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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  I Love My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Virginia Heredia - September 16 - 4:16 pm

  For a truck it is really fun and I know I can go anwhere and not worry about breakdown. It is easy and comfortable to drive and park. I am having bearing problems with the fan belt and I am low on oil about every 1800 miles (about 1 quart) for which I will be dealing with Longo on this. It is stylish and very truck looking, not like the sissy front ends of the Silverado. Interior is simple but effective. I wish it had a outside temperature gauge. But overall I LOVE MY TUNDRA!! (wish I could have afforded a 4X4)

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  My Purple Tortoise - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By hotbite - September 16 - 1:03 pm

  Ive had my 98 RAV4 since 2004. Its ridiculously reliable...no repairs needed, just maintenance and its got over 130,000 miles on it. My only real gripe about the car is the mileage. Im surprised to read several reviews that praise its mileage! For a 4-cylinder that has zero power, I am disappointed that it only gets 18mpg. I would have expected more. The cupholders are also not really usable. Not in a good location or capable of holding tall cups w/o spilling. Dont get me wrong...I love my RAV. It gets me from A to B with no problems. Knock on wood!

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  2006 Hylander - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Brown - September 16 - 10:56 am

  We traded a 2003 Mazda Tribute after several years of relaiable service. We decided to test drive the Highlander. After driving this vehicle we were very pleased with the added space and the refinements, particularly with the quietness of the cabin and the smoothness of the ride. The transmission shifts very smoothly. It is truly an enjoyable vehicle to drive and I would recommend to anyone looking for a quality.

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  13,000 miles, no problem - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By PJ - September 16 - 6:56 am

  The truck was delivered with everything working correctly and not one mark on the finish. 13,000 miles later everything is still working, no warranty issues to date. The finish does have a few nicks now.

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  2nd car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By doug/toyman - September 16 - 2:00 am

  bought from relative 1 yr old/ great mileage. revs high on cold days (normal ; miss cruise control. great audio package. rougher ride than camray.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Hayward Gray - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Im one of the lucky ones who puchased a 2004 Prius in Nov. 2003. The car is a pure pleasure to drive wherever you are in city or highway. I just returned from a trip to Mammoth, Calif. and back to Upland, Calif. a distance of 750 miles. I had the car packed with other friends ski gear and food for four days. We left this valley, elevation 1000 ft. with a gradual climb to Mammoth elevation 8000 ft. over all gas mileage to Mammoth was 50mpg and coming back to our valley we got 55mpg. It is a very adequate "road" car with good power and very comfortable.

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  Solid - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shasta McNasty - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 4Runner brand new and have owned it for 3 1/2 years and 43000 miles. The truck is as tight as the day I drove it off the lot. Ive had ZERO problems. In addition, this is by far the best looking SUV produced in the 2000 model year. I highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for a preowned SUV between $15K and $20K.

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  2004 Limited 4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Three Cheers Boston - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I initally looked at buying the Lexus GX470. Its a great SUV but the dealership could not locate the color and options that I was looking for. So I decided to check out the Toyota 4 Runner because it is basicly the same vehicle. When I found the exact 4 Runner I was looking for I took it for a test drive. I was very impressed with the quality and the ride of the vehicle. I bought the 4Runner & had it fully loaded with all the options and accessories. It is as nice to drive if not better than the GX470 and is about $8,000.00 - $10,000.00 less. A great deal for the money!

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  My Corolla S 5 sp - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By HossJWW - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed with the engine. I can fell vibrations in the steering wheel and pedals above 4000 rpm. Never had any vehicle do this before. The interior is all coal bin black and the fabric collects "fuzzies." HVAC controls feel cheap. Ride is bouncy due to non-independent rear suspension.

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  1995 Toyota Camry LE - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Oleg Dyachuk - September 13 - 9:26 am

  Bought this from Georgia with 105k miles on it. Sold it with 135k and made money on it after a year of driving it. Had an oil leak coming from the oil pump because the seals had all dried out but even after I had it fixed I still had some engine oil leaks but I sold it before I took a look at that. When I was selling it I checked the transmission oil level for the first time ever and it was bone dry but the transmission was still working properly. I loved the car, was my second car and it was very small but spacious, pretty fun to drive around.