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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  Solid Value for the Money - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob - June 12 - 10:16 am

  Bought this truck new, drove 15,000 miles and waited almost a year to do this review. Have also read other reviews. Yes, the transmission shift points and brakes took time to get used to, but now that I am used to them, I better appreciate the way they are designed and operate - and I like them. Tows my 6,000 lb boat and trailer adequately. Highway ride is great - I prefer over my wifes Lexus GX 470. Gas mileage has met my expectations at 17-18 mpg around town and on the road (reason I do not trade up for a 07 big engine). What I especially like is the value for the price: leather, stability control, side curtain air bags and all the practical accessories I needed.

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  Sporty Economy Car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By mtest - June 12 - 10:00 am

  2000 GTS-Auto - this car should NEVER have an automatic, extra weight and 4 gears combined with a very low torque equal a poor accelertor. 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, not as quick as a loaner Echo I had (9.8 sec). Very reliable, 25 mpg (60% highway) - unfortunately premium fuel. This car needs something to improve low end torque and should drop the automatic. The auto provides no benefit, except to wives that wont drive manual - E-shift is a stupid gimmick. The 6K rpm valve lift change over too close to the 7800 red line. Its the only thing providing a brief hint of acceleration. Road Noise is high (improved slightly by changing tire bran

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  2002 Toyota Corolla - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By amdgmary - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Corolla is the best car Ive owned. It has excellent fuel economy and the vehicle is very reliable. The next vehicle I purchase will be either a Toyota Corolla or a Camry.

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  Great Selling Price - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By SBonar - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Got a great deal in Atlanta, GA. New 2004 LE for $16,400 out the door (before taxes and title). Would recommend visiting the Atlanta area if you are looking for the best deal. This is the fourth car we have bought in the Atlanta area. We have always saved at least $1,500 over purchasing the car locally. So far the car has been great, no problems.

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  Prius for the big guy - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jb72 - June 9 - 8:20 pm

  I am 6 6" tall ans was concerned about how this machine would fit - before I bought it. Not anymore. This car is fun to drive and is quite comfortable. I improved my mileage 2 1/2 times from the SUV I previously drove. This is a fine car.

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  Have 3 at home - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Nicecars - June 9 - 2:00 am

  all three excellent, comfy, spiffy to drive, super economic and reliable.Get 39 MPG on auto and 42 with manuals, both with rather agrresive & high speed driving.

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  A Love/Hate Relationship - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By atarsh - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love the design of it, inside and out. I find that the engine is lively but sometimes it does its own thing when I want it to do another. I am also very uncomfortable with the handling, especially at highway speeds. The steering is not great and when the wind is high, the car is all over the road. I have had a lot of quality issues with it, unfortunately. I have had several parts fixed repeatedly, or replaced. I am somewhat dissappointed in this new iteration. I love the looks of it but I am not sure that the quality Toyota is known for is apparent in my car. I love it, however, regardless of its faults.

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  Have had Problems - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By David Lukas - June 8 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased my 4runner with only 52000 Miles. Unfortunately I have had nothing but problems. Around 70k miles I had the head gasket replaced. By 107k the engine had to be rebuilt. It now has 176k mi and the engine has serious problems. (no compression on the valves). I had two Toyotas before this one and have been disappointed with the reliability of the 95 4runners engine. I currently get around 9 miles to the gallon and the engine has NO power. I am told $1650 to fix it, time to get rid of it!

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  1999 Toyota 4-Runner Std - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By HarleyRider - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I leased this suv new in 99 and wound up buying it. Got stuck with Toyotas wonderful 5yr lease and racked up the miles. Anyway, its been a great truck. All Ive really done is keep up on regular schedualed maintenance. The design is nice. The power rear window is great for dogs. It handles a lot better with larger tires then the stock 225/70s it came with. It runs great and I still get compliments about its design and looks. Its an excellent in- town vehicle.

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  Stay away from the Pricy Nav System - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By hondaowner56 - June 6 - 4:11 pm

  Good overall, but it doesnt mean competition is bad. If youre interested in the Nav, the only advantage youll get for $2000 extra is the bigger backup camera screen. Nav is terrible for $2000. TOYOTA MUST GIVE AWAY this nav rather than sell it. Its very old tech. Many owners also get lost because they cant park the car just to make corrections. Voice command is very ancient and limited (only 3 entries shown at a time). Save the $2000, buy the high-end portable nav, and keep the difference. Youll get better and safer guidance. I drive with the screen always off because of the frustrating User interface.