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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  Yaris Sedan - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jshutrump - November 28 - 10:26 am

  Performance out of the 1.5 litre is very good. Powerband and gearing excellent. Brakes good as is steering. A little shifty, left and right on the freeway at high speeds (over 70 mph). Interior great quality and instrument panel good. I like the "free" driver side so I can put a gps. Surprising large interior and confortable for 4. Wish it had an electronic trunk opener.

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  2012 Prius III - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By stef6 - November 28 - 7:16 am

  This is my first Hybrid. The Prius is a comfortable good performing car for everyday driving. Two things to remember the Prius is neither a luxury car or a sports car. Once you drive it for a while the gas mileage will make you forget whatever other issues you have with the car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Diane - November 27 - 10:16 pm

  Bought this car used from a rental agency, with 20K miles on it. It has been the sole transportation for myself and my 2 children for the last 10 years. The only repair Ive had to make was a starter replacement. Nothing else but scheduled maintenance. The car is comfortable and totally reliable, even at 210,000 miles. Has a very solid feel, handles well at all speeds, reasonable acceleration, 33-35 mpg even at interstate speeds.

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  I love my 2002 ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Evelyn Woods - November 27 - 6:56 pm

  I bought my ECHO new in Sept. 2002. I love everything about it. The only thing I would do different is buy the auto tranny rather than the 5 spd, (due to a medical condition). I get great gas milage 39 in town. I always get comments on the car wherever Im at, and I love the design of the dash. The car is reliable, quiet, very comfortable (front and rear seats), it has a lot of "get up and go", and its a Toyota. Who could ask for anything more? I have let it sit idle for a month and it starts up every time.

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  Super Duper Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Ivan Urbina - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The performance of Prius is great! I would say that this is a radical type of car. The instruments are like futuristic. The monitor display gives you information of average mile/gallons, the battery energy storage and many other stuff. (I kick my self for not purchasing the model with a mapping device) The design is sleek and aerodynmanic. I found very confortable on the ride even on bumpy road. The GAS MILEAGE consumption is super duper great!!! The inside four people sits confortable. The fifth person would have to be skinny. But all in all, this car is great for transportation and saves on gas!!!

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  We love it - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryari - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 compact trucks over the years. Datsun(Nissan), Ford, and Chevy. None have impressed me from the beginning until now. The Toyota dbl cab feels,drives, and handles like a dream.It looks great and all my friends are green with envy. Yes it is a little expensive, but you get what you pay for. Like everyone else I hate the clock placement, but my biggest complaint is that my wife is always behind the wheel. Oh well........

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Speedykiwi - November 27 - 10:00 am

  There isnt much to say other than Toyota is the best and the 2002 Corolla is just part of its great family of cars.

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  Awsome FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill G - November 27 - 3:06 am

  I have owned a Jeep Wrangler for years, but am amazed at the FJ Cruiser, when I see a hill worthy of climbing I do it with no problems. It is amazing how it climbs, almost like theres a computer telling each wheel when to pull. It tracks perfect and makes what seems impossible a breeze. It has a very cool look. Thinking about adding the TRD exhaust to improve mileage at some point. I installed a chrome exhaust tip making it look cooler.

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  Poor Acceleration; Frequent Downshifts - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 59Caddy - November 26 - 9:40 pm

  I loved my 05 Camry 4 cyl automatic transmission LE, but I hate my 07 Camry 4 cyl automatic transmission LE. By far the biggest problems are the hesitant acceleration of the 07, and the frequent automatic downshifts at freeway cruising speeds of 65 to 70 mph. I dont know if the problem is "drive by wire" or the car weighs too much for the engine size (or both). In addition, the a/c system frequently pops out of recirculating mode on its own. Toyota also moved the controls for the electric side mirrors from a convenient position on the arm rest to an inconvenient position to the left of the steering wheel. I cant wait to get rid of this car, and I only have 6,600 miles on it.

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  Vibration - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - November 26 - 1:56 pm

  This 4Runner has been in the dealership 4 times for steering vibration / flutter / pulsing. The area Toyota technical rep has been working with the dealership to determine and fix the problem. They keep changing and re-road force balancing the tires and nothing works. They tell me that this vibration is normal for the vehicle and they are just tring to get the best set of tires that give the least vibration. It seems that it is not possible for it to be fixed. Toyota quality is not what I thought. An unhappy owner with 2000 miles.