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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  Our second Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jason - August 11 - 6:56 pm

  We got this car to replace our sadly departed 04 Corolla LE. (moment of silence) As much as we loved that car, this one is even more pleasant to drive. I wish I could say more FUN to drive, but given a choice between excitement and fatigue vs. placidity and comfort, Ill take the latter.

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  2007 Toyota RAV4 I-4 4WD - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Felipe - August 11 - 6:26 pm

  Just bought a RAV4 for the wife. The drive is smooth and very car-like. Steering is responsive and acceleration is surprisingly quick...going 80mph felt like 60mph. Seats are comfortable for an SUV, and the suspension can actually handle rough roads. 4WD is always on, w/ 4-Lo available on demand. Safety features include 8 airbags. As a lifelong GM/Ford guy, I am impressed with the quality and fit & finish of the RAV4. All the standard features make this vehicle one to consider when looking for a small-SUV. Overall, I think Toyota did their homework and pulled out the stops with the redesigned RAV4. But dont take my word for it, take a RAV4 out for a test drive for see for yourself.

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  THIS is a SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Fla030 - August 11 - 5:16 pm

  Just bought the car a few days ago but already Im having a blast driving it. My dad had one for 3 years and he loved it so I figured I would give it a try. The vehicle looks elegant and expensive, although you dont pay the price for it. It handles well and is very comfortable. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sean - August 11 - 3:26 pm

  Great truck to drive and enjoy. Very good off-road and easy to drive. The Tacoma is a wonderful step up for Toyota.

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  Best-value pickup truck! - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Eric in Michigan - August 11 - 6:18 am

  I am pretty obsessive about buying new vehicles. I had a lease that is coming up soon, so Ive been researching trucks for the past 2.5 years. I am not loyal to any brand, but have owned more GM vehicles than anything else. Quality and reliability were huge points of research for me, as I have seen GM quality really fall in the past 15 years. That is what first got me looking at Toyota trucks, was quality. Their quality and resale value really stood out compared to the rest of the field. Now I hope to own this vehicle for 10-12 years, and I anticipate less repairs with this brand compared to the others. Here are some specific observations: SEATING: I purchased a 6-passenger configuration. We have 8 children, so being able to have true seating flexibility was huge. Only Toyota and Ford offer full 6-passenger seating with 3-point seat belts and head rests for all occupants! I do wish that the front seats on this had more adjustability, but that was a sacrifice I had to make with the 6-passenger seating. The 5-passenger configurations have wonderful seat adjustments. MOTOR: the 5.7L is awesome! Very smooth shifting, with a nice, muted hum of the V8 coming into the cab. Nice sound deadening lets us hold good conversations without yelling. I love how Toyota is one of the few that dont have this crazy cylinder deactivation technology. For a few sips of fuel, all these manufacturers are doing this cylinder deactivation which can unevenly wear the cylinders, burn more oil, and cost more to repair. Yes, Toyota gets the worst gas mileage of all the pickups, but one or two repairs and that minimal fuel savings is out the window. Ive just seen too many items being made now that offer wonderful "efficiency" at the expense of reliability and durability. SAFETY: I love that Toyota has not yet started doing all this automatic driving and braking stuff. I prefer to drive my own vehicles and not have a computer try to decide what is best. I think all these driver aids are making people worse drivers, and again there are reliability issues. (Ive heard of some Ford products hitting the brakes out of the blue thinking it "senses" something in front of it). Are people really wanting to trust their safety to a sensor? All electronics go bad at some point. INTERIOR: The interior is pretty basic and is lacking USB ports, but with 2 12V power outlets in the front and 1 for the rear, we just installed some 2-USB power adapters in each 12V outlet, but it would be nice if Toyota put those in. RIDE: very smooth and composed ride

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By A-town - August 10 - 9:10 pm

  I have had this car for a little over 6 months and have 10000 miles on her. I get gas mileage between 33-35 in mixed driving, I got up to 41 on a road trip. The car is great. It is nothing fancy but hasnt had any trouble with her so far.

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  What a car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Matthews - August 10 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had my Prius for three months and have loved every minute Ive been behind the wheel. My wife is not a car person or a "techie" but she has fallen in love with it, too. Its peppy, has nimble steering, corners easily and turns on a dime. Mileage averages about 50 mpg. On one 50 mile trip on the freeway I got 69 mpg crusing at 68 mph. Even if the real world mileage isnt up to the EPA estimate it still runs circles around most cars out there, especailly the 98 Windstar I happily gave up. After quickly adjusting to its unique controls and dash display we find everything about it to be logical and intuitive. The quality of the build is outstanding. Hands down the best car I have owned.

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  Best 4Runner yet! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Doug - August 10 - 10:13 am

  I traded a 2001 SR5 for this new LTD. The difference in feel is tremendous. The 01 was a great vehicle, and never cost us any money in repairs. The 07 looks better, has more front seat room, and drives really tight. I dont see how Toyota can improve on this model. I kept the last one almost 6 years, and Im sure down the road Ill be buying another 4Runner! Cant beat the reliability!

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  Bestest Little SUV Ever - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By jerseyan - August 10 - 2:29 am

  After trading in a 2001 Rav4 we purchased a new 2005. It has been a pleasure to own, and wish Toyota still made this style. We like the size, it has plenty of zip, not bad on gas, easy to park, and great in the snow with the AWD. I do most of my own work and changed the wires and plugs at the 100,000 mile mark. The only maintenance was a new battery, front brakes, tires, new rear shocks, and runs like the day it left the dealers lot. It also helps that it is garage kept.

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  Best 1 yet - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By 3rd4runner - August 9 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned 3 4Runners- 1997 SR5 that was recently sold with nearly 162000 almost completely trouble-free miles, a 2001 SR5 that I wrecked with 183000 even more trouble-free miles and a new 2008 Limited. We need at least 1 truck in the family to move people and items, and I cant think of a better choice. The 2008 is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. The fit and finish is top quality and Toyota continues to improve the creature comforts. I see this car being around for 200000 miles.