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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  Our new Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By merrel - December 28 - 10:46 pm

  We now have 09 Venza for 3 months and love the handling, and quality built workmanship. 24 mpg city and 28mpg hway. Wish vehicle had 2 position memory seats but paid $675 extra for full power passenger seat. Also opted for double sun roof & radio. Do not see the need for 20" tires but that was not negotiable. Highway cruising is a dream. Sold a 2006 RX330 Lexus for this with no regrets. Did splurge $400 for two piece mesh chrome (aftermarket) grille from California which really adds class!!

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  1500 miles, so good so far... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By brad sparks - December 28 - 3:00 pm

  to be upfront,the only thing that sucks about our new 07 rav4 is having a car payment again.everything else is awesome,besides the fact that this is my wifes daily driver and i hardly get to drive it.v6 power is strong,especially in the midrange powerband.well worth the money to upgrade from the 4 cyl.5-speed auto. shifts effortlessly.have not checked out the 4-wheel drive as of yet,but i would like to see if it will make it out on the beaches in nags head,nc. i will write back if it does,if i dont i will have burried myself to the floorboards trying to get out to the fish.interior room is pretty good even for a big guy.jbl stero rocks hard.

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  Babe Magnet - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By VanMan - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I am amazed by the reviews on here, some honestly just make me laugh, I run full synthetic, and run 3k mile oil change runs, never had an issue with sludge. My interior takes a beating (not by kids, but snowboards, mountain bikes, and drunken friends) I have replaced the brakes twice in the front, the rears i believe are original, pads in NYC cost me 35 bucks a wheel to replace. rotors are 50 bucks each. The seats are super comfortable, and the ride is better then my friends 99 deville. The seats could be uncomfortable if you are huge, but then just pull the back seats out and roll yourself in.

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  Much bang for your buck - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By treehugger - December 28 - 3:53 am

  This is an inexpensive, underpriced, maniac of a car. It goes from fuel-efficient, soccer-mom car by day to rowdy, performance-based six-speed-sport-shifting madness by night.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By hrdrckr - December 27 - 8:03 pm

  My first Toyota after many years with GM. Have had car for only 8 weeks, but absolutely no complaints. People stop and stare at car constantly. Bluetooth and JBL are great. Feels expensive, yet comfortable with larger interior than my Grand Prix. Makes me a better driver. No transmission problems, reacts instantaneously. Exceptional car.

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  First Toyota - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed Kolacki - December 27 - 6:20 pm

  Fun to drive and good on gas. steering is tight and responsive.

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  09RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By okudud - December 26 - 7:16 pm

  It is a genuine fun, easy to drive vehicle. Well made and just only two items were defective but Toyota taking care of problems.

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  Worst mistake I made was selling it. - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By nuvabey - December 26 - 5:59 pm

  The title should say it all. I got antsy and sold my Taco for a sports car. Huge mistake. This truck was near perfect. That transmission rattle you hear? Dont let some whack job mechanic tell you you need a whole new clutch a flywheel. It just sounds like that. In town Id get no less than 22-23 mpg. And that was usually 16 miles round trip at 40 mph or less. I drive a Challenger R/T now and if someone said theyd swap me for my Tacoma again, Id do it in a heartbeat.

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  I love my TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Z - December 26 - 5:50 pm

  Great looks. Great mileage (better than advertised on the road). Great ride.

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  No Body Side Moldings - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Piper - December 26 - 7:06 am

  This is my second Avalon, gave my old 1998 version to my son. I love the Lexus like quality and look. Great dash, plenty of interior space, lots of nice features, like the auto dimming exterior drivers mirror, extendable arm rest and reclining rear seats. Rear Lip Spoiler is a must. Was disappointed it does not come with body side moldings. Went on-line and found at Bob Bridge Toyota in Renton, WA. They are genuine toyota parts..... looks great and protects from door dings. Local dealer installed for $40. in my opinion they should have been there to start. All is all a great car to drive.