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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  my truck performance - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By joelsb67 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  off-road is excellent, but comfort is little bit poor,suspension to hard.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By davidm53 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Explorers (2), 4-Runner, Jeep, and GMC. The Highlander is by far the best one, based on the comfort and driveability. Toyota is right on by designing an SUV that drives like a car. When I get in my daughters Explorer, it feels like Im riding in a rough old buggy.

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  Wind noise - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By l.macha - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, but on windy days (15mph+) gross, howling wind noise when driving 70 mph into the wind. Too loud to hear radio. Toyota cannot come up with the cause.

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  A Highlander in NYC - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Len K - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Highlander. Its comfortable, convenient and reliable. The 6Cyl version has enough kick to get on to the BQE (or any other express way), but the 4 Cyl. needs more power. The ride is smooth even on unpaved roads and NYC beatup highways. Inconvenient elbow rests. They are too close to the drivers body and height is not adjustable. The cup holders without the center console can hold a 1 liter bottle, but the center console has small, inconvenient cup holders. The center console could be higher for more storage space and more functionality. The fog lamps switch (to the left of the steering wheel) is hard to see and use. I would reccomend it to anybody without any hesitation.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Pete Novack - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 99 Dodge Avenger in for the 03 Corolla, great decision. It may only be 130 hp but with the 5 speed you can make the best of it. ABS would be nice but the standard brakes are good. Ive practiced panic stops of 50 mph and there is no lock up. plus you got to love 30+ mpg!

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  Empty Nesters Favorite - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Gr8WhiteNortherner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  IMHO this is the nicest-looking 2011 minivan. The front end is much more attractive than gen-2 and rear-end design (especially the taillights) is an outstanding improvement. Meanwhile successive Odyssey redesigns have become quirkier/weirder. (Did a bolt of lightning strike the rear section, causing it to sag?) Our third minivan - It is much quieter, roomier and has far more driver legroom and seat comfort than 02 Odyssey EX-L. Center console intrudes far less than 07 Entourage GLS-L. Gas mileage is significantly better than either. It handles well, very stable in cross-winds and has ample power. AND... Our ownership experience has proven Toyota to have the highest reliability .

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  Toyota should be more thoughtful - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By B Young - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Have only leased it for a couple of weeks, but so far it is nice to drive. The push button on and locking system seems a little buggy, but maybe Im not used to it. I wish it got just a little better gas mileage, but it may get better. Right now its about 23.5 on the highway. I wish it had rubber mats available. Carpet it a mess in Michigan.It handles well and seems peppy.I hate the tire on the back looks like a an unwanted growth and make the rear door a bit awkward. Could use a few more little compartments for junk and better cup holders. The heated seats need a rheostat. They are too hot.

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  Spirited Ride - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Nunsa - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Toyota Tacoma for the RAV4. I live all the features, the interior leg room is great, Im 6 4" and I have plenty of room. The seats are great, real comfortable. Its real fun to drive. I like most of the features: Sun roof, aux. ports. I would by this vehicle again!

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  A Step In The Right Direction - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jay kent - January 29 - 12:33 am

  This is my second Highlander in a row and my first Hybrid. I LOVE IT! Sure, its not perfect, but kudos to Toyota for giving us an alternative to the gas guzzling SUV. Mileage at 10,000 km is apx. 28 hwy and 25 city (hilly). On the flats, mileage is closer to 30 mpg combined. So, its not perfect yet, but already I calculate Ive used over 600 litres (160 gallons) less than with my previous Highlander. The vehicle is a bit heavier and handling is not quite as sharp as the 01 but its comfortable and the acceleration is fantastic. This vehicle gets you thinking the right way about fuel consumption. Highly recommended to those who care.

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  In love with our AVALON - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mid-Tennessee - January 28 - 11:40 pm

  We own three cars one of which is a 2005 Avalon. Never have I had a luxury car that drove or rode smoothly as this car. It rides like the large Lexus for half the price. Our Avalon is very easy on the gas too. I am in love with my Avalon and will definitely purchase another when ready to trade.