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 Performer - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By tpj1959 - June 18 - 1:08 am

  I had owned Chevy trucks for the last few years and decided to get the Tundra cause I wanted a 4x4 and Toyota dealership seemed more hungry than Chevy. The benchmark trip that I make is going through Yosemite National Park to Tioga Pass which is on the east side of the mountains at approximately 10,000 feet. Comparing the Tundra to my Chevy pickups (4.8 and 5.3 liter engines), the Tundra outperformed them easily. The engine pulled so much better and the brakes did not smell like heat on the way down like my Chevys did. Its also assembled in Texas. My last Chevy was assembled in Mexico.

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  Cant go wrong with a Toyota!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By J.Holmes - June 17 - 7:43 am

  Love my little red wagon, thats what I call my Venza. Just love it!! Its fun to drive and gets very good gas mileage. Ive been getting anywhere from 22 to 24 miles to the gallon...and I live up desert area and its very hilly. Climbs hills no problemo! I get a lot of looks and people coming up and asking about my wagon! My husband and I we love the sporty look of the Venza. The only thing I wish we had gotten was cloth seats, dont care for the leather seats. But solved that problem just bought seat covers. Good Job Toyota! Love it!!!

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  1993 Toyota Camry 4CYL Automatic - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By fourny55 - June 17 - 6:34 am

  I bought the car with 131000 on it and i have had it about 4 months and it has had no issues, besides new tires, oil changes, a tranny flush(expensive but i recommend it), and i need to convert the r12 refrigerent it is amazing. not the best mpg in town, abt 21-23 solid in-town driving. the cv boots cracked and im going to do new brakes wile i have it apart but we will see i hope its going to last 300 if i keep taking care of it.

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  Its been a pleasure - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By AdamE - June 17 - 1:56 am

  Well Im selling my truck after three great years (only because Ive decided to become a sedan guy). I could not be happier with my Tacoma over the years. Got regular oil changes and that was it for the whole three years. No mechanical problems ever.

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  My Toyota PreRunner Sport - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Akers - June 16 - 10:13 pm

  This truck has loads of power and rides comfortably. The dash and instrument panel is easy to read along with all the easy use of the accessories. Plenty of leg room for passengers in the front and rear.

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Martha raak - June 16 - 6:03 pm

  We have been v. pleased both aesthetically and environmentally. People stop us and ask questions so that we can educate others as to the advantages of a hybrid. Save the earth and save money on gas. The sticker gas mileages are not accurate. We generally get about 40-45 mpg on the highway and in the mid-30s in the city. It does not have to be plugged in as driving and braking recharge the battery.

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  Not As Good As Before - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By R. McKenzie - June 16 - 9:10 am

  My top of line XLE V-6 is not as good as my 02 XLE. Cheapened interior materials, flimsy steering wheel switch gear, less padding in seats, only a 2-way power passenger seat, plastic covered board for seat-back map pockets, baby-puke yellow fake wood trim, etc., all combine to paint a less than luxerious interior. The top-line sound system deletes the RDS text of the lower line unit and the ASL feature is all but un- noticeable. Obviously they moved the costs around to provide for the new higher power V6 and the 6 speed transmission, which are so far the cars only redeeming features!

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  TOO ROUGH - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Holden - June 15 - 9:06 pm

  For a front wheel drive car the handling is great and the 4 is peppy, quiet and very fuel efficient even with the old 4 speeed auto. BUT - I have driven all kinds of handling tuned cars in my life both personally owned and in my career in law enforcement and I can say without hesitation that the SE rides entirely too rough for its level of handling.The firm seats offer no help either. It is as bad as my Jeep and will soon lead to a trade as my wife is sick of it. Maybe a new V6 LE if the ride is better. If not, an Avalon. I can give up some handling to save my back.

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  Good dependable truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis Dale - June 15 - 8:56 pm

  I have enjoyed this truck the entire time I have owned it. Very dependable and comfortable. But, the temperature guage / compass has broken this summer. I was wondering if this is a problem for other owners. My mechanic said during his research the answer is to replace the instrument at a parts cost of about $200.00. He also said during his research that this is listed by Toyota as a problem, no recall at this time.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - June 15 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my Sequoia just over a month ago due to finding out that I will be having another child. I absolutely love driving it, to bad it is primarily my wifes vehicle. I recently had to make a trip to NC from NY and decided to take the Sequoia to see how it did on a long drive. The MPG was great for it size, it averaged 19-20 on the highway. The ride was extremely smooth and I did not have to crank up the radio to hear it over the road noise. I only gave a 8 for comfort due to the fact that my wife, who is 52", has a hard time reaching the pedals and being relaxed at the same time. There is also an annoying little squeaking noise coming from the back seat somewhere.