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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  What a great car. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By engjake - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We love this car, should have bought one a long time ago. Ive owned several toyotas and this is my favorite so far. They finally got rid of the slide out cup holders just under the cd player, and the new ones are great I can fit a large Nalgene bottle it it, they are are adjustable for smaller cups, and they dont get in the way of any of the controls. The 4runner is very comfortable and controls are all in a handy location. Plenty of power - for what I need - quiet, and the third row option is great for my little girls. The engine is larger than our last SUV and the gas mileage is better. It is also a little wider than they used to be so its more roomy.

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  Go Toyota - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By stan theman - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a CE model with manuel transmission. $1000.00 rebate from toyota and the fact my dealer came off the sticker price $1500 gave me a $12500 price. Plus the fact he gave me an additional $4600 on my trade (I would have been lucky to get that much if I sold the car myself.) I got a great deal. It did take much wrangling and holding out but I got a great car for very little money. Car is fun to drive, has a huge trunk. My three kids fit nicely in the back and me and the wife are very comfortable. Looked at the prius and for a difference of about 12 grand I will stick with the corolla.

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  Super minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By gbetts - June 8 - 10:00 am

  My Sienna has almost 5,000 miles now and is averaging 27.5 mpg! Astonishing mileage for the size of the vehicle. It is a wonderful change from my previous Chrysler vehicles.

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  4Runner Rules - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyotaforlife - June 8 - 6:46 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota 4Runner, and as with the other two, I am thrilled. I will probably always buy 4Runners if they continue to be as great as what Ive experienced so far.

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  Glad I Did It - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By at_iorr - June 8 - 4:10 am

  I loved my Ford 5.4 SuperCrew truck, and was worried about the transition, but I have no regrets. Bought when gas was a low point, so that was in my favor. The Camry has all the extra features of a normal car. I like the way it gives you all the tools to track mileage and optimize your driving habits for the best gas mileage (I have the nav console). Performance is just fine; not a rocket, but certainly not a dog, either. My mileage is generally 36 combined, w/ my best being a bit over 39 on a long highway trip, which conflicts w/ the better city that gets advertised. Only issue, to date, is a rattle around the sunroof. The trunk is adequate, albeit a bit small.

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  Best Midsize SUV hands down - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Tin Man - June 8 - 4:03 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 weeks and love every minute of it. Its not too big and not too small...just right. Rides very smooth with plenty of power. Nice interior design almost like a Lexus feel to it.

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  How Sweet it is!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard M - June 8 - 12:10 am

  What a vehicle this is! It was my second choice until I test drove it and then I had to have one. So fun to drive, especially with radar cruise control on the interstates. Very quiet,powerful, and fast. Had to shop around for a good price, but it was worth it.

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  A Great Mix of Gas and Electricity - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Joe in Iowa - June 7 - 10:26 pm

  I have now owned my Base Prius-Package 6 for 7 mos and 7,700 mi. I love it with a couple of exceptions. First, it is best if you are not over 510" sitting in the front passenger seat. Second, the navigation system is a waste (spend $200 on a Garmin). The actual mileage I have had has ranged from 35-37 mpg (winter) to 44-48 mpg in the above freezing months. My dealer said this is a more realistic expectation than the published numbers. Otherwise, it drives great (expect performance commensurate with its horsepower),the interior toys and quality are terrific, and I would definitely buy another one. The leather seat covering is great, but for almost $30,000 I would expect elect. seats.

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  Great RAV4 & Fast too. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By moose24 - June 7 - 9:43 pm

  Great car, picked it up with just 2 miles on it. Sold my 04 RAV for the 06 RAV and couldnt be happier. It is much better in every way.

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  Truly the best 4x4xFar - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By zad329 - June 7 - 8:23 pm

  My family has owned six (6!) Land Cruisers over the years, but I was the black sheep who strayed and purchased a Range Rover. The Rover was gorgeous, and a very able 4x4, but the thing was incredibly unreliable. When repairs were needed (which was often) the bills were frequently more than $1000-$2000. Long story short, I wised up, sold the Rover and bought an 06 Land Cruiser. Theres a reason the UN owns 12,000 Land Cruisers: you cant kill em. This vehicle is, by far, the most reliable & able SUV in the world. I am the prodigal son who returned, and the LC is where Im going to stay. After all, my Moms 99 LC just hit 300,000 miles; shes shooting for 1,000,000. Stay tuned.