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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  Its not a Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Truckman666 - November 16 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Tundra access cab 2wd. I wanted a 4 WD. The new Tundras are too big so I decided on the Tacoma Double cab with Sports package to get the upgraded interior. That upgrade makes for a firmer ride on bumps but rides great on smooth road. It had very quick steering. The seat is a little low. Not as smooth as the 04 Tundra but that should improve. Gas mileage seems better so far. Great looking truck. I get lots of compliments. As years go by I hope it will be refined to the point of the Tundras prior to the new large one.

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  Proud to Own, but... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KC - November 16 - 11:56 am

  While I am proud to this car, I find that it lacks a few horses. Overall, it is responsive throughout the band but youre pushing the limits close when needing umph to pass. Seats are comfy and ergonomics are good other than the stereo being a bit out of reach. Handles well for a front wheel drive vehicle but not a tight turning radius though. Great fuel efficiency-perfect for todays market. Needs some rims and a shark fin antenna to be completely stylish. Only one weird anomaly- the throttle stuck on me ~4500 rpm once. Really scary and dealership mechanics cant identify the problem. What can I say though Toyotas done well with this car. I am pleased!

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  Reliable and Solid - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By SHICKS - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2002 sr5 for 2 years problem free. I have 35k miles and it runs and drives like day one. No squeaks or rattles anywhere. Only one complaint aside from it being outdated, but I knew that when I bought it. The engine is weak. It is very smooth and has good low end torque, but lacks on the highway. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a rugged truck like suv.

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  Thirsty??? - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By mmikel52686 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall Im satisfied with my overgrown T-100. Yes, this 3.4 is the same powerplant the T-100 had but - without the 24 MPG. Currently I get 18-19 mpg. For a V-6 - well Im somewhat disappointed. Seems Toyota thought more fuel realated computer adjustments might be helpful...cough, cough. Also hav eto echo a comment another reviewer had...the clock should have been left at the upper center of the dash (like the T-100) - now its so low, when the sun shines its a distraction. Again, overall - this is an excellent truck!

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  Forget the Accord - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wm burns - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned Accords since 1991. I drove the 04 Accord then the Solora. Toyota nuked em with this sharp little number. Handles great at 90-100 mph much like European Cars on the Autobahn. Milage is great, power even. The transmission rarely searches for itself unlike the Honda. A solid car, great turning radius. just lots of fun

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  Vanilla with a twist - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By DW - November 13 - 12:30 am

  I looked at every make of double cab I could find. Sure the Titan appealed to my inner-gorilla, but it didnt handle as well or feel as solidly built as the Tundra. Plus the torque seems better & placed where youd need it on a daily basis. The new Tacoma is sharp, but too small. Im 63" & haul a wife, 2 kids, camping gear, kayaks mountain bikes and a dog and the Tundra does it all without missing a beat. Its got plain jane styling on the outside, big deal: this truck is quiet, packed with power,handles well, will probably go 300k+ miles and is cavernous inside (for most). Only complaint is a phantom creak in the drivers seat when making right turns

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  Great Family SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By hihiheidi - November 12 - 10:23 pm

  We purchased this SUV after owning a Durango for 8 years and what a difference! Smooth ride, lots of room, especially with two kids. We bought the luxury package and love the second row captains chairs and the center console. The kids can keep all of their things (videos, head phones, games, etc.) all in one place. I splurged and got a wood-wrapped steering wheel, which makes the car feel like a luxury vehicle. And I second the vote on Artic Frost Pearl, best color ever! It is very pretty!

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  My first Toyota and some problems - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By allmarsh - November 12 - 11:26 am

  The van has been nice for our family of four. It is very nice on road trips so the kids can spread out. We bought the LE model and now Im wondering if the XLE would have been better since it has leather and the power rear gate. Our average mileage has been 20mpg. Not as high as the sticker, but are they ever? This is our first Toyota and we expect high quality due to their reputation. Were disappointed with quality issues weve had with sliding door noise and design of radio is the pits. In sunshine the radio display can be impossible to read.

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  A good deal - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Freemania - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Because of the redesigned 2003 model, get yours now at a low, low, price (usually 6K off msrp + 0% financing)

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  Great Toyota - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By cst010 - November 12 - 12:10 am

  Purchased new and now have over 170,000 miles. Dealer maintained with the largest expense being a catalytic converted replacement. No other issues. Have not experienced the dash rattle others have spoken about. Is a great truck and hope to get another 170,000 miles out of it. I have always had great experiences with the dealer maintenance departments.