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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  Hot SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Gail McDonald - May 12 - 5:10 pm

  I researched suvs for about 6 months before I settled on the RAV4... Of course, Toyota was the pivoting factor. I have owned Toyotas since 1987 and have been very impressed with them. This RAV4 answered all the needs I had. Its easy to park, turn corners, and takes up much less space in my garage. It has fantastic pick up, it moves faster and tighter than my Camry. The best feature was not having to sit down into a car. I have lower back problems and getting into and out of my Camry was so hard for me. I find this vehicle easy to get in and out of with no effort. I am 510" and need all the leg and head room it offers. I sit up high and the 360 degree view is awesome, no blind spots

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  My New-used RAV4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By sapphiretiger - May 12 - 5:36 am

  So far so Good!! This isnt the vehicle I originally planned on purchasing. A lot of people were telling me no dont get an Suv, they burn too much gas. But my Rav4 is just as good on gas mileage as my car was. Its comfortable and I like to sit up a bit higher now. For my needs it has plenty of room. Went on weekend get-away with my boyfriend and my dog; now the dog loves it too; he always wants to go for a ride in it. I like that being a Toyota it should retain its value fairly well. OVERALL SATISFIED; THE CONS ARE MINOR. luv4myrav4

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  Great so far - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sjohn90929 - May 12 - 1:51 am

  I just bought a 2011 RAV, and for me it was a no brainer. Ive always had Toyotas -- so maybe Im biased in that direction -- but the test drives convinced me. I live in the Sierras, so I need a vehicle with high clearance. At first, I wanted a jeep, but driving two of the Libertys was like driving a car weighed down by boulders. I couldnt believe how sluggish the Liberty was....Then I drove the RAV -- the thing took off like a rocket. It was almost too responsive -- I tapped the pedal and it would lunge forward. And the MPG is almost as good as that of my aging Corolla... It could be that after a while paint chips will fall off, or whatever, as others have said. But I am happy so far.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eric - May 11 - 2:53 pm

  I have driven this salsa red 4Runner for nearly two years and am delighted with it. I bought it mainly to take down rough forest roads to go camping in Arizona. My circumstances changed when I ended up making a fast trip to Alaska in late winter for a new job, and while the mileage took a dive operating at high speeds, windy conditions, and heavily loaded, it performed flawlessly en route north. It is a striking looking vehicle.

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  Go Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By love it - May 11 - 1:16 pm

  Love the gas mileage and low fuel costs! Very Comfortable on long trips for my 5ft 7 inch frame. Very quiet! I can hold Blue Tooth Cell phone conversations at highway speed. Love the small car maneuverability after years of driving a Dodge Grand Caravan. Very quick steering and short turn radius.

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  Love It So Far! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By haha0002 - May 11 - 11:53 am

  Weve only had our Highlander for a week, but so far, its great. We traded in our Honda Odyssey, because the kids are getting their own licenses now and we wanted something for mostly us. However, we were reluctant to give up the roominess of the Odyssey. Our Highlander still maintains the feeling of spaciousness, fits the kids comfortably, when needed and just feels good to drive.

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  Get the leather - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By sylvia - May 11 - 9:53 am

  I often have elderly persons in this vehicle and they have all commented on the comfort of the leather seats and the spaciousness of the cabin. When its empty & the seats are stowed theres plenty of room for hauling. I traded in an 8cyl Jeep which was seriously noisy; Sienna is quiet by comparison, but still loud on the freeway. Ive had it just over 18 months and, knock wood, not a think has gone wrong. Mileage exactly as stated by the manufacturer (not to say it has great mileage but I am saying the advertised MPG is truthful).

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  The seats need tweaking. - 2015 Toyota Highlander
  By lbowdis - May 11 - 8:39 am

  We bought a 2015 and for the most part my husband and I really like it. It handles great and is easy to park. The interior is very nice looking and I like the shelf for cell phones and iPods. The issue we have is that while the drivers seat is very comfortable because it has so many adjustments the front passenger seat bothers both of our backs on long drives. It is fine for short trips. My husband is just under 6 and I am 55". Even if we would have purchased the 4 way power passenger seat it still wouldnt support the lower back. My advice is if you make frequent trips over an hour long you may want to look elsewhere for your next vehicle.

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  Great car - Toyota hits a homerun again - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By thomasw828 - May 11 - 8:30 am

  Bought car on 12/26. Love the vehicle, nav system, and great sound system. Left a 05 Lexus Es330 for this and am very satisfied. first mileage is over 38 mpg, still learning the tricks.

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  Could be a lemon - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sr Tocino - May 11 - 6:03 am

  We have purchased the hybrid and so far we are far from satisfied. The black box that displays engine performance has died. Lojack and handsfree telephone (dealer installed) took 2 weeks to get installed and the handsfree doesnt work and there was no manuals for either. We were told by the salesman and his manager we could get a luggage rack without having to get the sunroof (between skin cancer on my bald head and the fact Im 64" the sunroof takes up headroom) only to be told after buying the car we couldnt get a rack without the sunroof package. We bought the vehicle to take our kayak and gear to the shore, now we cant. I feel that Toyota is taking customers for granted.