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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  Best Car In The Market - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By David McCory - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Not much thing to say, overall is a best car I ever seen

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  Love the Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By lioney111 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling, drives more like a car than a truck. Interior is spacious and airy, with plenty of backseat legroom when passenger side front seat is pulled back. Cargo area and ability to create cargo space a big plus; no hump in the center back seat floor so even tall items can be fit inside. The safety features work! Experienced a T- bone collision with full front hit from speeding 45 mph Honda sedan. Air bags deployed, engine dropped down as described in Toyota literature. No windows broke, we were able to walk away with minimal injury from the impact and seat belt/air bags working properly. Although totalled, I plan to get another Highlander.

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  LOVE MY TOYOTA - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By DORENE - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA AND I LOVE THE LOOK AND THE HANDLING

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  Corolla Not What it Once Was - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - May 2 - 1:10 am

  I bought my 2003 Corolla new in June 2002, and it has been plagued with quality issues from the start - a major surprise as I thought Toyota was known for its reliability. Some of these issues are minor but annoying (my center console door broke after a few months and wont close, and my dashboard fuses have blown twice). However, the engine started leaking at 40,000 miles, a $400 fix. Most disappointingly, I had to completely replace the power steering rack at 80,000 miles for $1100. Also, the serpentine belt needed replacing at 50,000 miles ($200) and now, at 90,000 miles, Im told it needs replacing again. I wont buy another Toyota

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  my family van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By j. verceles - May 2 - 1:06 am

  This is one of the exceptional van I ever drived. My family loves it and I am glad choosing this one instead of the other compitition. I own the all wheel drive and it is doing a great job. I lived in upstate New York and I dont have any problem driving it on snow. How I wish Toyotas next generation of Sienna will be a hybrid.

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  Awesome truck...but.... - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By 06Tacoma - May 2 - 12:03 am

  Overall, this Tacoma has been very good and useful for us. However, that being said, if you have the means and are looking for an AUTO trans Taco, I would suggest getting the V6 instead. I currently own an 07 Double-cab long bed Prerunner and average about 21mpg (our local gas is a 10% ethanol blend). With the inline 4, I was only averaging about 22mpg so the fuel economy savings with the 4 is very slim. The V6 also idles softer/smoother (as is the case with most V6s vs larger displacement 4s). Also, occasionally during cold starts the inline 4 seemed to idle quite high and noisily for about half a minute before settling down (others have posted reviews about this as well).

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  Very Nice - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lkrsfan1 - May 1 - 10:56 pm

  Have had my v6 FWD for a few weeks now and Im very impressed. I love the look with the 20 wheels, and the overall exterior look is similar to cars much more expensive. The interior is sharp, well-thought out and attractive. Im 63 and fit very nicely in the car. Back seat space is fantastic and helped by reclining seats. I couldnt be happier with this car.

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  Love it more every day! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pati - May 1 - 10:50 pm

  We researched a lot of cars and although I really wanted the convertible at first, the visibility was terrible. At 5 tall, I am able to adjust the seat so that I have no problems with comfort. I do agree that memory settings for the driver seat would make this car complete. (My husband is 62") The rear seat is big and the trunk is much larger than the convertible, plus the 60/40m split seat behind that folds down to access the trunk is great for skis or a random trip to the hardware store. It combined my wishes for a sporty looking car with a great luxury car that my husband wanted. It is close to perfect!

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By J9 - May 1 - 10:40 am

  I have had this car for 4 years, and have zero problems. It is quiet, comfy, and a great ride. The design of every little feature makes so much sense. This was my first car that wasnt a GM. I will buy another Avalon after this one. I couldnt be more pleased. I now understand why Toyota is doing so well. Im sold!!

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  Sporty Looking Car with Economy Mileage - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By lmod738 - May 1 - 8:30 am

  I did a lot of research before getting this car. I traded a 98 Audi A6, and was skeptical to get into an economy car. I had looked at the 2008s last year and wasnt impressed; they look like peppy college cars. The redesigned S looks sporty and fun without the sports car problems. Another big selling point for me was the 6 standard airbags and ABS. In Colorado weather those things are a must-have. And most important, I nearly fell over when I saw the MPG I was getting! 37 combining city and highway driving! My Audi maxed at 22! Guess thats the trade from a V6 to a 4 cylinder, but the pros for this car definitely outweigh the cons.