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 had a 87 bmw but I love this SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By new4runner - January 25 - 3:23 am

  Originally, I wanted a lexus RX 350 but I really needed a practical family car to transport my teenagers. I have loved this car. My friends with mercedes are asking me if I like it. Yes, I really do. Just got it and someone keyed my car. No problem, I do have insurance. Its a shame someone would do that to my beautiful red 4Runner. Just wish it had a light on the window control panel. When it is dark, I cant find the correct button. I also wish it got a little better gas mileage and had a panel that shows how much gas I was using per mileage and how much gas/miles left to use.

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  what a great 1st truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By phil - January 24 - 10:10 pm

  I am very impressed. I drive a 2005 Mercedes 320 CLK Cabriolet for my everyday driver, but this truck is becoming my favorite ride! The wife & I "fight" over who will drive it to work. We got the speedway blue, with the TRD offroad upgrade, and get compliments wherever we go. Love the Toyota quality & reliability. I expect this truck to last us for many years.

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  Best Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bruce - January 24 - 9:13 pm

  I have a 120 mile round trip to and from work and this is the best car I have ever owned. Bought it new and other than tires, oil changes, serpentine belt and a new battery, thats it. The car is great. My son has a 2003 and has had the same experience. Going the speed limit I can average 43 mpg on the interstate. I now have 155,000 miles on it and am sure it will make it to at least 300,000 and beyond. This care is flawless mechanically. Now all my family including my wife and daughter have bought Toyotas.

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  Texan loves her RAV4! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Helen - January 24 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had my 2007 RAV4 Limited for a little over 7 weeks and truly love it! Enjoy driving it. I was hesitant about purchasing a 4 cyl SUV after owning a V6 mustang, but it has great get up and go on the freeways and great handling. I feel safe and secure behind the wheel and the visibility is fabulous. Even my husband loves it. Toyota has made a superior and sporty looking SUV.

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  Very well built truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By martinjmpr - January 24 - 7:03 am

  Bought it used in Jan 07 when we were in the middle of our 9 blizzards this year! The truck has been awesome, seems to go almost anywhere. This is my 2nd Toyota, my first was an 85 4x4 truck I bought new in 85. Toyotas are popular around here and for good reason: Theyre tough, reliable and very well made. MPG has been better than the EPA estimate: I get 18.5 in the city and 22-23 on the the highway. V6 is not extremely powerful but it gets the job done. Manual tranny is fun to drive and gives decent economy as well.

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  Love my Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By striner23 - January 24 - 4:20 am

  Iv had my Camry since Feb 1012. I have 11,000 miles on it. I traded in my 2010 Prius for this car. I like my Prius but my Camry is so much more car. My wife has back pain and has a hard time riding in any car as she feels every bump. She has really notice the ride in the Camry to be more comfortable then any other car she has rode in. I was getting 42 mpg mixed driving all summer. Now that winter grade gas is out my mpg is 38 mixed driving. I warm the car for 15 mins before driving. This is the same consistency I was getting with my Prius. Winter grade gas has a higher vapor pressure to help your car start in cold climates. This also will cause you to get 2 to 4 mpg less.

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  2001 TRD solara- Awesome car! I love it! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mike Tornatore - January 24 - 2:46 am

  I bought a 2001 se v6 solara which are very rare. Many aftermarket upgrades have been done. It has a TRD short throw shifter, TRD exhuast which adds about 5-10hp, TRD 7 piece body kit, 18 inch TSW wheels, TRD springs and struts which lower the car 2 inches, and ive also put in a K&N filter(+5hp) which also boosted the Horsepower. The car rides like a dream and handles great as well. The 5 speed transmission is a blast to drive and the car wants to get up and go. The car is very comfortable and incredibly roomy for a 2 door coupe. I do not have any complaints about the car and the car has been getting an avg. of 28 mpg combo of city/highway driving!! I highly recommend this car to all!!

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  Great van; you need to read the manual! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By nicolasj - January 24 - 12:30 am

  There are so many reviews here that talk about problems that are not really problems. Cant use all the GPS features when the car is moving? Do you know you can talk to it? The voice-activated navigation is amazing on this car; English is not my first language but NEVER ever did the car not understand what I was telling it, whether for GPS use or other things, actually. You think the iPod integration is bad? Dont forget you can stream audio via Bluetooth (with an iPhone for instance) and this works flawlessly. Problem with brakes while going downhill? Use engine-braking with the transmissions manual mode; it is so great to have this. I barely touch the brakes coming down a hill.

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  2007 Camry XLE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CINDY - January 23 - 11:06 pm

  We purchased our 2007 Camry last week and I love it! The interior is stylish, roomy and has many nice features. I especially love the fuel efficiency (we traded in our SUV that has a V8 engine). The ride is nice for adjusting from a V8 to 4 cylinder engine. Overall I think its going to be a great reliable car!

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  I love my new RAV! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By vivavegas99 - January 23 - 5:23 pm

  I just got my new RAV4 Limited 4WD V6 after wating a long 8 weeks. I have had so much fun driving this vehicle. It accelerates so smoothly and handles like the 2003 Corolla S we just traded in for it. The V6 is perfect for the driver that likes get up and go. It corners great and the steering is tight so you feel like you have control while you drive. It has a GREAT turning radius (I am used to driving a truck that didnt). I have only driven it 219 miles so far. The first tank of gas I got 19 miles per gallon. I figured itd be much worse on the first tank, especially because I do "jack rabbit" starts. I havent let my husband drive it yet! :-)