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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  Still Great After All These Years - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jp582 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this RAV just about 5 years ago and have yet to experience one mechanical problem. Exterior is solid and interior has also held up well. Gets decent gas mileage for a little SUV (both city and highway) and I have taken it on long road trips without a problem. Lacks power on mountainous roads and hills, though and I have had it floored to keep up with the Speed Limit in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Great quality overall!

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  Reliable - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By jbl - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Owned the car for 6 years. The kind that you just fill with gas and drive, no need to ever open the hood. The stick feels as firm and smooth as in the day I bought it. Mid life crisis determines me to look for a flashier car. I wish I found a better reason to sell. Really feeling guilty about it. I can only hope that those tempting Acuras will be at least as dependable.

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  MY PERSONAL OPINION - FOR WHAT ITS WORTH - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By R. BEGLEY - January 20 - 10:00 am

  REAR WINDOW IS SMALL IN CONVERTABLES. THE HEAD REST ON REAR SEATS BLOCKS VISABILITY EVEN MORE. THEY COULD BE RETRACTABLE WHEN THERE ARE NO PASSENGERS. THAT WAY, YOU WOULD HAVE THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW FOR VISABILITY.

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  Tundra 2 wd dr,reg cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Jlemma - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding truck. Decent gas milage for a six cylinder. Drives more like a car than a truck. Comfortable and for the most part gauges are well laid out except the clock, which is below the radio in the radio. Tis truck is quiet and is quite capable for towing and general hauling. The six banger is a little slow on the accleation but goes nicely once your up to speed. A/C is cold. Highly reccomended.

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  The Tradition Continues - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve Mitchell - January 19 - 3:40 pm

  This is my 3rd Avalon (1997, 2000, 2005). With each redesign, theyve improved significantly (with the exception maybe of the 2000-2004 looks ;) ). Why on earth should I spend $8,000 or $10,000 more on a Lexus ES or an Infiniti M when here I have a smoother ride, a more reliable vehicle (look at Consumer Reports) right here for a much lower price? A sports car it aint - of course it doesnt pretend to be either. Theres enough of the feel of the road for me, and of course, the comforts and the reliability of Toyota.

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  2016 Limited = SR5 with Leather - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By TJ - January 18 - 12:55 pm

  If you are like me and want the TRD off road performance with the luxury of leather, dont purchase the limited. Get the TRD off road and have a third party install the leather. After purchasing a 2016 Tacoma 4x4 limited a couple weeks ago with all the options including the tow package, I was very disappointed to discover the limited doesnt have the TRD off road performance options. The website and brochure say under the description of the limited, "adds or replaces features on the TRD off road." It does none of this and basically replaces the TRD off road features with the SR5 features. Love the truck, but disappointed the limited doesnt have the TRD off road performance.

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  Great.. as advertied - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By foonman - January 17 - 2:43 pm

  Great car. May not be the most fun to drive, but doesnt pretend to be (unlike, say, the Accord). Leather seats are extremelt comfortable, and I especially like the high seating position. Toyota (and VW) are the only companies making stability control available to the masses. When front left tire blew out the car maintaind a straight line until I could pull over.

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  Over Engineered - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By KEN - January 17 - 1:13 pm

  Loved the 2002 Camry it was a good match up engine/tranny. The 2007 is a disappointment; the tranny seems to have a mind of its own shifting up and down at will. There is a very dangerous hesitation when pick up speed is needed quickly such as merging onto the freeway (someones going to get killed if Toyota doesnt fix this). Its as though the engine literally quits for a few seconds and when it comes back to life its in low gear roaring like crazy.

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  T100 It keeps running & running. - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Rick Obeid - January 16 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased my T100 in Jan 1997 with the idea that I would use it to get back and forth to work and light hauling such as my 14ft. Alumnacraft boat. In almost 11 years of ownership it has never left me stranded. Ive had two problems with the truck where the repair costs were over $150. The first was AC related and was covered by the standard warranty. The second repair was more of a wear issue, the valve cover gaskets needed replacing. The truck started leaking very small amounts of oil. All other repairs have been minor or routine maintenance. Im selling the truck to a friend because he needs a reliable fuel efficient vehicle. Good luck finding one!

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  j blo - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By jo blo - January 16 - 2:00 am

  this is a great truck and i would buy it again if presented with the opportunity.