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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  Good choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Brent - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid choice of a car if you are looking for something practical. The fit and finish is solid and I enjoy driving it. The MPG for combined driving for me has been a lot lower than expected at 24.5 mpg. The bluetooth is ok but not nearly as easy to use without having navigation. It also seems to be really peppy, like almost too peppy when coming out of the garage.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - April 16 - 1:26 am

  Im 41 years old and have owned trucks from Dodge, Chevy, GMC, Ford, and now Toyota (I have no brand loyalty). Without a doubt, this is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned!! Ive had so many problems, Im not sure where to begin. I have owned the truck for 5 months, and it has 9100 miles. That may seem like a lot, but I usually drive about 35k miles a year (so it should have about 17k miles, not 9). Why the low miles? Because, it spends all its time in the shop. Engine, brakes, paint (2 complete paint jobs on a brand new truck...downright criminal), transmission (on its third), ECM, constant engine codes, dash rattle, rusting bumpers, ignition stuck, bad drive shaft.

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  2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By The Needle - April 15 - 6:06 pm

  My experience so far is that this is an OK truck. All windows are very small and obstruct views, especially the rear windows. Rear seating on my Extended cab is VERY uncomfortable on long trips. Gas mileage is miserable: around 14mpg with half city and hwy. Nice feature on the tundra is the rear video cam, but thats cause youll need it. Also the interior is cheap.

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  No Surprises, Quality and Reliability - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fabio - April 15 - 12:46 pm

  My wife drives it 90% of the times, and get this...no complains! Usually with most of anything else, its, too big, too small, not confortable enough, bla bla. The 4Runner is a hit. Sometimes I drive it on weekends, and find it quite enjoyable, good response, and confortable. At times, I use it to tow my quad or commercial mower with a good size trailer...plenty of torque for a V6. Have had it for about 4 yrs, and its just like when we got it, just a litte older. My wife did get in an accident about 6 month ago, some moron decided to come in the wrong lane to avoid my wife carring 3 children, 7 to 15. Snapped the rear axel in half, spun 180 deg, caused $7K of damage, everyone safe.

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  Best Suv Ever - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sodhi - April 15 - 8:06 am

  By far this is the best SUV on the market not just for the buck but for the features. So much interior room. The platinum edition feels like owning a Lexus with out the huge payment.

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  Great truck so far - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By great truck - April 15 - 7:13 am

  The Tundras interior materials arent as nice as the Tacomas, but it is still as good as any other domestic. Could have used better interior materials but in a truck meant for work it is a very nice interior. This truck is a beast. Limo sized back seat, quiet beast under the hood, a mile away between driver and passenger, and very comfortable. Awesome truck. I also test drove a Ford and a Silverado.

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  disapointed - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By tomtom - April 15 - 5:06 am

  This my third 4 runner 4x4,I am not happy with the standard equipment. My 2004&2008 SR5 4X4,in my estimation had better standard features. I must admit it is a great looking vehicle,and has that toyota feel of quality. I cant believe this 4X4 does not have mud flaps,no running boards,no cross members on roof rack,no limited slip rear end,no locking differential,and they eliminated the turn knob to engage the 4 wheel drive,you need to push a handle to engage the 4 wheel drive.My wife hates it,NOT WOMAN FRIENDLY!

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  Samson (his name) Review - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By mwildman - April 15 - 12:03 am

  Just love the truck. Had it for a number of months now and have driven short and long distances with it. The FFV is great although you do lose a few miles to the gallon but its still cheaper to run on. Havent noticed any ride/performance issues with E85. Had a Dodge truck before and like the Tundra much better. Plan on buying boat and camper in the future so now Im ready.

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  My Car is very reliable - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ravivar - April 14 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased 2007 Camry LE V6 new and enjoyed driving all these years.I put up 73,000 Miles and never had issues other than the normal wear and tear.The best part is the V6 Engine which is quick to accelerate and smooth.My car still rides like new.in one long trip i got 34mpg.Now a days its averaging 24 mgp/hwy.The interior looks good but not great.if you look closely the interior has gaps in the edges and finish is not good. The one think i dont like is the steering.Its bigger.. The seats are getting uncomfortable in the long drives.The cabin is quiet and the car rides smooth.

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  good except in heavy snow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MReid - April 14 - 2:23 pm

  Bought the RAV-4 in Florida before moving to Germany. It is a 4WD with all season tires. In heavy snow & ice I have been slipping and sliding everywhere, rear-end fishtails out of turns and Im not driving fast. I find this disappointing. I was expecting much better traction in the snow. I also think Toyota needs to put the emergency flashers closer to the drivers side hands and not over to the passengers side, it is very inconvenient. Also, Toyota could redesign the rear door to open up instead of out. Otherwise, I love the vehicle, great cargo space and great turning radius.