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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  I like the odessey better - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Julie - March 14 - 3:16 pm

  I had purchased a used Odyssey with leather seats and dvd and I loved it but found out it had been crashed and not fixed right so we went back to the dealer and we traded it in for the sienna. I hate the seats, you lean back to rest and it is like laying on a brick, we have 80,000 miles and the a/c is acting up. The cd player and radio for the last 10,000 miles has been very strange some days you cant see any of the words on the radio and then it just stops working then it will work then stop again later. The one thing I noticed is when I accelerate it shifts hard and almost has a jerking noise. It has been really reliable that I am thankful for.

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tommy2tone - March 14 - 9:03 am

  Have had my 2008 Platinum 2 years now and Im truly as happy with it as the day I bought it. Sure, its pricey (I still cant get over my $850 mo. payment) but there is nothing on the road that even compares with it. If it had a Lexus badge (which it should) no one would even question it. It has plenty of power, an awesome transmission that never misses and is extremely comfortable.I love when my friends who have Lexus, Mercedes and one last week who has a Land Rover, get in and look around then say "This is nice- what car is this"? The Platinum series is that nice! Its the best overall car Ive owned. Oh yeah the Navigation- IT STINKS! drives me crazy! Get a TOMTOM for the dash.

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  The Best - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By adammc - March 14 - 8:00 am

  This truck was a graduation gift from my parents and they couldnt have made a better choice. I have owned a 91 and 93 toyota tacoma, both 4x4, and they have become my favorite trucks. I drive my truck hard, using the 4X4 on a regular basis and I have yet to have a problem. The off-road capability is unmatched by anything I have come across yet. It is a simple truck that cant be beat!

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  The Corolla that could - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Pat - March 14 - 5:46 am

  My 1st Toyota and it wont be my last. Extremely dependable, great mileage, not a show stopper but beauty is only skin deep. My daughter borrowed it the other day and on her way home from work she was rear ended/side swiped by a car at 60 mph. Rear quarter panel damaged, bumper pushed in to tire but structural integrity of trunk and balance of car intact. Daughter suffered minor whiplash, bumped her knee on dash and got a slight bruise from the shoulder strap which did a fine job holding her back from the windshield. The other 7 cars the driver hit didnt fare as well - my daughter walked away. Thanks Toyota!

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  A High-Profile Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Roo-N - March 13 - 5:33 pm

  Pros - fuel economy, mechanical reliability, overall Toyota quality, peppy, sits higher than most economy cars therefore good visibility Cons - the light weight and higher profile translates to wind intolerance, side rear-view blinds spots are dangerous, interior construction leaves a bit to be desired with squeaks and rattles, horn is pathethic.

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  Want Another - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Unkel - March 13 - 2:33 am

  They should still make Corolla wagons. Id get another. Ten years, 212000 miles, the only problem is oil burning - I just use thicker viscosity. Ive done only minor repairs from wear and tear. Original clutch and exhaust - amazing considering winter driving. The reliability, efficiency, and practicality of this car should be emulated. I average 42 mpg summer, 34 mpg winter, overall 38 mpg. I dont baby this car - I dont slow down for speed bumps, I use it like a pick-up (firewood, cement, loam, etc.), I carry people, luggage, doors, trees from the nursery... I fear this one is irreplaceable. Toyota should return to making the Corolla wagon. Try it as a hybrid, or at least with very low emissions. For now, if I had to replace this, itd be with a Focus.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Boxer - March 12 - 8:13 pm

  Traded in a Honda Ody for this beast and we have not been disappointed. You feel like king of the road sitting in this truck. The MPG stinks, but who does not expect that buying this truck? The tradeoff? An engine with crazy power that makes you feel as if you were in a muscle car! Platinum is worth it for the radar cruise control. Did not touch gas/brake for over 2 hours on PA Turnpike...truck almost drives for you! Nav is better than I expected and the bluetooth and voice recognition system beats our MDX hands down.

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  its veli good - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By echorulez - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  its a great car. runs great, fun to drive around in.

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  Blown Away - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Field - March 12 - 1:53 pm

  Wow, I upgraded from a 2002 LE V6 and I have been blown away with the difference. This car is great; great ride, great quality and great performance. The SE V6 is the only way to go. I compared it to the Accord and even the Acura TL and the Camry was by far the best bang for the buck. Very happy with my new car

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  Will Never buy from Toyota again - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Mike in St Pete - March 12 - 12:03 pm

  I paid two grand more to get the nav system. It is horrible. It almost got me killed once when my wife and I had to pull over in busy traffic to reset it. Toyota will not allow the passenger to use the nav system while moving. They are the only nav system that does this to the consumer, and it ruins the car for me. I now use my iphone for nav. Also, nav can only be updated every two years or so, meaning restaurants are incorrect and highways changed. Plus, they charge you $260 bucks for the upgrade when it does come out. There are a million complaints online about this nav system. Dont buy this van!