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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  Nice to look at, boring to drive - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By t2miller - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The quality of the vehicle itself is excellent, but the Toyota side step bars have rusted and been replaced 2 times already. Beware of dealerships trying to sell you extra services also. During servicing (20k miles) it was recommended that coolant be flushed(insisting it was not long- life coolant), perform a brake service AND balance. I declined all of these services and for good reason - I will contact Toyota to express my concerns that a $60 service would have topped $300 after taxes. So why buy a Toyota for reliablity and longetivity if you are paying the cost? Consider Honda if you wish to have the complete Japanese experience.

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  More Torque - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By y2kwon - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Very pricey vehicle for its class but ita well built car. could use some more horsepower with some torque!!!

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  Good Car Hope It Lasts - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Monicafl - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I drive 70+ miles a day mainly on highway. I am not a car person. Did research for more than 10 month before I got rid of my Kia/Sephia 1994 with 70K mile on it, and bought this Toyota. Love it. NEVER BUY KIA!!! I will buy another toyota if I have to.

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  Great truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevin - October 5 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my double cab tacoma new in June of 2001. It has never been in the shop for a repair. Currently have 85000 miles on it. The seats feel a little flatter than they used to, but other than that, I love it.

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  Oil Change is a pain - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By J Brown - October 5 - 2:30 am

  Apparently two engine types. One with conventional oil filter...and mine. You have to remove a plastic housing that has a "cardboard-like" filter insert. An o-ring mus be changed and a new washer should be bought for the drain plug, at each oil change. A serious step back in engineering!!! Requires more time and mess. Filter inserts are more expensive than conventional filter. Glad I change my own oil. Would be afraid cheap oil service centers would not have proper filter and charge you for changing...without actually changing filter. Different topic: Paint extremely thin..hardly takes anything to scratch to metal. Gas mileage...lucky to get 30mpg with my automatic, disappointed!

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  Acceleration Concern! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Kerry - October 4 - 1:00 pm

  I have always owned Toyotas. 76 celica 350,000, 87 Camry, and a 89 I still have at 287,000! I love my Camry. The 2005 is the first Camry in a long time I REALLY LIKE! Especially with the New Ground Effects! Makes it look so sporty! Good power too!

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  Cute little car - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By T - October 4 - 9:50 am

  I love this little SUV. The large windows offer good visibility. Its fun to drive & feels very light and peppy, although it sometimes struggles with getting up to speed (especially on the freeway), b/c the engine is small. MPG is OK, but tends to be low when city driving + running AC/heater. The trunk has a LOT of space, & rear legroom is adequate. Interior is kind of bland, but at least its not an eyesore. Safety is good (by 99 standards) but sometimes the cars balance seems a little precarious, especially when turning at high speeds. Otherwise, this is a reliable little car. I dont see it dying anytime soon, but if it did, Id buy it again.

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  Solid truck - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By avoncarguy - October 4 - 2:20 am

  I did a lot of research into different SUV options and the 4Runner came out on top. The European options such as the Land Rover, MB M-class, and BMW X-series are all great options, however in these tough economic times the cost differential simply cant be justified - initial purchase price will be $10k+ over a Japanese option and the maintenance charges are outrageous. Since I do not anticipate going off road, I opted for the 4x2 Limited model. Looks just as good and it is a bit cheaper. While the truck may not be that exciting in terms of fun to drive, the reliability is the main reason I bought it. Do some research and youll be amazed at the statistics around the 4Runner.

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  Good Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Alan - October 3 - 9:56 pm

  Very small quality problems corrected by the dealer, otherwise well built. Cabin wind noise louder than expected at highway speeds. Ride smooth with plenty of power. A classic American highway cruiser.

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  Steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Aqua Girl - October 3 - 2:26 pm

  Wow, I thought it was just me but reading what others say the steering is kinda weird. I hate the small sun visors and not much tint on the window. We did get leather seats and the touring package which was added by the dealer. I think the car is low to the ground and I prefer my Quest over this any day. Not much leg room in the back to my liking, but great for kids. Its perfect for commuting not much else. The sound system is okay, not the best.