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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  This SUV ROCKS!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By maria caldarola - April 14 - 8:26 pm

  Smooth!!! Great take off!!! Tight and takes the tight corners like a dream!!! Driving is a pleasure! Body style is fablous retro.Gotta love the Voodoo Blue color. It just makes everybody look!! Everyone around here wants one!!! Cant wait for the snow to test out the 4 wheel drive. Gas mileage is a bummer tho.

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  Should have been part of the big recall - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By kdliberty - April 14 - 11:20 am

  I highly recommend you throw the driver side floor mat into the back seat like I did. After the little metal piece that holds the floor mat in place broke off I almost had a wreck! Stupid mat jammed under my accelerator. I almost did not get the car stopped and would have wrecked if the road had not been straight. Otherwise this has been an awesome car!

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  Dream Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Anela - April 14 - 7:10 am

  The best car purchase Ive ever made! Fun, fun, fun! Drive it everywhere, and always take the long way to get somewhere. Cant keep a tank of gas in it because I miss it if I dont put 50 miles a day on it (and I dont have a commute). I take it for all my grocery shopping (including Costco) and am not the least embarrassed about groceries riding shotgun. I typically get 30 mpg in mixed (mostly city) driving, and would probably get better if I could prevent myself from having so much fun while driving. Got 34 mpg driving from Mountain View to Fresno once (a steady 80 mph--dont tell the CHP).

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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By moe - April 13 - 6:40 pm

  Good reliable SUV

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By sharon McElravy - April 13 - 4:26 pm

  I have purchased a new car ever 2 to 3 years since 1974, and this is the best one yet. The cost was a little bit more than I usually spend, but I feel it was well worth it. It handles great, has a great appearance inside and out. Everthing is at your finger tips, you dont have to reach around for things. There is only one thing that I would change; there is not a good place to put your cell phone or to charge it while driving. Other than that I would not change a thing.

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  Options I can do without - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By cpo8usn - April 13 - 9:30 am

  I just picked up my 2006 Avalon limited last friday. Ive got a whopping 52 miles on it right now. It was the dealers show piece at the dealership and at the local mall during the recent Presidents holiday weekend. With 52 miles under my belt, all I can say is its quite, comfortable, powerful and good looking. Its loaded with everything, however this is where the rub comes in. I really could have done without the Laser cruise control, remote engine start, and blizzard white which would have saved me something around $1100 - $1400. So if your not an anxious buyer and can tune out the hype, order what you want and save.

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  Toyota IS the best - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By SAND Tacoma - April 12 - 6:56 pm

  I looked for the perfect vehicle for almost a year. A lot of research pointed me to Toyota. The Tacoma has come so far that I can hardly believe it. What a versatile vehicle! And, it feels like driving a car. Still breaking it in though, so well see...

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  impressions after 2k miles - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Don Kleyer - April 12 - 6:50 pm

  Pros: Good fuel economy though very speed, acceleration and wind sensitive. Features and reliability reputation are great for the price. Seat height adjustment very useful for short/tall driver transition. Cons: LED headlights on low beam are cut off by "eyelids" which can limit how far they illuminate ahead in hilly terrain. Steering requires frequent tweaks with stiff crosswind. Entune system setup/use with iPhone not as obvious as it should be.

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  I like it - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By brian - April 12 - 3:20 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Scion tC for this car and feel much safer in the snowy conditions. I drove my Rav in 7 inches of snow the other night and it handled beautifully. All of the traction control and saftey feature are a definite plus. The auto LSD works like a charm. As I pulled into my drive way through the huge snow drift the front wheels slide to the right. I put on the auto LSD and drove straight up the driveway.

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  Love this SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By shelhed217 - April 12 - 9:56 am

  I traded in my 05 dodge grand caravan after the transmission failed (6000 miles out of warranty). I was pretty upset about having to go into the next loan upside down, but having talked to several RAV owners they think I should be even in 3-4 years. It is so much more comfortable even without 8 way adjustable seats, holds everything I need it to, handling is fantastic. But the best part is 26 mpg compared to 18 in the caravan. I couldnt be happier.