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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  Just the best! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jeff - June 7 - 5:53 pm

  This is by far the the best vehicle I have ever owned. It was my first Toyota and that is all I will ever buy from now on. 180,000 miles on it and not a single problem. Nothing but brakes and spark plugs. The all wheel drive is amazing I live in Canada and it goes through the snow better than my 4x4 truck. Fuel is about 36 mpg highway. Great car!

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  Awesome economical utility wagon - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By strangefingers - June 7 - 5:31 pm

  So Prius v wagon or Jetta diesel wagon... though generally I much prefer Germanic driving dynamics, dollars and sense said same mileage with regular gas vs high cost of diesel fuel and likely lower maintenance costs. Thus the Prius. Handling was below par and crosswinds/truck buffeting was downright scary at times. Without going crazy, for less than $800 complete, a Cusco rear sway bar, Tanabe front and rear springs (10% +/- stiffer and less than an inch lower) with 7mm wheel spacers in front and 5 mm in the rear and the little golf cart that couldnt became the go cart that could! Stable at all speeds, cruising "sweet spot" on secondary roads and highway rose 10 mph comfortably. Awesome!

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  Wonderful Hwy Cruiser - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Metro Atlanta - June 7 - 12:30 pm

  My wife and I were shopping for a small/medium size SUV for our off-work vehicle. We were looking at several other SUVs out there before settling for the Highlander. It was not the best of the bunch but it was the best deal of them all. The RAV4 V6 and Murano definitely had more punch and characteristics. But the Highlander had the best value of the bunch. As expected, the fit & finish is excellent. The V6 is more than adequate for everyday driving. The handling is better than I expected. It is quite balanced for a fwd. Great ergonomics all around. The chrome enhancement on the Sport model really freshens up the dull look of the base model. Cant beat the deal at 0% for 48 months.

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  The Best Truck for the Buck ! ! ! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By T-Man - June 7 - 3:16 am

  With the moonroof and all the windows open (including the back window) I feel as though Im in a convertible. Awesome! Great stereo, fun to drive. Ive owned many GM products and this far out-shines them in value and reliability. Far fewer problems. American vehicles (Ford & GM) have a lot more features than Toyota. However, quality and workmanship of the Toyota product is superior to American vehicles.

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  My 2017 Rav4 SE AWD review - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike Dallmeier - June 7 - 1:03 am

  First let me say I owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL before buying this vehicle. That being said, my Escape had more options on it for the price point. I have never owned a Toyota before and I found the appearance of the RAV4 inviting. The 2017 RAV4s only offer a 4 cylinder engine, the 2016s offered a 6 cylinder. The SE comes with the ECO/Sport modes. ECO Im getting about 29mpg, Sport mode close to the same, although engine is more peppy in sport mode. There is plenty of power for merging onto highways and for passing in my opinion. Interior is quiet and road/engine noise into the cabin is minimal. The SEs suspension is more stiff, a little more rough than Id like but ok. Almost no vehicle lean going around corners, electric steering feels fine also. Stereo is great! Cabin speakers more than adequate, better than my Escapes. The seats are not as comfortable as I would have expected, a bit disappointing! The headlights and tail lights have the LED trim which looks very nice. Great visibility at night with just low beams on! Back seat is spacious, cargo area fine. The only thing I wish I had is memory button for drivers seat and a power passenger seat. Other than that its a nice vehicle, but I only have a little over 550 miles on it so far.

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  My 2010 Tacoma @ 110,000 miles - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom Hamilton - June 7 - 12:04 am

  This truck has been excellent, bought used at 30000 mi. Have towed trainers, and boats, been from Indiana to Texas twice, and Indiana to West Palm, Florida and back. Ive changed oil at 5000 mi. intervals, and checked all recalls at Toyota dealerships. Tires and brakes are original equipment. I bought new tires, Goodyear, at 98,108 and new brake pads front and rear. Had to replace a failing u-joint, squeaking, at 99,000 miles, found out there are 3 in the standard drive train, replaced all 3. We bought a single axle RV camper, installed a trailer brake controller, and an anti-sway kit, and pulled the camper (3500 lbs) from Indiana to the Grand Canyon, through the New Mexico, & Colorado Rocky Mountains, average speed of 70 mph.

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  Best Mid-Size SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By New Owner - June 6 - 9:50 pm

  I researched all the SUVs in this class and the 4Runner is the BEST. The 4 Runner has around for 20+ years and people are still driving their old ones. A good thing is that most are repeat owners. The quality, price, and amenities are awesome. I love it.

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  Satisfied Sienna Owner - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By JOJO - June 6 - 7:26 pm

  Its my Wifes Sienna XLE AWD and we bought it last September. Very Comfortable, smooth ride and dependable. Only problem I have was that the power liftgate failed to close/open after a week use, I didnt see this prob in other reviews so I guess I was just unfortunate on that part, but my Toyota dealer got it fixed now. Overall performance is Excellent. If Im going to turn back time and buy a Van... I will still choose a Sienna.

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  Best Truck In Its Class. Buy It!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paul - June 6 - 4:10 pm

  Had this truck since Aug. 2005. I did months of research before I bought this truck. The research paid off. Being at the end of the summer season, I was able to get the exact one down to the color and options that I wanted. I got the accurate gas mileage by filling it up, run for about 150 miles and fill it up again, and devide the miles into the gallons. I got 17.5 city, and 22mpg on a trip. Performance is great. The 0-60 time is 7.5 sec. Fast for a 4000lb truck. The ride, comfort, and handling, I think is great. Try it

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  Ignore bad press - The best value! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Jan - June 6 - 3:10 pm

  This car is a delight to drive and own. Interior and storage room are far greater than much larger cars (including my Camry) and far more thoughtfully designed. The instrumentation took a second to get used to, but now I resent conventional look- through-the-steering-wheel displays. This is more natural and allows you to continue surveying the road. Super fuel efficient and surprisingly safe -. My Echo handled a bad side collision (I was plowed into) like a trouper. Not a hair was mussed. I thought the handling was nimble and responsive. Its a 1.5 liter and takes a moment to get up to speed, but I dont gun it from a stop anyway.