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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  Ian - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ian Chenetz - April 5 - 9:56 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever bought and I am so happy with it, I love to drive it. Everytime I stop somewhere people always have good compliments about it. It in itself is a conversation piece. It is a solid truck that you can see and feel the quality of the construction. I will be a toyota buyer from now on.

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  Why so many complaints? - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - April 5 - 7:53 pm

  Not sure why so many complain of the "minimal headroom." Just bought a 2016 TRD Off-Road Longbed. Im 63" and have a good 3+" between the top of my head and the "ceiling." Yes, it is slower than the outgoing model with the 4.0L, but not a dealbreaker for me...its a truck not a sports car. Reliability and dependability are yet to be seen with the new motor and all new electronic gadgets, but Toyota is a trustworthy brand known for their quality, so I cant imagine wed be let down with the new Tacoma. Entune app/nav/audio suite makes daily driving much more livable than my 2008. Interior has been hugely improved. Only gripe is the transmission does hunt for gears a little. Smooth shifting so its not too bad. Overall, so far I think its a great truck and would recommend it.

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  This puppy has it all - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By samuel - April 5 - 7:33 pm

  I had the old tundra with the 281HP (2006) and what a difference the 5.7L is compared. This puppy has what it takes, while I dont tow a lot, I know she has what it takes. Once you start her up, she is ready to go!!! My truck acts like a pit bull on a leash with a poodle walking in front of it. You can feel the power this piece of machine has as you speed up and slow down through the tranny. My truck is barely over a year and a half old and I have about 44k miles on it. Beside oil changes (60 bucks a pop) and the power steering fluid change, nothing has gone wrong. Im close to buying tires for my 18 inch rims, for 4 tires - firestone wants about 900, and sams club about 600 for michelins.

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Sherry701 - April 5 - 2:43 am

  Toyota, thank you for making my dream car come to life. This car is a head turner, people will stop you on the parking lot to ask about the car. I love this car, it is so smooth riding, turns on a dime. I love the signals on the mirrors, I love the feel of the leather seats, I love the sound system, love the wood trim, love the reclining back seats, love the nav system, the blue tooth. I love this car. I must say, even though I am not from the computer generation, the nav and blue tooth are simple to figure. I would buy one for each day of the week!

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  This car is forever - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Linda - April 5 - 12:01 am

  I bought my Camry station wagon in 2002, when the car was 7 years old, and now it has about 208,000 miles on it. Its the ONLY reliable car Ive ever owned. I own a small business, and after my having removed the rear seat cushions, the cargo space was huge. Has needed standard repairs and replacements, but some were to replace parts that have lasted 21 years! I had planned to keep it another 10 years, but it got totaled recently. The loss was huge to me. She had no book value, but the reliability of a Camry is priceless. If youre not concerned about resale value, I would think you can keep a Camry running forever. I was getting about 21 city/32 highway, due to my carrying a huge load of heavy tools and building materials, not any fault of the car.

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  A great decision. - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By DSea10 - April 4 - 3:03 pm

  After researching and reading consumer and editors reviews, I finally bought an 06 Limited V6 4x4. I have not looked back since. It is such a solid car and gives a great ride. The seats are very comfortable and give good support. I was very impressed with the traction control after our most recent snow storm. Its a great looking truck and everyone that has been in it has said there is plenty of room up front and in back. There is plenty of cargo space for all of my gear, especially with the seats folded down. Gas mileage has been 20.2 mpg average hwy and city, which I think is pretty good. The power is the best part, getting on the gas, it is responsive and sounds great.

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  V6 Limited Really Hot! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Paul Kaye - April 4 - 1:30 pm

  The new RAV4 V6 is a really fun car to drive. Power and torque is phenomonal! The vehicle can easily break traction if your not careful. More power than many mid-size V8 SUVs. Steering is tight and precise. The electronic assisted power brakes makes stopping on a dime the norm, besting cars at twice the price. All around visibility is very good. The optional JBL stereo will make any teenager envious of the door rocking thumping power. The vehicle has car like smoothness and is very quite at well over highway speeds. Truely a sheep in fox clothing SUV.

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  2005 Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bart - April 4 - 4:20 am

  This 2005 Avalon Limited is a new style with many new options. Many new drive assistance features on the multi- purpose screen. Turn signals incorporated in outside mirrors are great. New dash/gauges are easy to read. Great ride and performance with the 3.5L engine and 5 speed transmission with bump up or down gear shifting. Telescoping and tilt wheel are great. Heated and cooled seats using air flow are really comfortable. Looks more modern that previous style.

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  I NEVER thought I would buy a minivan - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Minivan Driver - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I decided to get rid of my Isuzu Rodeo because I was tired of the truck like ride. I came into the dealership to buy a Camry. I drove the Sienna just because, and I feel in love with it. Smooth ride, extreme confort. Prior to driving, and ultimately purchasing, I would hyperventilate just thinking about owning a minivan. Forget the stigma, this minivan drives/rides like a dream.

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  Count on it - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By PhoenixJim - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1st Avalon (85 XLS) for the new model last year after having testing the Acura, the S80, and others. The Avalon is the best car built for the money. One of the Avalons greatest strengths. I recently learned, is its safety and handling ability. Last weekend, while driving on the highway at approx 80 mph next to a semi, I hit a large rock in the road which blew both of my right tires. I had no problem keeping control of the car, slowing down, and getting to the right. I credit the Avalons handling with literally saving my life.