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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  I love my Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - July 13 - 11:20 pm

  This is my car for transition to retirement. I was a financial advisor and always drove cars that were less than 3 years old. This one was for work and retirement. It is now five years old and I am going for ten. It is maintenance free. I carry kayaks on the top, paddles inside, use it to take stuff to the dump, and use it to take my wife to nice functions. In fact, I am using it to drive a candidate for Comptroller of the whole state of CT. I love this car.

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  Great improvements! - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By SmithMom - July 13 - 11:10 pm

  I sold a 2005 Sienna to buy the 2010. I was disappointed the new body style wont be out til next year, but there are a lot of interior improvements: soothing dashboard lighting, ipod connector, 110V A/C outlets, automatic fold flat 3rd row seats, great Navigation system, improved DVD system with sound by infrared not FM signal. My husband liked the increased HP and slightly better gas mileage. New colors to choose from. Im very pleased.

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  Our Second Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Linda Perkins - July 13 - 7:30 pm

  This is the second Sequoia Limited we have purchased. The Sequoia is the first SUV we have ever had and absolutely the best vehicle we have ever owned. The interior is outstanding, more like a car and not a truck. The third seat is comfortable for an average size adult. I rode in this seat from Ohio to Tenn without a complaint. We tell everyone that asks how much we love our Sequoia and even say it to each other while we are traveling. Our son loved ours so much that he even bought one for himself to accommodate his growing family. We cant say enough good things about the Sequoia Limited.

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  VERY DISAPOINTED IN THE SCOUT GPS LINK - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Dupuis - July 13 - 7:01 pm

  Discovered 2 days after purchasing my new Camry 2016 Special Edition SE that the new Scout GPS Link App installed is a real disappointment. The App on the smartphone is excellent, (state of the art, detailed maps updated daily) but the interface with the Camry is worthless. Its like going back to the stone age. There are no options available, no detailed maps except a small map showing from point A to point B and a small arrow moving very slowly to your destination. Wished the original Toyota Entune Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite (Option) could be installed in my new Camry but was told this is not possible, must buy out of market Navigation system which isnt the same as original. Too late to change for another Camry 2016 Special Edition SE with Entune NAV. I suggest you add the Toyota Entune Nav. System when ordering your new Toyota. Besides this disappointment, this is an Excellent automobile.

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  The most amazing car I have ever owned! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By priuspapa - July 13 - 6:51 pm

  I bought the 2011 model II Prius this January and each day I love it a little more. Perhaps the on-board computer is a bit enthusiastic but I average between 53 and 56 MPG(!) The car attracts a LOT of attention because Im constantly being quizzed by family, friends, and associates. In parking lots complete strangers are very curious and interested. My first test ride hooked me. The car has been manufactured for going on 10 years now and the build quality seems first rate. The Prius is quiet, smooth and very refined. Is it a "big little car" or a "little big car?" Its ingenius the way it accommodates 4 people or cargo.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By wkk - July 13 - 12:40 pm

  The RAV4 Ltd. 4wd V6 beats the last two Honda CRVs I have owned, except for the uncomfortable front seats. My wife and I both find them very difficult to sit in when taking any trip over 1 hour. They really need to improve these seats since the car is otherwise so great.

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  Poor Rear Bumper Design - needs a recall - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By dmagruder - July 13 - 9:01 am

  Nice car, but the body panels (specifically the rear bumper) need to be redesigned. (see below). I am already having to replace it before Ive even made my first payment, and Toyota is out of the part because it is in high demand because is a common problem with their current design.

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  Pleased - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Anthony - July 13 - 8:40 am

  I have had the vehicle for only 2 weeks and I have been pleasantly surprised. Roomy, sufficient power from the 4 cylinder, great looks. We needed a small SUV that will give good gas mileage and it looks like we got it.

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  Extremely unsafe! - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By tessann19 - July 13 - 7:58 am

  I purchased the 2012 Venza in June of 2012 with high hopes. The options and look were phenomenal. However, there is definitely a safety issue with this vehicle. In Oct. of 2012 the rear passenger window burst while driving down a highway. Today, 05/13/13, I started the car and put it in reverse and the rear window shattered. My concern now - I have a sunroof and panoramic window which I am concerned will have the same issues. Toyota needs to up their expectations - just because they purchased GM doesnt mean they can lower the standards.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bruce - July 13 - 7:10 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota and I have always been pleased with the cars and performance. I am disappointed with this vehicle. The transmission is jerky and the gas mileage is terrible. I have never gotten better than 19 mpg. The car has been maintained very well and driven conservatively. The dealer cannot find anything wrong. I would not have purchased this vehicle if I was aware of the actual poor mileage.