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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  First Non GM Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By K TYLER - July 29 - 10:43 am

  Were at the car show and my wife wants me to look at the new Toyota Avalon. Im thinking Acura TL, but to keep her happy I go look, After about 2 minutes I ask her when can we get one. The car only has 759 miles on it but the build quality is definitely better than all the other cars weve owned. The seats are very comfortable and supportive, nav system is easy to use. It rides a little choppy over most bumps around town, but I think thats due to the 215/55-17s. On the interstate the car is great, steering is very responsive, and the car for a fullsize V6 is QUICK while giving us 30mpg on our last roadtrip. Very happy at this time, lets see if we feel the same in 10,000 miles.

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By execellent truck - July 28 - 3:36 pm

  I have owned many different SUVs over the years, this is without a doubt the best Ive ever owned. I had a Chev Blazer, Chev Tahoa, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Jeep. Nothing compares to the quality of the truck. I have not had any problems in 35,000 miles. I would definitely recommend the SUV to anyone needing this type of vehicle.

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  Whoo! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Joey - July 28 - 2:56 pm

  Good reliable car with great gas mileage but driving this car needs to be more comfortable. Driving in the driver seat is not to comfortable. Gas, brake, and clutch pedals are to close together. Sometimes step on 2 pedals at once. But overall happy with this car. Dont have to put gas in this car all the time like the Mustang I had before. Nice & quiet ride and good power on the freeway. Able to pass lots of cars.

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  The King of Sport Utilities - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 4WD Aficionado - July 28 - 7:33 am

  Forget about the hype from other manufacturers who claim to be the best, the original, professional grade, etc. The Toyota Landcruiser is the best built, most durable, full- size sport utility vehicle on the planet. It is sold on every continent because it can handle anything you throw at it. How does your unibody Cayenne/ML/X5 hold up to the rigors of Afghanistan? Thought so. The LC is great off road, rides very well on road, and the 320 ft. lbs. of torque is plenty. (Dont buy into the horsepower hype, people -- its torque that you want.) If you want a sports car, buy a 911 or a Corvette, not a SUV wannabe. Buy the Landcruiser, and with the money you save, get a used Boxster!

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  Death Mobile! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Teenage Driver - July 28 - 6:30 am

  Hi this is my second review the Title I used before this one is "I like mine". Since my last review I have experienced an episode of Unintended acceleration. After school was out I started my car my car was in neutral since its a standard when my engine revved up like I was pressing the gas pedal So I turn it off & start it again & its normal again so as I was heading home I was using the cruise control when out of no where it started accelerating so I pushed the brakes because usually it deactivates the cruise but this time it didnt. It got up 2 the speed of 95 MPH when I shift it to neutral I was able to stop but the engine kept revving. Stay away from toyota yariss they are defective as well.

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  Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By skip1 - July 27 - 11:16 pm

  It is a fun SUV to drive currently with 325 mile I get 30.3 mpg. The only bad feature is the small third row seat which would be ok for young children, but not for adults. The navagation system and other updates from the original Prius for monitoring the car are so much more advanced, Including a calendar for memos etc. It is a very comforable SUV

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  Dont know what happened - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By gir - July 27 - 9:53 pm

  This truck did me great for the first 5,000 miles. I had no problems with the 4x4. But for some reason, and the dealership cant figure it out, my tranny dumped on me. Dont know why. I didnt do anything that this truck couldnt handle but it broke.

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  Safe SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Nancy - July 27 - 8:26 pm

  I have resisted buying an SUV for years. However, I find that I really enjoy driving my new Highlander. It sits up higher than my previous car, but not too high. My 80 year old mother can get into it easily. It is a pleasure to drive.

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  Great little car! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Lisa - July 27 - 4:30 pm

  This was my first car and I was excited to be a car owner! It was surprisingly good in winter weather and I was fearless to go out in snow, ice, etc. I never had any problems and just had to do all the regular maintenance to keep it going. Unfortunately, I may have been too confident and drove my little car on the highway when there was a lot of black ice. I spun out several times and hit the guard rail, which in the end totaled the car. I am surprised it didnt flip over since the car is quite tall (something I got used to and I still bang my head getting into other cars!). Regardless, this a very good first car!

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  Transmission Problems - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By larrys9 - July 27 - 1:08 pm

  Transmission vibrates power train when5th and 6th in shifted. Engine makes a terrible growl all the time. I should have bought a Honda.