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 Truck! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By AliciaD - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Truck! I went from a Honda CRV to a 4 Runner and the difference is huge. It is bigger inside and has lots more power. Would never go back to anything smaller again.

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  An honest opinion. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By buyacamry - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I recommend this car with some exceptions. This is the most comfortable car Ive driven so far. Adequate leg room for 6ft+ tall person. I have had some issues with this car also. The brakes stink. Too much travel and requires constant adjustment. Its too low to the ground. Fully loaded (5 pass) it scrapes the highway. Wish cruise control was molded in steering wheel. Cheap carpeting, keeps lifting. Overall quality could be better.

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  awesome allrounder - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe shoer - June 26 - 4:43 am

  I have owned this truck for one year now and love it as much as the day I picked it up! Although its not perfect it far exceeds all GM trucks Ive owned, mechanically, reliably,and aesthetically. This truck works hard carrying weight 80% of the time and has performed flawlessly. After 50000KM I have had no problems whatsoever except for paint chips. Whether it be a result of poor paint (white) or to many gravel trucks, I dont know. Overall I am very happy with my first Toyota Tacoma.

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  Performs as expected... and then some! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Bostondann - June 25 - 11:20 pm

  I purchased a pre-owned 2002 Corolla when my 1994 Tercel final gave up the ghost. This is perhaps the ultimate commuter car - reliable, steady, easy to drive, fuel efficient, and unnoticed by speed traps. The five-speed instead of automatic transmission makes a big difference in traffic and bad weather. BTW - Im 56" and find the cabin very comfortable!

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  celica review - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Julz - June 25 - 10:10 pm

  love the car, but when you have something break or need maintenance it is really expensive. The air conditioning pump just suddenly failed, so the car would not start... $1,800 ouchhhhhhhhh (this is however,after 4.5 years of owning the car). Last year the serpentine belt and tensioner needed to be replaced, this was $576. I cannot bring it to anywhere but the toyota dealership for an oil change and maintenance because the last time I did the splash guard that goes over the bottom of the car was not put back on properly and I ended up dragging it down a major expressway. Previous oil changes always took 4 guys to do figure it out!!! Maintenance is at $300-$450 every $15,000 miles

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  Trading in after two years - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By UnderKill40 - June 24 - 3:30 pm

  I love the looks of my Camry. Super powered, too many speeding tickets already! JBL stereo is good. However, the quality of this car is not acceptable for Toyota standards. Cheap plastic everywhere. Terrible transmission that doesnt shift right. Moonroof has a lot of rattles. Tires only lasted 20000 miles.

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  My 2nd is Even Better! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By VCarvis - June 24 - 10:00 am

  My 1st was an 85 4-cyl and I still have it... 270,000 and going. Not as comfortable anymore, but very reliable. I drive about 3,000 miles a month so I need a car that will get me there. Every Camry Ive seen meets that description. I chose the 4-cyl 5- speed stick because I love to shift and they get the best mileage. The 97 CE is smooooth! In Texas there are lots of open roads and hills where Im at. This car is just plain fun to drive! I got it with 122,000 miles and it rides almost like new. Still getting nearly 31mpg and purrs like a kitten.

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  Great 4-wheeler and commuter truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By RMORTON - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive tested my truck on 4-wheel roads up in Colorado each of the last 5 summers. Its handles the worst roads up there like a champ and doesnt appear to be affected by high elevation at all (unlike my Fords - boo, hiss!!). Its also my commuter car here in town and has been incredibly reliable. The tight body construction is terrific, especially considering the off-roading Ive done (careful offroading, though - I dont bounce it all over the place).

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  2001 Toyota Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Perfect student car - June 22 - 6:50 pm

  From the first day I got this car, I am satisfied. It is a perfect car for students because it is excellent on gas and very reliable. Though I do recommend the automatic for first time drivers. Throughly, its a car you get addicted to.

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  Dependable car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By rodawgs - June 22 - 1:13 pm

  Overall, I am extremely glad I got this car. It was a little more than what I wanted to spend, but all in all, a good quality vehicle.