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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  I love my baby - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Bambi7830 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is my baby!!! I knew this would be my last sporty car before having children and being confined to a min-van or SUV and Im glad this is the one I chose. The exterior design is so neat. It attracts a lot of attention. Even stock, this car cruises!! It is a sports car though, so there are problems. I need to crack the sun room so my husbands head doesnt hit the roof, and it has the worst blind spots (next to my friends MR2).

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  I love it so far - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By junkdepot - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a commuter and was glad when the only one left on the lot was the S model. This is my first Toyota and I will definitely buy another one in the future. I highly recommend the S model for the sportier feel and added amenities. This is a daily driver that I put 100 miles per day on.

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  disappointing - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By chicophitau - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new truck purchase and I was very disappointed. This truck spent more time in the shop than any other used vehicle I have ever owned. I have had to go to the dealer 4 seperate times to have fender flare seals replaced. I had to have a 4 brakes rebuilt because of warpage problems. Another time was for a clutch return spring that broke. A mud flap fell off and also was replaced...another visit to the dealer. Now there is a constant rattle under the dashboard. Luckily this appeared before the warranty ran out..again a return to the dealer. This truck is only one year old, too young to be having so many problems.

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  Monies Worth - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By TerribleTrouble - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one truck worth its money. You get what you pay for, yes you have to pay a lot, but it is as strong as a horse, always runs, snow rain or shine, and can haul. Good suspension, and really good clearance. Powerful engine.

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  Great Value - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By flpohio - December 6 - 7:03 am

  Not one problem except the crappy Dunlop tires it came with.

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  Ambient Noise in the Interior - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By gardenlady - December 5 - 11:43 pm

  I gave up a 1992 Camry LE which was as quiet as a coffin and purchased a 2007 XLE Camry which has "whooshing air noise" in the cabin depending upon how windy it is outside and which way the car is going. Of course, I worked with the service manager of the Toyota dealership who was very nice to me but probably labeled me a nut. I really am very disappointed in this Camry and will trade it in shortly. Doesnt anyone build a quiet car out there for around 30K that used regular gas and gets good gas mileage? I hope someone from Toyota reads my comments. The Camry has become the second car since the Subaru is much quieter.

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  Busted Bubble of a 2nd timeToyota Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Betty Rich - December 4 - 3:16 am

  Quality and reliablity: After four days of owning my car and going on a 2 hour trip, one way, I noticed the carpet soaking wet on the drivers side. The service dept. kept asking me if I drove over any huge puddles or if it rained on the car. I replied, "No." They concluded there was a gap in the material used on the fender where water leaked into the car. I replied the only water that was put on the car was when they washed it the day I bought it. Performance: Smooth and quiet ride great pick-up but jerks when I accelerate after applying the brakes when slowing down to turn a corner. Design: Im not crazy about the side view of the car -too sloped toward the back end.

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  Motor Rocks - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By RF - December 2 - 11:50 pm

  My third Tundra (2001 SR5, 2005 SR5 4WD Crew). The motor simply rocks, its quiet, smooth and incredibly powerful. I tow a 5000 lb boat and you dont even know its there. The tranny works well while towing, but has trouble finding gears at slower speeds when not towing, especially when taking off from a light. Other than that, its my least favorite Tundra. It just doesnt feel well put together, the throttle is very punchy, I have several rattles and have had to replace the radio, oh and the little gas pedal recall. I commute and can routinely get 19 mpg if I use cruise control, which is awesome.

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  Value for Money - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By h_sam - December 2 - 7:58 pm

  Have had a fully loaded version of this car for 18 months now. Mileage varies from 37/38 in spring fall, but drops to 34/36 on hot or very cold days. I drive reasonably well, and am not a hypermiler. Comfy and quiet ride. Interior is OK, GPS not as good as a Garmin. iPod interface can be improved (but but he sound system is great). Cupholders suck - have had coffee cup topple over twice on sharp turns.

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  Good Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Luke - December 2 - 12:00 pm

  Truck handles great and I have damaged it a lot and never any damage to the tough frame. Toyota has made a very reliable truck, I have put 80000 miles on it and have had no damage to any parts or engine, all damage has been cosmetic due to me. The only thing you have to do is change the oil and brakes. I would recommend this truck to anyone.