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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  251,000 Miles and still going! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Bowdoctor - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4th Toyota in 1996 and still have it today! It has 251,000 miles and still looks good! Burns some oil about 1 quart per 700 miles. You can check the body out too, no rust! I live in Michigan and you know the winters here!

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  Consumer - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By princessara - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is wonderful, however a v6 would fit the vehicle much better.

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  Awesome truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Will Brock - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Got everything on my truck except the spare tire lock and really love the look and feel of the truck. It drives very nice and its overall quality is great, save for a slight low speed air conditioner fan noise. The 4X4 on the fly is great especially for snow/ice driving and have no trouble driving or stopping in the inclement weather. Pulls evething I have wanted. I baby the truck, but I also use it for remodeling houses and everthing else. You pay for what you get and I would do it again without hesitation.

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  The Winner - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By ggrindle - May 19 - 2:00 am

  78000 miles now. Bought in 01/2000. 3 years later I have not had a single problem of any kind. Had a 1995 r22 before this which I put 132,000 miles on before selling and never had a single item of maintenance on it either.

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  Excellent Avalon Toyota - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By givd - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Performace is very good, side mirrors have to be redigned, too big. rear tailights not the most appealing. Windshield wipers on high speed shake the entire car when idiling

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  Fun little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Much more fun to drive than the CRV. With the smooth-shifting 5-speed transmission, the 2.0 VVi engine has adequate power with very good gas mileage--got 31 MPG on the first tank driving highway. My wife loves her RAV; great for our small family and trips around town.

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  great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By annabella - May 19 - 2:00 am

  we bought a 1999 used toyota camry in 2000. this was the best car we have ever had. the fuel economy is excellent. the comfort is incredible. the reliability is phenomenal. i would recommend a toyota vehicle to anyone. we only buy honda or toyota as a rule of thumb, but if its just up to me, i would buy toyota exclusively.

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  Kick Booty Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Rainn14322 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I went from a FordExplorer to a Rav 4 to this, all new. I will not give this vehicle up for the world. It fits 3 car seats comfy in the back and rides like a car. It is so quiet i can hear my kids breathing. I had the basic package installed from port than put in extras myself, it was cheaper, i added playstaystion 2, dvd, tvs, roof rack, mud guards, roof rack, alarm, tint. Wouldnt change it for the worl. My sister bought one the week later and my mom the Seqouia TRd edition. We are now all Toyota Lovers. :)

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  Best Camry Yet - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Madgoo - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Camry Ive owned and the best so far. The previous two were V6s, but this 2003 157HP 4 cyl has ample power and uses regular unleaded which is a big plus. It is a great looking car both inside and out and is quieter than previous versions. It handles well for a mid-size family sedan and is built with Toyota quality in mind. Since I have just recently purchased the new model, I cant rave too much about reliability yet, but the other two Camrys certainly served us well.

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  03 Camry - 1st Impressions - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By KJS - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I had done extensive research on the Camry and Passat. I sat in each seat (including rear middle seat) for each car for minimum of 15 minutes to determine most comfortable, the Camry won as it was roomier and more comfortable. Research, and personal experience with my 97 Camry showed Camry has better reliability. [So how did I get to sit in each car for about 45 minutes? Your not going to believe it, but on New Years Eve I drove to each dealer to look at my finalists. BOTH dealers had a car unlocked on their lots! I was also able to listen to the Monsoon stereo system in the VW!!!. Toyota sound system is far supperior.