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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  Wonderful vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Hardycreek - September 13 - 10:03 pm

  It does all things well - carries our canoe, or our bikes, Ive even laid down the back seat & slept in it. Fun to drive, comfortable, great reaction. Love this Toyota!

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  THE BEST - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kenny2 - September 13 - 5:16 am

  This car is best Ive test driven out of the other competitors in its class. I thank toyota for building such a superb vehicle.

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  Great! Until 100K... - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By mocondo - September 13 - 4:46 am

  I have been a big fan of this car since I bought it new seven years ago. I bought the 5-speed manual base line model. And for the first 100K, the only thing I had to replace were the usual things - tires, battery, brake pads, clutch (in that order). In fact, the clutch didnt start to go until I cleared 110K, and I do a lot of city driving. But. In the last six months, the car has just started falling apart. First the clutch, then the parking brake (twice), the struts, the suspension system, the air conditioner is leaking... Ive put more money into this car in the last three months than I did the whole rest of the time Ive owned it.

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  OK except wierd brake placement - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert Weiner - September 13 - 3:56 am

  traded in an old SUV and got clunker discount on a new Corolla. Main problem with the Corolla is brake pedal engages way down near the floor where the accelerator pedal is. Easy to hit accelerator when trying to brake. Why does Toyota for 2009 decide to situate non-adjustable break point so low? Electronic steering becomes annoying after a while too. No real road feel as in a normal hydraulic steering system.

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  Sex on Wheels - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By toyotasolara - September 13 - 3:00 am

  I have owned this car since it was new and I have never had a moment that I couldnt share about it. I driven far and wide, through North America and I would definitely consider it to be the best car I have ever driven. Its smooth, quiet, luxuriously appointed, yet sporty and great to look at. The drive quality is above average, the performance is great, though over-time its best to use Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil to retain the original performance of the car. The car handles great after I added a custom 2002 Solara suspension to the car and slightly tuned the new shocks to give it a bit more grip and feel to the road! Overall an amazing car that I recommend to anyone that loves cars!

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  So far so good - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By highlama - September 13 - 2:03 am

  I bought this Matrix about two months ago with 175,000 miles on it for my daily 400 mile courier route and its been great - so far. Since a 200 mile leg allows me to drive at only 55 mph, I net almost 33 mpg across the entire route - which is better than I expected. The car rides great, runs smooth, and shifts easily so its been a pleasure to drive.

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  Gasket Problem... - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runer - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Good car but not much power. Head gasket is the biggest problem on this car. Cost me too much money to keep it.

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  Priusmobile - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By lhand - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Fun car. Plenty of zip on to the interstate and over the road. Better gas mileage on the highway than stop and go (contrary to the manufacturers claim). Maneuvers extremely well. Could use some work on braking capacity. Great trunk space. Tolerable back seat leg room. Good front seat room and comfort. 42 to 45 mpg real #s for me. Some concern about ultimate cost of battery replacement since I tend to keep cars a long time.

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  new Celica GTS - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By rchronis@yahoo.com - September 13 - 2:00 am

  New Celica GTS w/ the Action Package. So far, very fun to drive. In just a few days Ive had numerable compliments. Im sure as it is a Toyota it will be little trouble. Fantastic value / fun per dollar. Eye- catching fun sports car with every option for about 25k. Cockpit position - everything is exactly where the driver needs it. The action package is very attractive and a great addition for the money. JBL sound system is very good. Handling and driving are very good, especially with the 16" wheels. As long as you arent expecting Mustang GT/V8 acceleration...

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  love my car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By blondesetter - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable vehicle that I have ever owned. Even my 3 children like this vehicle. They say they have more room in the back seat then my other 4 door sedans. The folding rear seat makes all the difference. I love the sleak lines of my car. The only thing that disappoints me is the current trade in value. Not that I want ot trade, but I work in the industry and see what trade in is. Somewhere along the way someone forgot the true value of this vehicle!