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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  Reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By JRex - June 7 - 12:00 pm

  I love my Camry. Traded up from a 97 Civic, VERY glad I did. Camry is very plain, but what it lacks in eye appeal it makes up for in the checkbook. Great power for a 4cyl while still getting good (30 mpg) mileage. Wish abs brakes were standard. A perfect family car.

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  Midwest to Calif & Back - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ala - June 6 - 6:46 pm

  Passing was good in the flat lands. Average speed 65-75 Mph. Gas milwage avg 41-49 mpg. Crossing the Rockies and certain areas in Utah with 6% grades could only get 52 mph and the engine was really screaming. I was real concerned about getting over the top of the hill. Next time Ill take the southern route to Calif. Interior needs something better then cloth, it got spotted up when I opened the door during a mild rain storm. Ext surface seems to scratch easily. Careful with the high pressure hose in the car wash. Dont get too close to the paint surface and dont use the soap brush. Get bird poop off of the car right away. Other then the above Im happy and would buy another one.

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  Good car from Toyota - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By turkf26 - June 6 - 1:03 am

  All in all the Toyota matrix is a great car to drive. Couple things I dislike is the lack of power in the XR and base models. Also it seems that everything inside the car squeaks or rattles when you drive. Other than that, it’s a great car made by another great company.

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  Always wanted one - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Dave - June 5 - 12:56 pm

  I traded every 12 to 18 months trying to be happy with something less than a Land Cruiser. Finally I bought one new, a big chunk of cash for us. But we love the truck. Had it 5 years now and look to trade, but cant give it up. I fell so secure when I put my family in her. I have blizzacks for the 18 wheels and have drive through blizzards, never spinning a wheel. We love our gray Cruiser.

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  Love this car! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By willkeepitforever - June 5 - 12:53 pm

  My husbands car has almost 200,000 mi on it and you just cant kill it! It just goes forever if you keep up with oil changes every 3k and proper maint. I just wish they would make it roomier for people up to 58" -6 tall. That is truly the only complaint. I am only too happy to get a small economical car that is a good buy! Not to mention tremendous resale value. I spoke to two owners that have sold their 1999 Toyota Corollas between $2,300.00 - 3,200.00. Just goes to show the public still has confidence in Toyota! I used to be a Honda person, but switched to Toyota after two of my Hondas needed a Transmission at 180,000 mi. - Bye Bye Honda! Just bought two more Toyotas for my family

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  A Great Transportation Appliance - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By teamsc10190 - June 2 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased in June, the car now has more than 10,000 miles while averaging 48 MPG with 95% freeway driving. It is clear that Toyota spent most of their money on the technology platform and it all functions pretty seemlessly. This car offers great economy with few compromises. Wonderfully reliable, the car has yet to be back to the dealer. After the previous seven years driving a Volvo S80 T6 that couldnt stay out of a dealership for two consecutive weeks, reliability is a real treat.

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  Total disappointment - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By bjarrette - June 2 - 1:05 pm

  Bought my 2003 Sienna used from dealer, was really excited since I owned a Camry before and loved the quality, first year engine light came on had to change something in emission system, cost me over $400, year later engine light came on again this time rear airfuel ratio sensor, down stream oxygen sensor and lower catalytic converter $1197.62, I bought this mini van because I trusted the toyota brand, total disappointment, next time Honda.

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  Great Car But Minor Detail Issue - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Mirage - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Its Great Car with high fuel economy comparing with other same class cars. Nice, Quite, Comfort and you will love all the features. But theres minor exterior detail issues. such as top roof molding is easy to loose and hard to find a dealer for fix well. other body pars moldings are seems like little off from its place. I checked my car and other cars on display at dealers( 3 Places), same... such as end of moldings etc. i think Toyotas quality control legend is burried in the history..

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  Lazy take off - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By charlie - June 1 - 10:16 am

  I bought this camry 3 days ago, the car is very lazy on take off The side mirrors do not give you a good big view of the back. The driver side doorpost blocks your blindspot.

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  Average Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By W.G.B - May 31 - 11:23 pm

  I have owned three Camrys in the past and have found most to be great cars. The 2000 Camry has been a disappointment because it started to have different maintenance issue. It started with rear-end noises that were hard to diagnose. It turned out to be a rear barring. Then I had the the shocks replaced front and back which started several noises first rear which turned-out to be bad shocks. Then the front noises started which still are not resolved. Many parts may be the problem say the mechanics. The parts are expensive of course