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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  Most Dependable - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Shail - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought at 83k year and half ago. Now has 110k with no major problems. I had to do brake job which I know at the time of purchase. Still you feel like it can go upto 200k without any problems.

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  Solara Believer - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Believer - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Im the original owner and love this car. Its handling in town and on the freeway is exceptional. Its got a lot of zip for a V6 and the interior is very quiet. I love the JBL sound system, as well as, the smooth ride. Very fun to drive.

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  Thats My Baby!. - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CeeCee - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is ideal for short person like me. I need to be up higher and closer to controls, which are same as Camry. Ride not as comfortable as Camry but fun. Concern about lack of rear bumper. Brakes not as responsive as Camry.Am happy with my choice.

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  We love this SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By sbjayman - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from a 4000 mile road trip with kayaks on top, bikes attached to a hitch rack, and it was fully loaded. The six cylinder has loads of torque 283 and plenty of horsepower as well, 245. It is fun to drive, exceptionally comfortable, and handles extremely well.

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  4Runner is the gold standard - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyo4x4 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Everyone that rides in it says it feels like a luxury car. I got it for its awesome off-road abilities but it is the best of all worlds. The ride is very comfortable and doesnt lean in corners. My Sport Edition comes standard with XREAS. The quality is rock solid perfection and reminds me of Lexus; and not the cheap Lexus but the level of the RX330 and above. I have not had one problem with the truck. Not even a rattle or squeak- even while off-roading.

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  Toyota Quality - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Braylen - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many Toyota trucks in the past, and they have all been extremely reliable. I am sure this truck will be no different in that aspect. If you are looking for a quality compact truck look no farther than your local Toyota dealership.

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Vaisey2485 - October 1 - 10:30 am

  I just traded up from a 2003 F-150 Lariat. This is my 1st Toyota and I love it. I found the interior to be a little less then what I anticipated. I thought my F-150 had a better interior pkg. But, where the interior lacks - the horsepower makes up for. It has such a smooth ride also. Best truck i ever had.

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  Compare - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By Edith Burris - October 1 - 9:59 am

  Do your homework and use all the internet assistance. I was all prepared when I arrived at the dealer and had a pleasant experience.

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  I Love to Drive...THIS CAR! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By KBP - September 30 - 10:13 pm

  The most fun I have had in a long time. Finally sold my "oil tanker" SUV for something more fun and maneuver. The 3 point turns are back in my repetoire of driving. Yes, I at times I miss the cargo space. But again "at times".

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  Desert Toy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Navigator - September 30 - 4:32 pm

  Best Toyota Tacoma Yet.