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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  Very Good, But Not Great, SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mitch45 - November 27 - 8:16 am

  I bought an 08 Highlander Sport with AWD in August of 07. Its a weekend car for me, so it has just 2500 miles on it. So far, its been a very good vehicle, solidly built and reliable, just like every Toyota Ive owned previously. But I have a few little complaints. First, the acceleration is not what Id expect from a 270-hp engine, even given the vehicles weight. Second, the transmission makes me crazy. From a rolling start, the transmission doesnt upshift quickly enough from first to second, resulting in an awkward "pull." Third, the "low tire pressure" warning light is much too sensitive, going on when the tires are just a pound or two low on air pressure.

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  Lexus-light... - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By nek_md - November 27 - 3:27 am

  Resembles a 2008 Lexus RX with fewer features and a reasonable price tag. Traded an 08 Outback for the Venza because of the need for more rear-seat room. The Venzas 4-cylinder engine is adequate but works hard on steep grades. The 6-AT is buttery smooth, which makes the engine tolerable. Quiet ride. Strong brakes. Solid feel. Build quality is above par, although the molding of a few dash panes could be better. Also, odd metallic sound from under the car is heard when the rear doors are closed. Comfortable, supportive seats. LOTS of passenger space. Clear gauges and instrumentation. Poor snow traction with OEM tires. Overall well-appointed base model. few interior dash panels

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  Super Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By n1ck__ - November 26 - 2:06 pm

  Took delivery of the car in January 2007. SE V6 is an absolute rocket. Initially vehicle had creaking noise in the dashboard but the dealership fixed that without any problem. The car is a pleasure to drive and own.

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  One year review, 50th anniv. edition - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brant - November 26 - 9:16 am

  Had our TCH for 1 year and 15k miles. Live in hilly area in New England. 400+ mile trip to Lake George and back got 36 mpg at 73 mph with cruise. Low 30s in city driving. High 20s in winter when fuel blend change kicks in. Car is driven normally, not always trying to extract maximum mpg. Happy with our purchase though the interior is not up to typical Toyota standards. Car has been spot on reliable. No rattles or squeaks or bumper issues. OEM tires are awful and will be replaced by winter. Bought 50th anniversary edition and the car is loaded and sharp. Though a little disappointed at first (I am a car guy), I am now sold on this car.

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  Excellent Choice - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By jessica sanchez - November 26 - 4:56 am

  I love this car! Customer service was excellent! Car has great features, econimical, and reliable, but also fun to drive. Nice, quiet and very comfortable to ride in. This is my second corolla and everything is great!

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  Best SUV Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Clint DeBrular - November 26 - 2:30 am

  Owning this vehicle has been nothing short of joyous. I cant say enough about the build quality. My other mode of transportation is a BMW m-5 and Ive got to say that it is just as well built as that $70,000.00 BMW! Not only is it built well but the performance is just as stunning. Road handling is carlike while off road is just what you would expect from a real truck. Plus, you can pull up to a fancy resturant and still hold your head high. Ford, Chevy, Dodge -- I dont think so. Give me a Toyota 4-Runner any day of the week.. and twice on Sunday.

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  Awesome little car! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By dimples - November 25 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car and have had it for 8 yrs with no problems. I only had to change the tires and oil. Make a great product and then discontinue it! Makes sense. Why in the world did Toyota do this! I am going out to buy a newer Toyota Echo with less mileage and run it to death like this one.

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  Great family car - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By HappyDad - November 25 - 4:23 pm

  I did a lot of research before my purchase and read about and compared (test-drove) the competition. None of the other mini-vans even compare. I love the ride, my wife feels confident driving it. My little girl loves seeing out the window. A big part of our decision was the reliability and safety reputation of Toyota. There are so many great convenience features, and this sits, rides, and is quiet like a luxury vehicle. We are thrilled with this van!

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  Great Truck - No Surprises - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ND - November 25 - 2:03 pm

  Having more fun with this vehicle than any other Ive owned -- cant wait for ski season. Owned many cars and trucks, including 2 Outbacks and a Tacoma, and they never made me smile as the FJ does. The documented issues are there (visibility, fixed rear window, mpg, etc.) but you need to look at how they impact you and what you are comparing to. With that info/bias before I went shopping, I still ended up with the FJ. 50 extra HP than my V6 Tacoma (99) and the same mileage. Better visibility than a truck with a shell on back. Rear seat legroom comparable to most of the other in-class vehicles (Im 62" and can sit behind the drivers seat set for my legs). Did I mention fun?

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  Sports Car Driver? This is for you! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sport 5M - November 25 - 8:33 am

  Okay - if you want a true sports suspension with Volvo, BMW, Saab-like Euro styling and you insist on five star safety features, then go get the completely redesigned Camry SE w/ 5 speed manual trans. This car is more fun to drive than I could have imagined - quick, nimble, amazing handling, good solid power for a four cylinder that you control with the 5m... truly fantastic gas mileage. You will love it but you need to be the type of sports car enthusiasist who loves the control of a 5 speed stick. I was set on a Civic Si or maybe Accord before coming across the 2007 Camry SE... my very good luck I did. Racing bike fits in trunk!