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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  Great Gas Mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pat-Prius - October 4 - 3:43 am

  Gas savings depends on miles driven & driving style. The Prius multiples the benefits of the known gas saving tips. What I think is the best feature in the Prius is the display of what engine (electric or gas) is running, if the battery is charging, what’s your MPG all in real time. I play it like a video game and add up the points. Last summer I averaged 65 mpg for my 60 miles a day commute. Tips like slower speed driving saves gas, when I’m driving under 40 mph I’m using only the electric engine (unless going up hill). The display shows MPG used for slow steady starts vs 0 to 60 starts. Whenever I coast or go down hill the gas engine turns off & the battery starts changing, like making gas.

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  The Best - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Gary Tricarico - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Landcruiser. And by far the best Toyota has built for urban jungles. It is the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable if you load it with all options, it also cost the same as the Lexus once you load it. The navigation system is outstanding, better than several others I have seen on other vehicles. My average fuel is 15 to 17 hwy. Start of 3rd year, 80,000 miles plus, not 1 thing has gone wrong, service only. I dont go off road, but on road this car is very safe and reliable in any road conditions.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By twinee - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This car impresses. ECHO owners know that this car is a gem. This car brings a smile to my face! I previously owned a Tercel and a Honda Civic. The Tercel was a great car. The Civic my worst nightmare, lots of electrical problems. My ECHO is not only problem free but very fuel efficient at 32 miles per gallon. Best car on the road today.

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  I love what you do for me Toyota!! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotasTheBest - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car for 10 years now and it is still running great! It is THE most reliable car! Ive been driving it for four years and only once have I had to take it to the shop. The engine overheated. I was without my car for two days (and I missed it terribly), but that was it. While other cars would be going through repair after repair after 10 years, the Toyota Camry encounters no problems and still runs as if it were almost new! My Toyota Camry has turned me to a Camry buyer for life!

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  Help, Im trapped in the Matrix... - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Adam Smith - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This was a great little car off the lot. However, with 5000 miles under its belt, the novelty has worn off. First off, Toyota overstated the HP rating of the XRS for 2004 (actually 173hp), and has offered no resolution other than "oops! sorry! have a nice day." I paid a premium for the XRS, did I not? At least get your spec sheet right, or give me a rebate. The revisions to the engine also lower the gas mileage, whee! Im also having numerous interior rattles, the dash is falling apart, and my transmission doesnt want to go into gear. My clutch is also acting up (wont engage right often), and im not an abusive driver.

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  Great value minor improvements - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mhamm - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the car after trading in an Infiniti G35 sports sedan with annoying interior rattles and high levels of road noise. Love the Prius technology and the build quality and the attention to ergonomics and details. Toyota had to make some trade-offs to offer this technology ladened mid-size car at an affordable price. I think they made the trade-offs well - lower than expected milage not withstanding. What car really meets its EPA ratings anyway? Granted the hybrid are a little more sensitive to driving styles, air temperature and passenger weight.

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  BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED. - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By cbarbi - October 4 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Sienna mini-van for 5 years with out a single issue, Im sold on Toyota so it was a no-brainer what I wanted when I decided to buy an SUV. We drove other SUVs and almost bought a Pilot, no other compares to the look, feel and overall reliability of this vehicle. Lots of room, even in the 3rd row. Smooth, quiet ride and features I havent even discovered yet. This is our third toyota and weve never been disappointed..

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  Our Blue Ravioli - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie Mena - October 4 - 2:00 am

  RAV4 offers SUV convenience yet great gas mileage of 24/city and 28/highway because the car runs in fifth except when you override it. Comparable makes offered 6-10 mpg less. We didn’t see the economy until 10,000 miles. Other great features were the back, with low floor and side-closing door (and tire hangin on door.) A child can change clothes at the beach in complete privacy. It is shorter than the Corolla and easy to park. Difficult to find any color but silver or white, we finally found blue. The blue, green and red are stunning. With override button on the shifter, it gets us up hills quickly. This is a great family car.

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  Solid Pickup - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By trd182 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  My 01 tacoma has 70,000 miles on it and i havent had a single problem with it. It goes everywhere off road and rides nice on the pavement. Its a solid truck.

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  I LOVE WHAT YOU FOR ME.... TOYOTA - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By KuTeAzn1 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I use this truck for everything... Daily driving... work and fun... I am a big time outdoors person... So I decided to lift the truck and change the suspension... because it came stock with the Tokiko shocks... Put Sway-A-Ways in the front and Blistens 5100 in the back and this thing is great off road... never had problems with it at all... Also upgraded the stock radio and cd to a 7" DVD/CD Player and it is great on long trips...