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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  nice truck - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By toshoku - October 2 - 2:00 am

  the best full size utility vehicle in the market, bar none!!

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  Would buy another one today - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Drivernator - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Having driven us built autos with the exception of a 1993 Mitsubishi, I would buy another 4Runner today. This is the best built, easiest to drive and park SUV I could find in the market after researching ALL mid-sized SUVs available. I paid a little more than I would have had to pay for a U.S. built SUV, but figure I will save the difference in maintance expenses.

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  Dissapointing Quality - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kjonim - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Very dissaponting quality of interior parts. 14 days spent since Purchase date. Do not buy cars made in California. Interior buzzes will drive u crazy. Recently right front door developed new ratteles and buzzes. This is my 4th toyota and definitly the last one.Toyota quality definitly took a nose dive. I also own Mitsubishi which has no such quality issues.

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  First Year models - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stevede - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Had trouble with the gas tank recall. First replacement tank leaked and left my wife stranded, two weeks now and no new part insight. According to other Edmund discussion groups, this has happened before to recall customers in other parts of the country. Is it a replacement part or shoddy workmanship at the dealer, I am not sure. A second first year problem are the run flat tires. After 3,000 miles, the tire gets a nail in it. Toyota informs me that the tire must be replaced and not repaired,list price $200. I had to wait five days for a new tire. According to Dunlop, these tires can be replaced, so much for misinformation.

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  driver - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By forare - October 2 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive. some controls a little confusing until learned.

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  Sienna rocks!!....and is a rock - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By chipster 62 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I rate this vehicle very highly except in the area of acceleration. When you have to aggressively accelerate in traffic, there is a pronounced hesitation in applying power. The Toyota dealer has been unable to simulate but this hesitation, which appears to be computer-related affecting mixture or timing, makes the vehicle dangerous to drive because power is not there when you need it. Based on the dealers response, we will have to live with it.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Moe - October 1 - 3:10 pm

  I agonized of my choice between the Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra. I have driven chevys for years, however I am more than happy with my choice of the Toyota Tundra. It is a great ride. It handles well and has adequate cabin space. I am a big guy and I fit very comfortably in the driver seat. The rear roll down window is a plus. The pay load and towing ability is satisfactory, it fits my families needs. Toyota service is second to none. Can improve gas mileage and storage space. I think you will love this truck.

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  Great Car, Hybrid or not - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By DrinkingFrog - October 1 - 9:13 am

  Ive only had mine for about 400 miles, but I like it very much. It has a comfortable ride, but you can still feel the road a little. I do not detect the engine noise that the editors talked about, even with the windows down. It handles fairly well for an SUV, but it does get a little mushy in the turns. I dont mind that tradeoff for the comfortable ride. The cargo area is terrific for a midsize SUV.

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  Great SUV!!!! - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By S. Haider - October 1 - 6:53 am

  We bought the LC with 150K miles on it and it still drives like a new car. We also own a Lexus and I could not tell the difference in the ride. With the windows up it is as quiet as can be, there is not a single squeak, rattle or noise anywhere. the V8 is smooth as silk. In one weekend we fit 2 families in the LC and went to and from the mountains (7K ft. elevation) to the beach and it performed flawlessly. We will be keeping this vehicle til the wheels fall off.

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  Best Value - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By boda - October 1 - 4:40 am

  Needed a full size famly sedan for under $30,000 with a good reputation and value for the money. Toyota was my first choice, Honda was 2nd after test drove the Toyota I was sold, my wife wanted a moon roof leather int and my son wanted a V-6 engine, so I purchased the Toyota Camry XLE V-6 color super white very happy with the XLE V-6 the car drives like a dream, after getting all the options that the XLE V-6 offers I dont know how we lived without them. I added window tint that helps with night driving and factory mud flaps. We love this car!