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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  Happy Overall - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Central Connecticut - June 14 - 2:36 pm

  I purchased my truck (used) to replace a well-worn full size pickup. It was my hope to buy a smaller truck, and still enjoy the higher ride, spacious cabin, and load-carrying capacity of my old truck, but with better fuel economy. Im very satisfied on the first two points, but less so on the load-carrying and fuel economy. When this truck is loaded to capacity, the rear springs are almost bottomed out. And the fuel economy is only slightly better than a full size truck. Overall, though, Im quite happy. Its handling is stiff and glued to the road, like a sports car, but comfortable on long trips. And even for a tall person, the seating and controls are very satisfactory.

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  A Lot of Car. AWD Rides Hard. - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Missy P - June 14 - 12:20 pm

  Purchased June, 2010--driven ~ 700 miles. Upsized from RAV4, which I loved but outgrew. The 2011 feels like this is A LOT of car to drive. We owned a "99 Sienna and its a completely different car -- much heavier. Not sure if due to AWD/run flats, but please test drive AWD/ compare to FWD + Odyssey. I am/was loyal Toyota customer, loved my 99 Sienna and wanted AWD--did not test drive AWD only FWD, and am now regretting. Not smart. Ride feels hard, bumpy,noisy -- especially over roads with bumps (many). Is this the AWD? All 2011? Not sure--and too late for me--but tune into this when you test drive. Also front VERY low to ground--be careful! Only getting 16 MPG city-if that-not good.

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  Buy One - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4x4 fun - June 14 - 1:23 am

  I just purchased a 2010 Toyota Sequoia and it was the best full sized suv i have ever purchased. It is powerful and it is very capable,on and off road. The Jbl synthesis sound system is fantastic and i enjoy driving it over long periods of time. The fuel milage is not good, but this truley is one of the best full sized suv on the market today. I Would recomond it over the Expedition,Tahoe, Yukon, and the Armada any day.

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  My new sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Joel Conrad - June 14 - 1:16 am

  Have owned the vehicle for one month. Have driven across country and found the vehicle to be great on the road. Actually encountered blizzard conditions one day in Canada and the vehicle was terrific in the difficult driving conditions. So far I am very satisfied with the SUV. The only issue that I have is I could not order exactly the vehicle that I wanted.

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  Teflon Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By gruitnower - June 13 - 6:42 pm

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. I frequently look at these reviews about cars and wonder if they are biased towards Japanese cars. Well let me tell you, I just bought my Avalon with 108k on it and it drives like it only has 4 miles on it. Everything works flawlessly and it starts right up every morning. The look of this car is second to none, distinguished and stylish. I love the leather interior and the spacious trunk. I feel like I float to work instead of drive to work. The engine purrs like a kitten with no hitch on acceleration. This car puts ALL American mid size sedans to rest HANDS DOWN. the quality in workmanship is impeccable

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  Believe It! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Commuter - June 13 - 2:50 pm

  Yes, the gas milege everyone is talking about is correct. I use this car for commuting and drive stop and go rush hour traffic along with 20% city/80% highway. Overall gas milege after 2500 miles is 39 mpg. The lowest was 34 the highest 43.5. Fun to drive and you can feel the quality.

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  The Ultimate SUV - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Frank M. Jr - June 13 - 11:26 am

  Traded In 2004 BMW X5 for first Toyota Landcruiser and could not be happier. The Landcruiser is much bigger and roomier. Interior room is spacious and comfortable and build quality is excellent. Fuel economy is fair, but this is expected with a vehicle of this size and weight. The Landcruiser rides and handles exceptionally well for a large SUV. The ride is smooth and comfortable and even more enjoyable on long trips. The cabin is full of driver amenities and the vehicle is built with quality and Toyota reliability. The 275 HP engine is smooth and responsive. Love the Bluetooth capability. Satellite radio is an option that should come standard for the price of this SUV. The best SUV.

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  Sandy - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By sandydianna - June 13 - 10:00 am

  truck runs well color black with cloth

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  We love our Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By John Day - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Downside: Does not track well at speed on highways. Does not deliver advertised gas mileage. No wagon or 5-door sedan available. Upside: Noveltly never quits. Delight to drive in town. Quality throughout. Excellent drivers position, visibility. Easy entry and exit for us old folks. Peace and quiet, but not with max uphill or passing situations. Our riders like it, nice back seat.

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  reliable - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Claire - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive LOVED my Corolla!! Im the kinda car owner that wants to put my key in and have the car go and not need to know anymore than that. I wasnt fond of the dealer in Seattle re: maintenance (I was treated poorly)but luckily havent needed to go often! Im thinking of trading it in sadly but only to get more space of a minivan. I bought it as a childless couple and the carseat and long commute on the ferry seems to be shrinking the interior. If I had gone for a CE or LE I would have had that fold down seat to the trunk which would have fixed everything but...I dont :)