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 Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mark - September 9 - 12:03 pm

  I have never owned a Toyota, so this is my first experience. The quality of this car is very impressive more than any other car I have owned. You can feel the paint on the car and can tell it has many layers of paint. The quality inside is very good. The air conditioning cools quickly and the sound system is robust. The tire pressure gauge system really works. One of my tires lost four pounds and the light on the dash came on, checked the tires and sure enought one tire was leaking so it was caught before it went flat. The keyless entry system is great, just push a button. Has controllable rear air for the back seat passengers. Car is the most quiet car I have ever owned.

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  Great suv...with some reservations - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Scotty - September 9 - 9:12 am

  This has been a fantastic vehicle. Has great passing power, great visibility, and of course Toyota reliability. My girlfriend and I purchased the Rav to replace her 2003 Ford Escape. I drive the Rav 30% of the time and after two years, there are a few things I have found annoying. The front seats are as comfortable as bar stools. There isnt a lot of adjustment for the driver, and none for the passenger. Im 6 1" - even with the seat all the way back and the thigh support tilted down, I dont have enough room. We still own the Escape and when we swap back and forth between vehicles, the lack of room and comfort for the front passengers in the Rav is evident. The drivers door and steering wheel controls are not lit. Why are the foot wells constantly lit, but they couldnt have the window and door lock buttons lit? We have the limited model which comes with the push button start. With this option you cant have the stereo on unless the engine is on. Even with these small complaints, we would purchase again.

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  New and Improved Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By pete - September 9 - 5:33 am

  I just upgraded from a 2002 tacoma, prerunner, TRD. That truck has nothing on my 2005 prerunner. Everything I wished I had on my old truck, this truck has. A more powerful engine, larger interior and bed, and redesigned interior. I chose to go without the TRD, and I am pleased with my decision. This truck is so smooth it rides like a luxury SUV. The 4.0 V6 is just enough power to get me in trouble, and allows me to pass the slower and bigger domestic trucks with ease. This is my third toyota tacoma, and my favorite by far. There is no comparison.

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  New 2006 LC - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jennalex - September 9 - 3:40 am

  We drove it all, but nothing came close to the fit and finish of the Land Cruiser.The ride and handling are superb, not to mention the reliability and durability. The LC now has more hp (275). This SUV is smooth, quiet, and solid. If you can swing the price, go for it. Sure, other SUVs may have a little more room, but none have the quality.

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  Phenominal car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Witt - September 9 - 2:43 am

  Ive had this car for almost 4 years and I havent had to do anything besides basic upkeep. Its been in a couple fender benders and those only caused cosmetic damage! the only problem I have is its hesitant to start during the winter but the hood is bent from a wreck. Only problem with the car is its very boring to drive. Its a great car that lasts forever and gets you from A to B

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  first luxurious car that does not break the bank account - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By marcftn - September 9 - 2:22 am

  I tested Mercedez c300, audi 4, bmw, lexus. I was ready to buy the lexus HybridES 300 when my toyota dealer called me to try the Avalon. I could not see the difference between the lexus and the avalon. Smooth drive, great acceleration, comfortable. I bought it with all the options. what a beautiful luxurious car. So far on highway i get 38.5 miles per gallon. did not go to boston yet to check the city mileage. I am very pleased and saved a few bucks on the purchased too.

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  Must Buy! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - September 7 - 4:20 pm

  I test drove a previous model year Tacoma and the difference is night and day. I always wanted one and finally broke down after my last vehicle died. The thing that surprised me the most is the outstanding turning radius. I have put about 13k on it since I got it in December last year and have had no issues. All around this is a reliable, comfortable, sleek, and fun drive. Great acceleration. Great handling. Could not be more happy with any other truck. My friends envy me! :)

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  My wife won - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Clanton - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Landcruiser. We upgraded from the 1997 Anniversary Edition. I didnt see the value in it, but my wife won in the end. Fantastic truck. Safe; good power; very comfortable. If youre even considering the Sequoia, dont be fooled. The Landcruiser is worth the extra money. Its the real deal.

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  Wonderful car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Smidy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my camry for 3 years now and have been using it to commute to school (over 160 miles a day). When i got it it only had 60k miles on it and now it has 215k. Never had any major problems. Drove it all year round in the rain, snow, and blistering heat. In fact i hate to admit it but i abused it alittle bit. (late on oil changes and scheduled matience) But still performs like new. Also great factory stero for being 10 years old. Sounds better then some premium steros in other car brands. Good strong reliable car. I have taken many trips in this car. In fact i have practically lived in it. Highly recomend to anyone.

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  Best of both Worlds - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Tsai54 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had ANY problems since i purchased my LC about 4 years ago. Im at 50,000 miles, take very good care of the interior/exterior so the car look brand new. I like to off-road and i have never gotten stuck. The one time i did get stuck is because of the lousy OEM tires that didnt get any traction, but my LC POWERED it way out of it. Since then i have replaced the OEM tires with specialty off-road tires. I am so happy with the car i am going to buy it out at the end of the lease, and will be installing a TRD Supercharger along with Bilstein shocks. This car is at home on or off the road, i spend alot of time on the freeway and surface streets.