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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  Love my 4Runner so far! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mjhayes11 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 4Runner a month now, and couldnt be more pleased. Im 61" and have plenty of room. Lots of room for the family too. The vehicle feels very solid. Handles well, nice pickup, lots of special touches. This is my first Totoya, and quality is evident everywhere I look. Only negative is the mileage. Im only getting 15 mph on average while I expected 18-21 per mfg info.

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  Excellent Crossover - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Roozter - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a joy to drive. handles very well, much better than I expect from SUVs

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  OUR VAN - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Penny Johnson - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We love our van, the entertainment system keeps the kids quiet as can be! It drives perfectly! One flaw, the right passenger middle row seat, the seatbelt does not go back in place after the passenger leaves the vehicle. VERY ANNOYING!!

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  Know how to upgrade to Perfection - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jaxons Dad - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Wanted an XLE but couldnt find one. Upgeaded an LE with Leather and wood trim. Saved $4,000 just for that!! Identical to any XLE out there. GREAT GREAT car/van. I test drove all the others. The Sienna beat them all in every aspect.

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  18 months no problems - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Dan Kvinge - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought in spring 02, and after 18 months no issues. Runs smooth, quiet, 2.4L has plenty of power and good economy. Have taken many long trips and very pleasant driving with family of four--two teenagers.

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  BEST car ever made! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By indoazn - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because i like the camry but this car is beyond what i ever expected it to be. Even with its 3.3 6cyl 4 spd auto trans it is one fast car.

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  Happy w/ 05 Toyota Tacoma Dbl Cab L-Bd - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By From Highway to Mtns - November 15 - 11:30 pm

  No buyers remorse here. I put 275K on my last Toyota truck and have every expectation of doing it again with my PK package Double Cab Long Bed. With 1500 miles on the truck, Im getting 21 mpg on the highway and 17 city. Im using the recommend 91 octane; even though the dealer said 87 would do. The truck is an eye-catcher, getting comments everywhere it goes. I would be comfortable taking on the town for a black-tie affair or into the mountains, as I did this past weekend, for climbing trails and hauling wild-game.

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  Just Browsing - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By v84runner - November 15 - 9:03 pm

  Went looking for an SUV at a Chevy dealer and bought a Toyota 4runner, we were so impressed with the vehicle and I (male) love looking at it in the driveway as well as driving it. I read the reviews and say they are spot on! Paint chips easily and the front end/hood needs to be more aggressive. We have the hood scoop with a V8 and Magnaflow exhaust...sounds great, drives great. This vehicle is fun to drive, handles great, and is solid! We looked at/drove Hummer H3, Jeep Laredo, Pathfinder, but walked away with the 4runner on the spot! We never owned a Toyota before, but we are extremely glad we bought this one. Never buying an American model again, over priced!

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  Bad Steering - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Andy - November 15 - 6:33 pm

  Pulls left or right when using brakes. Service Department says this is normal. They say they cant find anything wrong so they say this is normal.

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  Worst and Last Toyota I will ever own - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Disillusioned - November 15 - 5:13 pm

  This is the absolute worst car I have ever owned in my life, even worse than the used clunkers I drove when I was young and had no money. I have previously owned two Toyotas, which I absolutely loved (Corolla SR5 and an MR2). In this case, the third time is definitely not a charm. The car has no power, does not shift smoothly, the rear visibility is terrible, and the defrost leaves a lot to be desired. It is too bad that Toyota does not offer the same deal that General Motors does (i.e., give it back in 60 days if you are not satisfied), otherwise, this car would have been brought back in a heartbeat. Please run, dont walk, if someone tries to sell you a Matrix.