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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  same as the lexus 330 but 10k cheaper - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By CTTC - August 27 - 7:50 am

  We drove Suburbans, Tahoes and Explorers for years and finally scaled down to a "crossover". The Highlander and Lexus 330 specs are identical. The 330 has an automatic tail gate closer and a few other frills and is $10k more expensive. The Highlander is remarkable and handles beautifully. When we need a little extra room we added a roof bubble and that made up for the lower storage capacity. Get it loaded with leather etc. and you wont be sorry forget the Tahoe and Explorer They wont handle like the Highlander

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  Long life - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By rothkclark - August 27 - 7:33 am

  Great car. Sold it in June of 2010 in order to buy an SUV. Great MPG and lasted! There was nothing wrong with it when I sold it. Had 194,000 miles and ran almost perfect. Sold it for $1,800 even though KBB listing was $2,200. Overall, it was great.

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  Tacoma 5-Speed SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Millsy - August 27 - 7:00 am

  This is the first pickup Ive owned and I generally have high marks. I imagine its as capable as any other in its class, and IMO it rides extremely comfortably. One major disappointment is the chintziness inside. My gearshift knob swims in place, while the gearshift itself shimmies endlessly in the front gears (1-3-5). Theres also a cheap plastic compartment next to the steering column that doesnt shut properly (and Ive never used it). Ive also been disappointed by the fuel efficiency. While it reports 23/28, I have yet to get anywhere close to 20 mpg from a tank. From a drive standpoint, the manual 5-speed seems essential for responsive on hills, turns, tough on-ramps, etc.

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  So far, so good! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Openroad - August 27 - 5:03 am

  Have put about 5000 miles on a lease/return since purchased 10/08 including about 1500 miles in extremely nasty snow/wind/icing conditions across the northwestern US. Handles snow packed "driveways" with 12-15% grades. We have room for my yellow lab in his kennel, 3 suitcases and a box of apples behind the split rear seat. Road noise is less than our Subaru OB. We have averaged 25+ MPG since purchase with individual tanks running between 24 MPG and 29 mpg highway. V6 cruises easily at 70 MPH with power to spare while passing. Driver visibility is great.

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  Oh what a Feeling - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By pam - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 Toyota Sequoia, bought it new and at approx 8,000 miles it now has a pecking noise in the engine. I have had it back to the dealership several times and they tell me that it is a design flaw in the engine called "PISTON SLAP". It sounds like a diesel engine. Have contacted California with no success. Does Toyota really stand behind their products? What a feeling to ride in a pecking $40,000 vehicle. Their response is you still have a lot of warranty left. If it started pecking a approx 8,000 miles and still doing it at 13,000 miles by the time it has 50,000 miles it will be junk.

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  Best Starter Car! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Emily DiPierro - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its the first car that I have purchased and I think that it is a very good starter car for first time buyers. Very good quality for a very good price.

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  Cupholder Explanation For Everybody!!! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Donthaveoneyet - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Okay, I do not, and have not ever owned a 4Runner, although I hope to very soon. I took my spring break trip to Japan, and had always seen the reviews on 4Runners complaining about the cupholder placement. The reason they put it there is to keep drinks cold in the hot months by using the AC to cool it. This is VERY standard in Japan, nearly all vehicles have this set up. True, it may make it take longer to cool the cabin, but who likes piss-warm drinks in July?

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  Excellent commuter - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By FredJ - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Corolla has generally been a strong car. Its smooth, refined and suprisingly quick. The fuel economy is outstanding, over 37 mpg on the highway with an automatic. The interior is comfortable, although rear legroom is an issue. The feature list is . . . odd. This is probably due to the practice of adding packages, but my wife often chides me for having a car with power doors and windows, cruise, a/c, alarm and keyless entry, but no tachometer or power mirrors. The cruise control stalk occasionally brushes my knee during low speed turns, but this isnt dangerous. Taller drivers may encounter this problem.

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  Bad front end Car is "2002 model" - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike Collins - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is very over-rated based on price and reliabilty. The car has road noise, wind noise from exterior mirrors, and we have had excessive front end problems. I will never buy one of these again, for the price $33,000, should have bought a Lexis, Acura, or simular designed vehicle.

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  Great Non BETTER Excellent - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jp773 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  WeÂ’ve owned GM, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, Honda, VW and Toyotas. Honda was Excl but cant beat a Toyota. Owned Trucks and Corollas. Now have a 94 Corolla Wagon, 2000 Tacoma SR5 and a 2004 SR5 Tacoma Double cab. Toyota wins, fuel economy, dependability, Reliability, performance, workmanship, and looks. ALL CARS DEPRECIATE a lot faster than any Toyota. Toyotas appear to hold their more than any other. Toyotas and Lexus are our ist choice and may consider an Acura or Honda as our 2nd. I do not work for Toyota but their product is so good that I wish I owned the company.