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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  Great automobile - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix - March 21 - 5:30 am

  I have driven this car in all kinds of conditions with excellent results, great gas mileage and comfortable ride, good handling. Just a nice car.

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  Aproaching perfection - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Papa - March 21 - 2:53 am

  Driving the Toyota Camry LE is a memorable experience. The power seat is exceptionally comfortable. As a senior citizen I find the instrument lighting to be near perfection. It is clean and simple and very easy for tired eyes to read day or night. I find that I dont need to wear my glasses to see the instruments. The transmission shifts so smoothly that it is dificult to tell when it actually shifts in normal conditions. Placement of controls is near perfect for me. Rearward visability is somewhat restricted compared to other vehicles that I have owned due primarily to the wide pillars in the rear.

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  Love this Toyota - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Brenda - March 21 - 12:36 am

  Ive had this Sienna for about 3 weeks and have put 2500 miles on it. I took my first trip in it and loved every minute of it. I felt very safe on the highway driving 80 MPH and more at times. The handle was very smooth and precise. There was virtually no noise which is very important on a long trip. The seats are very comfortable and relaxing. Ive owned other vans and SUVs and none compared to the Sienna. For once I have purchased a vehicle that Im happy with. Drive it and youll fall in love with it. I had many comments about its good look and comfort.

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  Well worth the switch over from the 2013 Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By hwdiprdner@aol.com - March 20 - 3:51 am

  I had a 2013 Tacoma which was a fantastic truck and did very well for me with all the heavy use I put it through. I had always wanted the Toyota truck to step up to more automated features, a sunroof like the old ones had, and heated seats etc. I decided to trade it in for the new TRD sport long bed 4x4 with Technology package. I have not been disappointed. The new truck is far quieter, more roomy in feel, better looking and great and awaited options. I have been overall impressed and happy that I had made the change. There is a lot of feedback talking about the poor acceleration and I have to say that I agree that it is not a spunky as my old truck however; it is not enough to sway my thoughts on the new truck. I am also dissatisfied that they do not include mud flaps as standard equipment when you are paying the higher price for this vehicle. Lastly, purchasing the long bed and desiring the tonneau cover that is available on the short bed, Toyota is slow on getting some of the after market products out to the public and at a much higher cost for the new truck. After having the truck for 7 months now, I am still as happy with the truck as when I purchased it. I have taken several long trips in the truck and I pull a trailer and quad. While going over steep inclines I just feel that the transmission is more noticeable as it has to shift more often to make the grade and at higher RPMs. Still very satisfied with this vehicle.

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  2006 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By LifeByTheDrop - March 19 - 11:56 pm

  I drive 50-60K per yr and needed 4x4 truck so went with the Tacoma Access Cab 4cyl 5 sp man. Ive been completely satisfied. After >10K mi Im getting 24.8 mpg on 89 Oct fuel. While I havent been in any serious mud, the 4 wheel drive has moved vehicle well through mud, even with OE tires. Manual trans was a little stiff, but has smoothed out with mi. I dont pull any heavy loads, only 14 fishing boat, and havent had any problem with 4cyl making hwy speeds and hills. Im 63" and there is plenty of room in cab for cooler, brief case, etc. Changing oil and greasing u-joints is easy. Ive installed tool box in bed and hidden hitch. Good luck to us all.

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  Quiet - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By reachfar - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  Yes the car gets great mileage and puts out near zero emissions but what you enjoy every day is the quiet. You get out of the car feeling more rested than when you entered. It is the first car in 30 years that I appreciate every time I use it

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  My XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Clayton - March 19 - 4:10 pm

  This has been the best auto that I have ever had the pleasure to drive. The quality throughout is evident from the moment you get into the car until you arrive at your destination. I have recommended this style & make to all my friends.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By frenchofva - March 19 - 3:20 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, my favorite car that I have ever owned. We now own two Prius cars and plan to by the Camry Hybrid. Lifetime mileage 49.9 MPG. Have kept detailed records for life of car. Summer mileage 50 - 55, and winter mileage 43 - 48. Drove from DC to Montreal on one tank!

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  One truck to beat - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By JC - March 18 - 4:53 pm

  I looked around and it did not take me long to make a decision in buying this vehicle. I have encountered the same difficulty in clearing my leg from the steering wheel when entering the cabin but in general, Toyota you have come a long way in design and performance in this category. Fuel mileage should improve.

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  Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Debi - March 18 - 3:16 pm

  I just love my new Rav4. It is so fun to drive. The get up and go is great. I can get to 80 real fast. It is a smooth ride and I think it is so cute. There is plenty of leg room in the front and back seat. It really has more room than my Nissan Quest did as far as leg room. I know Toyota is a good product because this is the fifth one I have had.