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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  2008 4runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - October 11 - 5:50 am

  Having previously purchased other makes and models (this is my first Toyota), this car is excellent. I have taken it everywhere, including on the beach! I am certain I will have this vehicle many years to come. I have owned Fords, Jeep (I liked my Jeep by the way), but this truck is top of the heap!

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  My new Toyota XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Clayton L Greiman - October 11 - 3:36 am

  This is my first Toyota. All my previous auto were Oldsmobiles, but since they have dropped family sedans I was searching for a quality replacement. I have found it!. This car exceeds my every wish for a family car. Safety of passengers is outstanding. Quality of workmanship is apparent throughout the vehicle. Ease of operation from the drivers side with all the essential controls readily available, and easy to find. Truly a great car.

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  Age is only a number - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - October 10 - 10:13 pm

  I cant believe this car is 9 years old! It drives as if it was brand new. This is my grandmothers vehicle and it only has 76k miles on it. It handles so nice compared to my 2013 Toyota Highlander. It has hydraulic power steering, not electric, so it has good steering feel with a decent weight. It also corners spectacularly due to its lower ride height. The V6 is just fine for the size. The interior could be roomier. Im over 6 so the front seat is a little cramped. But, it has great cargo versatility, came in handy when I moved. I couldnt lower all of my 2013s seats due to a seat lever malfunction that Im getting fixed. This Highlander, is an amazing car. Had it for 6 years.

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  Why are they discontinuing this model? - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By tularoo - October 9 - 4:53 pm

  We bought this car after graduating from college -- it was the only new car we could afford, and it met my strict retentive guidelines (safety, gas mileage, low cost of ownership). This car has been fantastic. Its survived a move to Vermont (think mountains), which is pretty good for a little 1.5 liter engine. Perhaps the most impressive in the gas mileage -- 40mpg highway. You can barely get that in a hybird car. The car is also well laid-out, with plenty of headroom for our 6 tall friend. I do my own synthetic oil changes, and that engine runs like the day it came off the lot. The CD player recently died, and the air intake had to be replaced. Other than that, smooth sailing!

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  The Perfect Truck!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By aesmith3 - October 9 - 1:40 am

  This is the perfect midsize truck, even though it feels like a fullsize when its driven. The build quality is not to be beaten, especially by Dodge, Ford, and GM. The interior materials are much nicer than pretty much any truck out there. In the short time that Ive owned the Tacoma, I cant find one thing wrong with it. I expect to own this truck for a very, very long time.

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  Gas miser - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By the ole man - October 8 - 9:26 pm

  Had an 08 and put 27000 on it, but the 09 is so much better. We just got back from a trip down to SC. and I averaged 39 mpg @ 65 to 70 mph. I am tall and had no complaints about comfort. I even like the electric steering now that I am used to it. The one thing I do not like about it is the special tool I need to remove the oil filter for doing my own oil changes.

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  Just Right! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Troy - October 8 - 12:03 pm

  The V6 has tons of power and runs smoothly. Exterior appearance is similar to the Sequoia, but looks sportier.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael - October 8 - 11:00 am

  I purchased a prerunner with the SR5 package. 2 wheel drive, 5 spd., 4cyl. The fit and finish are the best of any truck I compared. The power is good and its fun to drive. Very nice interior with lots of room. A very nice truck for little money with great gas mileage.

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  PRIUS THE GREAT - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JBALD64125 - October 8 - 10:56 am

  IT IS EVERYTHING YOU WANT IF YOU WANT COMFORT & GOOD GAS MILEAGE. RIDES QUIET & REAL SMOOTH

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  did i buy a lemon? - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By shades2 - October 8 - 9:49 am

  it was our 30th annivery i wanted too suprise my wife with something really nice i bought her the 2013 avalon tour loaded too the max with two tone leather .1st 1500 miles was great then the back of the drivers seat broke 2200 miles the passenger seat broke....2600 miles the neadliner gave way....they have fixed this but they say toyota has no cure fore the problem n so the car has 2800 miles now for that 40000 i gave for this theres no way i could have these problems all ready already been thru the chain of command and what did i get?..call us if you have any more problems.....