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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  Still running like new around 100K - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Kiran - December 3 - 9:22 am

  Reliability with value for money, average performance and low maintenance is what this car offers. I have 92K miles on it and it is still running like new. Changed fluids, brakes, battery and tires. Car was able to withstand weather conditions as low as -20Deg F and it starts without issues. In 92K miles of driving, it never broke down on the road, except for a punctured tire.

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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Bob - December 3 - 7:00 am

  This is a sleek great looking Van! Its very comfortable to drive, have been on 2 trips FL/NY and was very pleased. The Navigation System is good, not as good as in my Infinity M, but does the job. The rear camera, blue tooth, folding RV Mirrors, storage, cup holders etc. are very well thought out and functional. Was dissapointed with the gas milege (16.5MPG overall), and performance. Also, fold down 2nd row seats,as in the Chrysler Town & Country Van, would be a big plus. I removed them for our trips and that was a chore to say the least. Passenger seat s/b at least 6/way adjustable, for the price. Was not too comforable riding shotgun for a few hrs when wife took over the wheel.

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  Is this normal? - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By PM9003 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought my wife a Sienna because shed had 3 Chrysler minivans and wore out multiple transmissions on each. After odometer hit 30,000 she asked me if why it hasnt had a recall or been in the shop yet for anything but oil changes. Is this normal? - she asked. I answered smugly - Yes, for a Toyota. Her Sienna has been all over the country with ZERO hiccups. Every Chrysler minivan had been in the shop at least twice a year and did little to instill driver confidence for a long road trip. I figure that we average 27 mpg at 70 mph. Any other minivans want to try that?

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  Lovin life in my Echo! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Deco Doll - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive added 126,000 miles to this car in 14 months & Ive LOVED it! Gas mileage is great - 38 mpg! Seven front seat storage compartments are unrivaled in ANY prev. car Ive owned for both quantity and convenience. Interior roominess is unbelievable - awesome for tall drivers! Id buy one for every day of the week, but its just not necessary.

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  This car WORKS - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Jpoynter - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 54000 miles on the Echo in two years, and during that time the only glitches Ive found were poor handling and soft paint. The poor handling was due to improper inflation of the tires causing a rearend skittering at high speeds. The steering is light and precise when the tires are properly inflated, and the handling improved greatly with a tire upgrade. So the only true complaint comes with the idea that a bug can go right through the paint. The hood needs to be sanded and painted.

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  "shut up and drive" - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Croger - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great head/leg/cargo room, excellent gas mileage. A little "squirrly" with strong cross- winds, and when being passed by big rigs, but otherwise handles well.

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  Be careful with fuel gauge! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Len Renfer - December 3 - 2:00 am

  MPGs very dependent on outside temperature and amount of hills you encounter. Surprisingly good amount of interior room and comfort. Only problem is the fuel gauge. Ive discovered that consistently when I have a flashing E signifying empty I still have a third of a tank left. The fuel tank capacity varies with temperature, can be as little over 9 gallons. Running out of gas is not good for this hybrid and the dealer had to recalibrate. Dealer has done nothing and Toyota headquarters states that they are "working on" problem

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gianni - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is just a beautifully designed, comfortable, intriguing vehicle. But my feelings are overshadowed by one thing: the poor gas mileage. You may not feel the same. I think it depends on one thing: what is your PRIMARY purpose in buying the vehicle? Mine was fuel economy. So that was the essence of my bargain. I only got 34 mpg on the first two full tanks. On my third tank I am babying my driving to milk every last mile out of a gallon and looks like Ill get 40 mpg with total concentration on fuel economy. Bottom line: be mindful of the true gas mileage when you buy.

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  The Best Yet - Better than my Mercedes - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GJAYW - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my new "TOY" [when I can get to it before my husband does]. It performs beautifully and I am still learning about all of the functions that it offers. After having owned and driven Chevys, Buicks, Toyotas and Mercedes-Benz this is by far the most fun. It performs beautifully on accelerating and the gas mileage is all you could ask for.

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  Powerless - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Paull - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Inexpensive mini-SUV that feels that way. Lots on interior squeaks and rattles, underpowered. Cant