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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  Quality Problem with Vehicle - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By poorrunner - November 13 - 7:39 pm

  Vehicle shudders when driving. Most posts of forum sites indicate there is s systemic problem with the Transmission and Toyota is investigating. You will want to review this before you purchase: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/89301-has-anyone-noticed-5.html Those that have purchased and have this problem can only pray Toyota supports their customers on this. The Service Departments say there currently is not a fix and we have to live with it for now.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike - November 13 - 5:10 pm

  I shopped for a year to find this SUV. Looked at all others and the Toyota won hands down. I bought for a good price and have taken it on an extended vacation through all of Northern Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and finally back to Oklahoma. Two adults and two kids with all the luggage and junk we could stuff in. It was comfortable and we had no issues with driveability and durability. So far this vehicle has lived up to every expectation I have had. Gas mileage a little low but not out of expected range. Easy for me to drive at 64" and my wife at 52". If you are shopping and want a great SUV, look at this Toyota.

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  Best car I have owned so far! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ron Mansfield - November 13 - 8:28 am

  Bought a loaded 2008 Camry XLE used a year ago and lm very pleased with my purchase. Roomy interior, smooth & quiet ride. The V-4 has plenty of power when needed. Love the JBL stereo, Bluetooth & moon roof. Failed the oil consumption test & Toyota replaced the pistons & rings at 180,000 miles. No other problems or complaints. Replaced the sun visors, added new Michelin Premier A/S tires & do regular maintenance. Very reliable vehicle with plenty of luxury features for the price I paid, overall its a great car.

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  love it - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By s. munger - November 13 - 5:06 am

  We just got the 06 LE 8 passenger. Very functional for our family with 2 kids. Drives nice, lots of room, interior can be changed to fit our needs, good fuel economy (compared to my prior SUV). The ride could be a little quieter tho.

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  REDESIGNED 2006 RAV4 ROCKS - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By doodledn - November 12 - 11:36 pm

  Owned 99 4Runner which I loved - wanted something smaller that was roomy enough for surfboards that had better gas mileage. I COULDNT BE HAPPIER WITH MY PURCHASE!!! Better mileage, smoother ride (camry chasis), more HP... quality of vehicle is top shelf! Back seats come down easily, storage and access throughout vehicle grade A. Hats off to Toyota... I get compliments on the vehicle all the time...

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  Solid, comfortable, reliable, bland - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave N. - November 12 - 9:30 pm

  I bought this car used in August of 96, with 13,300 miles on it. It now has 92,300 miles, so I have driven it 79,000 miles in 10.5 years - an average of 7,500 miles/year. The car has been utterly reliable; Ive spent less than $5,000 in maintenance over the years Ive owned it, including three sets of tires and an occasional detailing. That works out to less than 7 cents per mile. Most of its mileage has been around town (21 mpg) with a few long road trips (24 mpg). The Avalon is a comfortable car, and handsome in a bland sort of way. Its reasonably peppy, but not a road rocket. Overall, Ive been very satisfied with this car and may well buy another Avalon someday.

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  Great for us seniors - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By larry - November 12 - 9:23 pm

  The auto is very easy to drive.Acceleration is more than adequate. Provides a quiet drive with few gas stops.

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  Glad I made the change - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brad - November 12 - 9:13 pm

  I had an 02 Honda Accord, 4 cyl., and wanted better mileage. I did a lot of research, and didnt find a better price for the mileage. Ive only had it 3 days now, but I love the car. Small tweaks to the interior (longer arm rest/center console, and someplace to rest a cell phone) would be great. My only complaint in the rear view mirror. Im 59", and the mirror is right in my line of vision for intersection traffic. Im going to have my dealer move it up. Great ride, I have no problem with road noise.

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  Get your hands on a Toyota! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - November 12 - 10:23 am

  Friends thought I was crazy selling my 07 Civic Si, and perhaps I was. Yet one month later I purchased the Yaris and dont miss the Si at all! Who needs 0-60 in 5.3 seconds? The Yaris is an economical, quality, and well thought out car by the Japanese automaker. I like the aerodynamics of the car, not to mention all the nooks and crannies. Fuel economy is on a par with the Prius, and the Prius costs about 10k more. Frankly, Ill take the Yaris at 15k and 10k of free gas. The hatchback is also fun to drive. I am 63" and have plenty of head and adequate legroom. The convenience pkg upgrade is worth the price.

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  Perfect Solution for a greeny w/ 3 kids! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Julia - November 12 - 10:03 am

  We just had our 3rd child and this has been perfect for us! I was dreading getting a bigger vehicle but Ive fallen in love with this car! Such a smooth ride and we can fit an infant car seat, a 7 year old in a booster seat and a 9 year old all in the second row, but if they want more room one of the older kids can sit in the 3rd row! With the third row up its hard to fit other things in the back, but if we wanted more room we would have gotten a mini van! Its fun watching the gas mileage and I love when the engine shuts off because weve slowed down or stopped. Love how it charges the battery going down hill! I love the look of it. It would be nice if it was a little higher off the ground.