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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  review rating - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Alder - May 8 - 12:00 pm

  air leaks around window switches and map pockets, moon roof sw doesnt seem to function as discribed in owners manual. Trouble finding closed position. Steering tilt adjustment could be lower by 1 inch for long legs. Heater coil could be larger.

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  Glad to be Back with LC - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By David - May 7 - 6:56 am

  Had a leased 99 LC but moved to a 2002 Toyota Sequoia due to bigger size and lower cost. Could not wait to get rid of the Sequoia; too large and fit/finish could not come close to the LC. Traded back to 2006 LC and could not be happier. More features some same attention to quality and reliability.

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  Great Little Car - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By david1961 - May 6 - 7:39 pm

  I just purchased a certified pre-owned 2012 Toyota Corolla S with 30k miles on it. The exterior is very sporty and sexy and the seating is extremely comfy even for myself who has a bad back. The lumbar support is awesome. The ride is smooth and the electric steering needs a little getting used to but it turns well and has a tight turn radius. The transmission shifts smoothly and quietly. It only has 132 HP but it suits us fine for just driving around town and back and forth to work and I average 33.6 MPG with the 4 speed automatic transmission.

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  Basics Missing - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By va_prius_10 - May 6 - 12:16 pm

  We just purchased our Prius IV and so far we like it. We did found Toyota left out somethings that should be very basic; such as a valet key, or a way to lock the glove box. In addition, the radio reception is weak and the iPod interface is slow when scrolling through artists, genre, etc... In all fairness, we are impressed with the MPG but not very impressed with the interior finish (given the price); also why have a button for Park?? I would recommend this car but note that its not for everyone.

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  Good to Own - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Jamie Du - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet and Quicky Acceleration in Vechicle

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  Disappointment - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By All - May 6 - 10:00 am

  1.The navigating computer does not work correctly. 2.Consumes too much gasoline. 3.Requires allignment. 4.The side sliding door des not close properly. 5.Transmition requires correction. 6.Overpriced. More stable on the road then GM or Chrisler. I had Venture before and I had much less problems then with this garbage

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  Poor exterior body paint - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Otto Ramlee - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Car is comfortable to be driven, handling is good, excellent fuel economy on highway and city driving. Poor body paint job, thin and easily scratch by light bump. Trunk is quite large but trunk lid is made so light that it requires a push right on the center top of the lid. Automatic light sensor is not install as written in the manual, unlike on Corolla it comes standard. Overall this car offers good value for a family sedan.

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  I like my 2003 better - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By BRCamry - May 6 - 7:00 am

  I like the ride and mpg, but attention to detail has slipped the past few years. My 2003 Camry got the same mileage and it was a little more comfortable. The car handles well enough and will haul five people comfortably. The engine seems to have more power than my 2003 Camry. This is my third Camry and I have had great luck with them. But after buying the Camry, I wished I had looked at the Accord and Sonata a little closer.

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  Nice van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By David Crow - May 5 - 9:46 pm

  The purchasing experience was acceptable. We shopped and researched for two months before deciding.

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  No More Domestics - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By buddyboy59 - May 5 - 3:40 pm

  purchased a 2011 Base rav4 4 cyl with 35K,traded in a 03 Hemi Ram Quadcab,compared to the ram this is a riding lawnmower on steroids,now i can pass a gas station,the fit and finish is excellent,rides very nice for a short wheelbase vehicle,i find the 4 cyl to be very adequate for daily driving,mileage is good also,the interior is roomy,if you like the glitz and glamour look,this wont do it for you,personally,i prefer basic and reliable,banking on the toyota reliability to serve me well for a number of years,overall very pleased.