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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  Great Car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By BATgirl - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Corolla LE. The car drives wonderfully – smooth, solid and reasonably quiet. The styling is great – looks like a baby Lexus. It is so roomy inside. The mileage is incredible; I have calculated that I have gotten over 35 mpg in mixed driving. I had been car shopping for well over a year, test driven all sorts of cars, seriously considered “treating myself” to a much higher priced car. I did my homework and I am so happy that I went with the Corolla LE – a GREAT car for the money (or more). I would much rather have my money in the bank – and the Corolla will help keep it there!

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  Not getting the gas mileage expected!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dwarrior - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car (its my first new one, last was a 89 929). However, I am concerned that after 700 miles, I am still not getting anywhere near the gas mileage stated. A full tank barely takes me 225 miles!!! Is anyone else experiencing this? I use Shell gas 87 octane. I dont drive that much, maybe three or four trips a day totalling 20- 30 miles. Could it be too much stop and start? At the dealership, the service rep told me it can take up to 900 miles to really break in the gas mileage. Please help!

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  Expected Better - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By gpowell - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Toyota and it is a good car but I expected better. Ride is very good and engine is very quiet. I have two issues with this car. The sweaking noices that come from the dash. The dealer has fixed some but said that these noises are normal?? The other issue I have is with the tires. For a front wheel drive this car does not like snow. I think the problem is with the tires. I requested Michelin but the dealer said the brand was not available on this model. By next winter I will need replacement tires so maybe new tires will help with winter driving.

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  Fourteen years of great service - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Dorcas - February 24 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had two toyotas, a total of 27 years great service. Just usual maintenance required until past 10 years old. At 17 years old, 14 years in my care, I felt it was worth the price to keep repairing it since I expected to use it for several more years. Smooth ride. Good accelerationI Excellent size and height for a handicapped person. XLE power package helped with handicapped issues. Plenty of cargo room for purchases, mobility aids, and luggage. Great for airport runs for people and luggage. I did have to replace 3 of four door handles and the back gate handle assembly at about $300 each. Also had to convince the automatic door slider chip that it wanted to work on occassion. Being in the sun, the roof had started peeling. There were a few other cosmetic things that needed replacing, nothing I could complain about at 17 years old. In its demise, again the car served me well in protecting my life. I was hit hard directly in the drivers door - and pushed into the car in the next lane. Because the door was very sturdy, although it bowed inward, my life was spared. I had glass cuts, whiplash, and seatbelt bruising, but nothing broken or punctured. I know what a great vehicle for me is -- another XLE Sienna of a newer model!

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  My first new car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard Traube - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Good well built car with excellent gas milage and reliability.

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  2010 tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By ron romine - February 24 - 5:23 am

  The new 4.6 v8 sold me on this vehicle compared to the others. Another big plus is the resale value. Toyota beats them all. Even under the truck I was impressed. The brake lines and fuel lines are coated as well frame and body to prevent rust.

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  JR review - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jr - February 23 - 3:40 pm

  Great car for traveling in the flats and slight hills. I recommend this Toyota highly.

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  LUV THAT PRIUS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By D. Wilmot - February 23 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned a lot of vehicles over the years but the Prius has to be my favorite for all around driving satisfaction. Most of the professional reviews have "hit the nail on the head" as far as the pros and cons of the car. My mileage tends to hover between 47-51 MPG. The car is really enjoyable to drive and has no problem with steady driving of 80+ mph on the interstate to keep up with the flow of traffic. After 20K miles of driving the Prius, I have found it to be completely reliable and have not put it in the shop for anything but oil changes. I recommend this car to anyone who wants something economical without compromising comfort, luxury, styling or fun! I luv the Prius!

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  The best suv on the planet - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Miguel Torres - February 23 - 12:20 pm

  I have had three 4Runners, 1993, 1995 and 2003. I have the last once since it was new on 2003, and right now I have 6 years with it, with 110,000 miles and still be a perfect SUV. Perfect movements, great acceleration, nice gear, excellent motor, and beautiful body interior and exterior. Few years ago, I bought a used Jaguar Xtype, and my 4Runner has more luxury than it, and the quality and reliability of this vehicle was nasty. But, my V8 4.7L,4WD LIMITED EDITION 4RUNNER is the BEST BUY I made! Perfect combination between a strong and luxurious vehicle!

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  Love the car - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Andrew H - February 23 - 9:26 am

  Driven 4000 KMS in less than a month and love it. Not the best fuel economy, but everything else has been great. Stylish exterior turns heads. Lots of room inside and especially in rear for kids or passengers. Got an aftermarket DVD system installed by dealer for the kids and they use it all the time for vids even on short trips. Wireless headphones are great! Built in video games too. Have owned Honda Civis 1998 and 2005, 2002 Camry, 2004 Suzuki XL7 and 2006 Ford Fusion...this vehicle smokes the competition. I cant wait to trade this in after a few years for a V6 version fully loaded.