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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  Would recommend... - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By JCF - January 9 - 10:00 am

  ...this truck to anyone. Bought mine in Oct 2000 and have 75k miles. Overall dependability is beyond reproach. Been tremendous fun and plan to keep it for some time ( dont care for the exterior changes on the 2001+ models).

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  Great Car!! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By InvisibleDanielle - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 years now and I havent had any major problems. Just the normal ware and tear stuff like tires. Its a great car and I would buy another one.

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  Matrix the swiss army knife of cars - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By TRD fan - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix has to be one of the best Toyotas Ive owned. I have had sports cars, trucks, everything and this car seems to cover each of those vehicles needs perfectly. Its fast and fun as a daily driver, and gas mileage is excellent. Interior space is cavernous on the Matrix. I purchased an 8 Live Oak tree and fit it w/out bending into my Matrix with the hatchback fully closed! Enough said regarding that issue. Exterior wise, this car is very sleek and gives just a little hint of aggression in its lines. Very nice... Overall, you get a sports car, a truck, and a Toyota all in one.

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  Ergonomic Luxo Family Sedan - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By T-man - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 2000 Avalon XLS as a Toyota Certified Used 16 months ago with an Extended 100K Warranty and have enjoyed a very troublefree car. The Avalon is solidly designed and built with proven but conservative technology. The engine and transmission are smooth, quiet and capable. The Avalons interior roominess is almost minivan like. The Avalon has a high roofline and minimal "tumblehome" with the side windows being much closer to vertical than most other contemporary sedans. This is why the Avalon body styling looks a little funky head on, the straight side glass being reminiscient somewhat of classic Rolls Royce sedans.

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  Love it! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By spottyd - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is is my first Toyota and I LOVE it! Love the looks, the interior, the size ... I only wish it had a bit more passing power and side airbags!!! Would definitely buy one again!

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  Fantastic 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4run - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The 4th generation 2003 4Runner is undeniably the best all around 4x4 SUV on the market. I was absolutely amazed with all of the equipment and features that came with the standard SR5 4X4 V8 package. The 4Runner is hands down, the best value out there and with Toyotas rock solid reliability you cant go wrong.

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  love my limited - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tmcats - January 9 - 10:00 am

  love our jet black limited with tan interior. great, red hot v8 but brakes require too much peddle to slow this bulls fury. seats fit style and all those looks from admiring suv drivers seeing it the first time, hilarious. youll love the truck, the admiring eyes and the tiger in its tail. wonderful vehicle with a nasty disposition.

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  No worries , get better roof rack. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By manuel munoz - January 9 - 8:58 am

  I made a deposit prior to the fj being delivered into the US. One of the first on the west coast.No regrets.Front seat is a bit uncomfortable.Pillow fixed that.I only changed the intake,and exhaust, shocks,TRD all.The best tires for this rig are General at 2. Rotate every 3000, as with the oil.70,000 plus miles on tires. Work great in 2 foot snow and steep rock and gravel roads.Keep it at 65 mph and received 20 mpg,freeway. Will keep this forever.Not true about "all over the road,in wind".Not one problem.Do not use after market ultra bright headlight bulbs,will fry the sockets.lift kit not needed.Goes everywhere,anywhere,stock.Install blind spot mirrors A must. No regrets

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  Great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Archie Bowers - January 9 - 1:07 am

  The bad first : this thing drinks plenty of gas ! Now the good : bought spanking new in 2004. After 225,000 km Fluid changes, brakes, 3 rd set of Michelins, and a pricey right front bushing sealed unit. Thats it ! Reliable, good looking, lots of space. This thing will go for another 10 years and another 225,000 easily and ill bet reliably. What a great truck. Nicest ive owned to date and ive had plenty ! Cant figure why to change up to a new truck when this one owes me nothing, still looks fresh, and rides beautifully with 5 fully retracting windows incl. full rear window drop down, and a nice size moon roof. The big 3 cant offer that in a new truck for 50, 60, even 70 thousand $.

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  The Best Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By krasi henkel - January 8 - 9:20 pm

  After owning 10 new American cars with various mechanical and consetic problems and never any help from their manufacturers or dealers, I stopped trying to support the American auto industry and decided to support my personal fiscal policy: elegant, comfortable car, low maintenance, economical, and great to drive. The winner: Toyota Camry!! There is no equal. Now on my 6th Toyota, and still loving it. GM & Ford lost my business through poor service and quality. Not going back. Excellent car, great drive, no problems!!