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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  TOYOTA BEST SUV - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By pbroach1964@yahoo.com - August 14 - 11:11 am

  I Have been looking for SUV -love Toyota vehicles - traded in a 2011 Avalon for the 2016 sequoia limited - it has the blind spot monitoring which I really liked . I wish it had push start dont understand why Toyota hasnt updated this vehicle . I really love it , very comfortable ride , good visibility , you wont be sorry if you buy this SUV . The gas mileage for this size vehicle is not bad at all . I also looked at Toyota 4 runner but compared to size and price the sequoia was a better deal and 4 runner doesnt offer blind spot monitor and there are a few blind spots in this vehicle . Im very happy with my decision to get the sequoia .Go Drive one today you wont be sorry .

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  They got it right! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - August 14 - 9:20 am

  Thus far it is the best car I have ever owned. It has the look and feel of a much more expensive car. It has a substantial big car feel. The interior is roomy, the ride is smooth and solid and yet it has excellent gas mileage. This is a well thought out and well executed vehicle.

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  New Comfort - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Driver - August 14 - 4:06 am

  Bought my 09 Venza 6 weeks ago and have driven it 1550 miles. No trips yet but averaging 24.5 mpg. I have a light foot. My wife is trying to talk me out of it. We both love it. Its dark gray metallic and loaded. Im a senior with back and neck issues and wanted a vehicle easy to enter and exit. This is it because of its height, and mine. I slip in and out without having to drop down or step up and dont hit my head on the way in. Perfect! The bells and whistles are great as is the leather. Others on my list were Murano, Santa Fe, Edge, GMC Terrain, and used Lexus.

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  Awesome, Realiable, Fun well made Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Venza Rocks - August 14 - 3:50 am

  We bought my wife this car on Friday. I loved it so much that I had to go back to the dealer and get one for myself. This car is very well thought out when it was built. Everything is amazing on this car. I have an upscale 2009 Infiniti Crossover and when I compared the two side by side, you pretty much get the exact same upgrades for $10,000 less. I know Infiniti is a higher brand of car made in Japan, however, with what you get on the Venza comparing to the same class of cars across the board, hands down Venza wins. I compare cars for months before I buy, but this car was an impulse buy that I will not regret. Since we bought two Venzas, I got an awesome deal on the second one. LOVE IT!

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  Paint chipping on hood? - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Whodatt_99 - August 14 - 2:43 am

  Have a 2008 Avalon XLS, dark maroon with cream leather interior. Absolutely beautiful car inside and out. Extremely smooth ride and good horsepower when you need it. Big problem is the paint on the hood. Tiny chips have been appearing and the car only has 11,000 on it. My 2001 Tahoe has zero chips on hood and 136,000 miles on it. Either the paint or the application process is crappy, or maybe the clear coat is too thin. That is my only complaint but it is a big one.

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  Poor Mileage Unreadable Climate Display - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By R Grimes - August 14 - 1:16 am

  This car is acceptable. I dont get anywhere near the promised mileage. The Premium Radio and Climate control display is unreadable in sunlight while wearing sunglasses. It is a clear safety hazard to try and operate them while driving. They need to be better lit as they are fine at night.

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  Ugly, but Great Quality. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt - August 14 - 1:06 am

  Totally wonderful SUV that, in Toyota fashion, lacks styling cues. The V-8 is nice for smooth power, but I wouldnt have done that again considering the upfront $$$ and typical 18 MPG ( poor ) fuel rating.

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  Taco Bell wishes they were this good!! - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ry - August 13 - 11:46 pm

  This is a great vehicle. 144,567 miles and still running like a clock. Advice to everyone that reads this spend a little extra and get a toyota. Chevy and ford cant compete with the reliabilty of this truck.!!! only maintenance was done on this engine.Timing belt!!!

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  Good commuter car - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By squib - August 13 - 10:04 pm

  The Toyota Corolla 2015 LE is a comfortable car for commuting long and short distances. It is a smooth ride at higher speeds on the freeways and has the power when you need it. It handles well but probably not sporty enough for most. You dont feel the bumps in the road like in most cars. It is certainly economical. It lets you know how much fuel you are using! The exterior of the car has a nice streamlined look. The interior is OK - looks a little outdated but has many convenient features like the Ensure media system. Bluetooth phone, voice activation, reverse camera, automatic climate control etc. There is plenty of room in the car and you head does not touch the ceiling.

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  Bad Radio - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - August 13 - 6:10 pm

  The radio in this truck turns on and off at will. The driver has no control. Toyota is aware of the problem and will fix it in a few months. I have been waiting two months with not a radio in site. The problem is so prevalent that the radios are back ordered to the factory. If you like radio you do not want to buy this truck.