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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  4Runner 4Real - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By mikee Likes it - September 19 - 10:50 am

  So far, so good (purchased 02/23/02). Performs smoothly; the rear cargo window features power-window capability; deceptively roomy interior. Perhaps its best feature is the SUVs "quality" feel that one gets only when driving in a Toyota. On the non-plus side, the interior dash looks rather bland, despite the "walnut" wood trim. Also, the 4Runners various accessory pieces (i.e. plastic lumbar adjustor thingees)are, to be frank, cheap; Handles curves in a "so-so" manner.

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  Personality and practicality - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By arentz07 - September 18 - 10:18 pm

  I decided it was time to update from my 2010 Camry LE to something more fun but still smart. This 2015 SE-trim Camry does exactly that for me. I like the exterior design a lot better than the previous car. Ive seen other SEs in my mirror, and it looks mean, not to mention Ive gotten compliments on the blacked-out, high-gloss grill. The wheels look great as well, I must say. Inside, theres leatherette and textured cloth that feels durable. Its not premium, but its comfortable enough (with enough cargo space, too) for a couple of long drives my fiancee and I have taken. Only complaints: sometimes power is lacking, interior pieces creak under stress.

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  Should have kept our 2004 Solara - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Don - September 18 - 11:30 am

  The transmission and cruise control is a joke. The transmission hesitates and stumbles. Often there is a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. The cruise control will downshift on the slightest of inclines. The CC will downshift to 4th gear (3000 rpm) and often to 3rd gear (4800 rpm) rather abruptly. Without the CC the Camry will take the grades without shifting. Driving the Camry in traffic is a less than pleasant experience.

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  Dealership problems w/ Northridge Toyota - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Todd Trebah - September 17 - 10:00 am

  After test driving 3 Mercedes models, I stumbled across the 03 Toyota Avalon-- was very much surprised on the quality, comfort & performance of the car. However, this dealership left much to be desired --- from misrepresenting several items that were supposed to be included in the price to guarantee/warranty specifics.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By robbills - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Tacoma is a great all-around truck. The only complaint I have is the high price, but you get what you pay for. I havent had the chance to take it off-road yet, but on the street it holds its own.

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  Perfect size for me - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ron Shaw - September 17 - 2:43 am

  I bought this truck used in 06. I wanted this smaller size, not the larger size the Tacoma has become. Mine is a fairly basic truck, standard cab with air and stereo. Nothing else. It has turned out to be just what I expected. A simple truck that is very capable, with the Toyota reliability I have come to expect. I have loaded it down with 1500 pounds of bamboo flooring, and the 4 cyl 5 spd manual was not taxed at all. This truck gives you the feeling that it will do whatever you ask it to do.

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  The Good The Bad and The Ugly - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Sorun - September 17 - 1:30 am

  Lets start with the ugly. Road noise is high, if you do not like road noise then do not buy this car! Very loud on anything but smooth pavement.

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  Just purchased Tacoma and Love it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Phillips - September 16 - 7:46 pm

  We just traded in our leased 2002 Tacoma for the 2005 model and WOW! what a huge difference in design, ride and size. The ride is like a luxury vehicle and the seats are very comfortable with the lumbar supports. My only complaint so far would be the gearshift (automatic) seems similar to that of a manual transmission with the over-down, down-over, movements to change from park/drive/etc. I imagine it just takes getting used to.

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  My new car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Lisa - September 16 - 7:53 am

  I love my car.It has a great body and I love the features like spoiler,alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, beautiful color (indigo ink)and I like the fuel economy. It could be better or worse but I am not complaining.I do think they should improve on the interior space.I also think they could improve on the pick-up speed of the car.It moves kinda slow but it is ok once you get going.All in all I love this car and would reccommend it to anyone.

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  Loved it Until... The ENGINE FAILED! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By H M - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  I bought the Matrix new and it was the first one I had seen. I have absolutely LOVED this car...UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILED!! I never had one single mechanical problem, did ALL scheduled maintenance, and it ran perfect up to 94K miles. Then within the space of two days, NO WARNING AT ALL - engine problem. Toyota informs me it has sludge in the engine, and from that day on the engine is awful. Car stalls, slugs along, you name it. Completely unreliable now. TOYOTA claims it is MY FAULT, and completely FAILS to acknowledge a longstanding design problem with the engine. Then tells me I have to pay 8-11K to get A NEW ENGINE. Research Toyota Sludge people!!! Never again Toyota...Sorry.