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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  Echo ROCKS - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Echoluvver - December 19 - 5:56 am

  I have owned over 40 cars, and this Echo is one of the absolute best when ALL factors are considered. I used to drive 25,000 a year and have had big luxury cars that were great, but this little sucker is what a car should be. Fun, cheeky, economical, and reliable -its a Toyota. I have the hatchback and love the look of it, too. All around its a blast. The seats could be improved but thats it really. ECHO FOREVER

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  Best Highlander So Far - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By rfs - December 18 - 6:43 pm

  Traded a 2004 Highlander Limited. New one is larger, has more power and is quieter, but gets around the same gas mileage so far, which should improve after break-in and start using Mobil 1. More room for 3rd row passengers. Some nice added features from previous models, like the 19" wheels, fully adjustable steering wheel and automatic rear passenger AC.

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  Saved My Life - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - December 18 - 4:13 pm

  I drove a 2006 4Runner until it was totaled on January 29, 2009. That vehicle gave me back my life. It suffered a severe side impact at 55 MPH, rolled twice, slid on its roof and ended up with the drivers side on the ground. I walked away with no serious injuries. Even though there was severe damage to the sides and roof of the vehicle and suspension parts and some of the drivetrain were all over the highway, the roof pillars never collapsed and the interior was intact. Before making the 06 purchase, I did check to see which SUVs best protect their occupants. The 4Runner was the leader hands down. Now I am driving an 08. This time I made sure that I had the side curtain air bags.

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  Great car!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By uofmpharmd01 - December 18 - 12:03 pm

  Just picked up my 3rd Toyota and I am very pleased. Test drove the Accord and Acura TL, and was sold on the great styling and track record of the Camry. The reliability of Toyota weighed heavily also. I had 85K miles on my 02 Sequoia and currently have over 143K on my 03 Corolla...all trouble free. I am so glad the VSC feature was made available in all models. The VSC in my Sequoia worked so well during the Michigan winters that I had to have it in my Camry LE. This is the most awesome feature to me, and I didnt have to break the bank to get it. The cabin is outfit nicely and is quiet even at highway speeds. Lots of back seat room for the kids, too. Solid.

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  One awesome truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Arthur - December 18 - 10:06 am

  I traded in my 2001 S-runner for the new 2005 model. The interior was completely overhauled for the 2005 edition. Compared to the old Tacoma, the 2005 is a lot more roomier, stylish, and alot more accessible. The access cab has a fold down passenger seat and four doors for easy loading. The 4.0L engine has a nice burst of power that comes in handy when needed. The composite bed liner seems very durable and it covers the bed rails helping to avoid paint damage. The 21 gallon fuel tank is great for long trips. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and I highly recommend this vehicle if you are looking for a compact truck.

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  Sienna is a great family car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ricks Sienna - December 18 - 12:50 am

  We are glad we bought the Sienna. We havent had any problems with the van. It gets very good gas mileage for a full-size van. We got 26-27 mpg with 6 people and loaded with luggage plus going over mountains. The van has great power also. If you want a van that is fun to drive, good mpg, and dependable, the Sienna is it.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By BT - December 17 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Camry SE in July of 2006. Ive had this car for almost a year now and would like to report my experiences. The car has 11,000 miles and it has been flawless. No transmission flares, hesitations, rattles or any other problems. The car still drives like the first day I bought it. It is very smooth, powerful, refined, quiet and solidly built. The gas mileage has been getting better. I first averaged 23 mpg during the break in period, but ever since then the mileage have increased slowly. Im now past the 10,000 mile mark and averaging low 26 miles to the gallon. Overall, I am a very satisfied owner and Im planning to keep this car for many years to come.

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  2012 Corolla - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By black_widow - December 17 - 7:26 am

  I have had my corolla for a little over a week. I love it. the bluetooth feature is nice for connecting phones and ipods. the USB port is nice for charging the aforementioned electronics. The ride is fairly smooth. Im coming from an SUV so its taking some getting used to. This is my first Toyota and I am hoping to have it for years to come. the dash is a bit dated compared to everything else that is out with that being said it isnt hard to use. It isnt over done with buttons. the interior on the sport is beautiful ( if you like black interior which i love)

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  Best smaller SUV ever owned!!! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Nick - December 17 - 3:30 am

  My wife and I love this SUV... she calls it a rocket! With the 269 HP, it gets you going no matter what speed you are at. I tried the 4WD/AWD system and VSC this past snow storm and it didnt even flinch in 15" of snow, if you started going sideways, purposely or not, the VSC had you straight in 1 second. The interior is comfortable, roomy, and full of great extras. The sound system rocks with the JBL subwoofer. I tow a jet ski down on the beach with it and you cant even feel the ski back there. It could get a little better fuel mileage, but hey we are heavy on the pedal. 9500 miles into it and not one problem at all! Great SUV, highly recommend. Wish you could get 3rd row with leather.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara McFadden - December 17 - 2:26 am

  We have had many cars, from Volvo to Acuras, but the Prius is my favorite. I just love the way it handles and it has speed. My only problem is that somone hit me from the back and almost totaled it.