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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  Awesome Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ssmithri - November 16 - 3:00 am

  Owning and driving this car pleases all of the senses and sensibilities. At a base price around $21,000 (I spent $24k with options), the Prius is affordable. The roominess (comparable to a Camry inside) allows for space for children or cargo (or both). The stylish outside and detailed appointments inside(multi-function display, sleek lines, etc...) are easy on the eyes. The ears and and nose appreciate the silent operation in electric only mode (the engine automatically shuts off /on depending on power/speed needs) and the near zero emissions leaves no foul oily taste in the mouth. The handling is responsive and tight and leaves one with a feeling of having a midas touch.

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  Love the Sienna! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By dburnrph - November 16 - 2:14 am

  We traded in our 2007 Saturn Outlook XE for the new Sienna SE. We are very happy. Love the look and drive of the sporty SE. Great gas mileage, huge amount of room.

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  Best SUV Value - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Terry Cumiskey - November 16 - 12:30 am

  1st SUV, 6th Toyota since 1980. Best SUV product value on the market today.

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  Great little truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Man - November 15 - 9:40 pm

  Bought this truck after many years of saving up with 114K. Got the 2.7L I4, got good power without sacraficing too much mileage. Gas mileage is about 18.5. However, drivers side rear leaf spring broke shortly after purchase. Was a heafty $400 to replace with aftermarket springs. I was told this was very common with first year Tacomas. Overall, no major problems yet, doesnt burn oil, dont make noise. Ride is a little rough though.

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  A four for all seasons - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Four more - November 15 - 11:33 am

  Before anyone buys a 6cyl. Camry they should spend some time in a 4cyl. Better mileage, very peppy, responsive at highway speeds, and quiet too. Still the best damn family sedan on the market, bar none.

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  EXCELLENT - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By JonJon1223 - November 15 - 7:13 am

  I traded up my 2007 Corolla SE to a 2010 Toyota Camry SE and I am very happy with my decision. The Camry SE looks sleek, drives like a dream, and is very quiet...even on highway driving. I do a lot of highway driving and Im averaging 32mpg. The 2.5L engine has plenty of pickup and is smooth. I love to drive this car! Lexus quality without paying the price!

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  Much improved since 1999 - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jon - November 15 - 3:30 am

  I had a 1999 4runner for eight trouble-free years. Wife test drove RAV-4 and Highlander, and as soon as we left the lot in the 4Runner she said this is the one. Love the ride, handling and gas mileage,18-20 city, 22-26 highway. Better MPG than the 1999 model. Looking forward to another eight years of worry free driving. Way to go Toyota!!

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  2002 Toyota 4Runner-always the class of the field - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Terri Lusk - November 14 - 8:12 pm

  After owning the 2002 Toyota 4Runner for over 14 years, I think that Im qualified to give an opinion on the subject. I keep my 4Runner in tip top shape by doing all of the maintenance that is expected of the vehicle. It has been a very good vehicle for me and I get lots of complements on how it looks. Its not usual to see a female driving this vehicle, especially an older one!! Since its older, it doesnt have the new technology on it but then again it wont break on me! I have found that tires are very important to the handling of this vehicle. I used to use Michelin tires, but found that the new Firestone Destination tires are fantastic. They let me drive in the rain and thru puddles without hydroplaning like the other tires used to and makes me feel safer on the road. These vehicles can be tippy if not driven properly and Ive never felt like its going to tip over because I dont push it like some people do. Its not a car and you cant drive it like one!!

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  Highlander 4cyl with 3rd seat - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By luvthetoyotas - November 14 - 12:53 pm

  I purchased the car this weekend. Hard to find a 4cyl with the third seat. Drove ~300 miles to pick it up, so I got a little highway time and have driven it around town some. I drove both the 6cyl and 4cyl models and really like the balance of the 4 with the 6 speed transmission. Sure, it wont win any drag races, but the performance is very good. If you want a sports car, buy one. I got ~26mpg on a brand new motor driving 75 mph. Mileage will only improve once its broken in. So far - love the Highlander. Rated reliability high from my experience with my other Toyota products.

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  This Soccer Mom loves her FJ! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Leti B - November 14 - 11:03 am

  I got my FJ in July of 2006 and I love it as much today as the day I brought it home from the dealership! Its very comfortable to drive and the kids have more than enough room in the backseat. I love the vinyl floors - sticky messes clean up in a flash! Theres a lot of room in the back so we can easily haul all of our camping gear. The flat doors make it easy to squeeze into/out of tight parking spaces.