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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  Dash Board Problem - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mot - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My car dashboard rattles when I drive specially in the freeway. I took it to the dealer and they just put some insulation in it. The car still rattles, so I will take it back to service.

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  BMW to Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By hmorrisette - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I have driven a BMW for 9 yrs. I needed a new auto for our infant. I researched autos on Consumer Reports and this car was highly rated. I was hesitate at first since I loved my BMW. I decided to go with the Highlander for comfort, reliability, and price value. Great auto.

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  2000 Sienna - Great Vehicle - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By tnjumper - March 4 - 1:56 am

  We bought this certified, pre-owned vehicle about 18 months ago. We have had no repaire expenses other than normal oil changes. The minivan is extremely quiet and rides nicer than most cars. It is comfortable and is easy to enter and exit. We are very pleased with this purchase.

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  This car is ridiculous! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike - March 4 - 1:16 am

  Comfortable, fast, luxurious, flashy but not cop drawing flashy, great mpg for its size and speed. I researched every major make and model on the web and test drove about 10 different vehicles. so many cars looked amazing on the websites but driving them was not pleasing. for instance, the nissan maxima-you cant see out the back window and the interior (which looks unbelievable on the website) was all cheap and flims plastic. the avalon looked better than it did on the website. all my friends say "i thought that was a mercedes-i cant believe its a toyota!" incredible car-best decision i ever made.

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  2007 SR5 4x4 Sequoia - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Noleterp01 - March 4 - 12:40 am

  We were in the market this year for a larger SUV expecting our second child, and looked at everything on the market to be fair. It came down to the Expedition and the Sequoia. The Sequoia is by far the best full size SUV you can get for the money. We were also able to get ours at an exceptional value, considering Toyota is cleaning the lots this time of year. Perfect for a two baby/child family. Decent on gas, and the ride is as smooth as most cars. We couldnt be happier and are officially a Toyota family. We bought a black SR5 with appearance package, tan interior, sunroof, towing package. It is a sharp SUV and we are looking forward to taking it on our first road trip soon.

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  Oh, what a feeling! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Gwen - March 3 - 5:13 pm

  Had my Rav (4 cyl) for over a year and love everything about it. Bought the base model with extras like all the airbags. Didnt get fancy wheels, but washing the covers is lots easier.Its never been on a trip so I have only gotten about 25 mpg average. Got some bad fuel once and had some acceleration problems, but it wasnt the cars fault. Lots of backseat leg room, very comfortable for passengers. Also like the fact that the front passenger airbag will not come on if the front passenger is too light. Love parking it too, it fits nearly anywhere, even it the large SUV beside you goes over the line, youve still got room.

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  Good truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - March 3 - 3:50 pm

  I just traded in my 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe to buy a new 2008 Toyota Tundra. So far I love everything about the tundra. I was concerned about poor gas mileage, but that is not the case. The 5.7 L can actually get better gas mileage because it is a 6 speed. It all depends on how you drive it. The ONLY complaint I have about the Tundra is that the ride is a little bit rough. I think that the everything else about the Tundra is so nice though that it easily makes up for the rough ride.

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  Easy To Love - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Camry To Prius - March 2 - 8:20 pm

  Now nearly a whole model year old, this TCH is still our favorite. Gas mileage is almost too good - mixed city/highway driving yields high 30s to very low 40s. If you set the cruise control for 60 mph on the highway, expect to be rewarded with 42-43 mpg. (OK, you will get passed a lot.) The car has comfort, well laid out dash and controls. It fits us in all respects except for the arm rests. Our experience suggests buyers duck the GPS option. We found a good after market GPS superior as it is both more accurate and easily moved between family cars. While we appreciate the performance, it does get on to the interstate system easily, but the TCH is no "muscle car" either.

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  My 3rd Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill Lawson - March 2 - 10:20 am

  I love my Tacoma, this is my 3rd one. My last Tacoma, I owned for 11 years. It never broke down or had any problems except a thin layer of rust in the usual places. (WD-40 stops rust) I was forced to sell it due to a career change. But after a year without a truck I just had to buy another one. This one is quiet and smooth riding. No need to dodge pot holes, it takes bumps real well. I put about 1400 miles on it so far. I get 23 MPG in town. That seems a little low for a 4 cylinder but comparable trucks are not any better.

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  FJ Lover - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Lover - March 2 - 8:53 am

  I bought the FJ Cruiser after having driven a fully loaded Ford Explorer for the past 8 years. Its my first foreign car and so far Im very pleased with it (only has about 1000 miles on it at this time). Ive gotten about 20 MPG on the first 3 tanks of gas with about 50/50 city/highway driving. The ride feels tall but handles well and is quieter than youd expect for a vehicle that looks this tough and is so utilitarian. I test drove the smaller Rav4 and Honda CR-V as well as the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline and Toyota 4Runner and this was by far, hands down, the most fun to drive.