camry with 354,000 miles and still looks/runs like new. This is the main reason for our selection of the Sienna as reliability and quality is of utmost importance to us. Atlas, Sienna did not disappoint us! After 30,000 miles with two trips to Florida, and uncountable trips to NY, some of which included towing a trailer....it has convinced me that I made a wise decision once again to purchase a Toyota for my growing family. In addition, the dealer treats me as if I am king!

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  Great-More Than an Econo Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jbal - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Although I have only had this great vehicle for 2 weeks, I bought it for the better that 17-18mpg I get on my Explorer. My commute is 70 miles 1 way including the Washington Beltway and stop and go, bumper to bumper driving over 2-2 1/2hrs is common. I have been getting about 33mpg with all that and the car handles so well. The seats do get a bit hard after 2 hours in traffic but it is so much fun to drive you can forget that. There is also more back seat room than in my Explorer so that is also much appreciated. Toyota has done an excellent engineering job with this vehicle.

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  Variability in Quality - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By garyn - October 19 - 5:50 am

  Had a dealership bring in a particular color combination for a test drive and probable purchase. Car drove well but form and fit of the dash components I thought was substandard. The leather seating was already wrinkled with only 150 miles on the car. I checked out other Camrys at the dealership and found similar variability. The dealer representative told me that this is the way most were! I went to a second dealership and found an identical car in the lot. This car had perfect fit. Proceeded to buy this one. Very happy with it so far. Bought an extended warranty because I have no experience with Toyota or a hybrid for that matter.

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  New ride 13 Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By JOHN SHEERAN - October 18 - 8:43 am

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  Are you in? - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By cecep - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car overall! Great gas milage, Great reliability, Though the good gas milage sacrafices power!

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  HARD TO DEAL WITH - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By RUSSELL - October 18 - 2:00 am

  BIGGEST PROBLEMS ARE DEALING WITH TOYOTA DEALERS. BUT THE VAN IS RELIABLE AFTER 36000 MILES HAVE HAD BRAKE LIGHT COME ON SEVERAL TIME. AIR PRESSURE LIGHT WAY TO SENSITIVE.AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AFTER 2 WEEKS FROM BRINGING HOME. LEASE WAS UP WENT TO HONDA ODDESEY , TWICE THE VAN AND A LOT CHEAPER. GOODYEAR TIRES ARE JUNK. YOU WILL REPLACE THEM AT 12000 MILES

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  A tall station wagon with style - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By RaymondArmstrong - October 18 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw Matrix in 2002 New York Auto Show, it looked very very fresh. No other cars have matched Matrixs fresh styling!! The body kit, aerodynamics, alloy wheels and headlights look very cute and aggressive. However, there is slight disappointment in power. The automatic does not feel lively at all. I lost to my brothers auto 03 CR-V which only has 160 hp, and mine 180 hp. The torgue needs to be improved. Yet, auto gives comfort. Interior is kind of too dark also. Many, not all, like dark interiors. But, the Matrix is surely a big toy for big kids like me!! Handling is okay until I lowered the car by an inch more.

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  Love my Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By M Paris - October 17 - 9:20 pm

  My 3rd truck, but my first Toyota. Best truck so far. 4 cyl with a 5 speed. Does pretty good on gas. Tuff as nails and great in the snow.

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  Midwestern boat owner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By NorthernBoater - October 17 - 10:26 am

  We have owned this vehicle while living in Minneapolis, MN and Memphis, TN. It performed well in both climates, but better in the south. It makes some funky noises when starting on cold Minnesota mornings. It seems fussy about the quality of gas you use, the idle is a bit rough occasionally. I assume this is from lower quality gasoline, but I dont know this for sure. We had no problem accelerating or stopping with a 2600 pound boat in tow. I recommend this for people looking at tow vehicles. I love opening all the windows and roof on nice summer days. Our sunroof just recently got stuck wide open - just in time for a snowstorm! No other maint. issues.