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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  99 PreRunner Taco - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jesse A - October 13 - 3:43 am

  I bought this Tacoma thinking I would only use it a few years but this baby with the 2.7L motor is rock solid! I did add Bilsteins/headers/Cat-Back exhaust and this baby purrs. The biggest plus on this vehicle is that its reliable and keeps on going. My only wish is that more aftermarket items would be available for the 4 cyl. Right now I have 150k on mine and it runs like it was brand new. Great vehicle and worth every penny I paid for it.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By J. A. Dean - October 12 - 10:56 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive. Toyota knows how to make a sedan sporty, solid and economical. Fit and finish are top quality. Everything worked the first time and everytime since then. The ride is smooth and the automobile is very quiet. I love the leg room in the back seat and the reclining back seat is just an added plus. Cruising back from Las Vegas last year I got 32.3 MPG when I had it on cruise control. What a great automobile to own and drive!

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  Prius IV - Great Experience Since August 2010 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By grimey2 - October 12 - 8:40 pm

  I reviewed this cars traits as compared to other hybrids presently on the market. In "Power" mode, plenty of pickup is always available. Its like driving a regular Corolla (has the same engine) but I find "Eco" is perfect for every situation. Leather seats are high quality/durable & dash layout is easy to read. Nice XM radio & BT interface for handsfree - works well. Agree with center console squeaks. While worse in cold wx, UNSAT for a Toyota. Have had no issues mechanically/otherwise with regen brakes, lurching, etc. 45-50 Avg city/hwy - love it

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  Outstanding all-around SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Timothy Howes - October 12 - 5:40 pm

  Replaced a 2000 Isuzu Trooper. Was going to buy a smaller vehicle, but when I drove the 4Runner I was sold. Amazing ride and handling, yet very capable off-road. Fuel economy for body-on-frame SUV has been very reasonable at 22-23 mpg on highway, 18 mpg in town. Towing is impressive even with V-6. Tows my 4,500lb boat fairly easily. I like the fact that this is a no-bling vehicle that does what its supposed to do without excuses.

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  Great van - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By RR - October 12 - 2:46 pm

  Great van with lots of power. Other minivans that Ive driven (Dodge, Kia) struggled going up hills or at high speeds. The Sienna handles beautifully. The power doors are a very inexpensive option on the LE and are great. If you are looking for an 8 passenger minivan, Sienna is the best option. Most other minivans dont offer 8 seats. The Honda Odyssey does, but it has a very weird half-size 8th seat.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Rico - October 12 - 11:00 am

  The XRS model is just fun to drive. It moves when you need to move. The 6- speed is the way to go with this vehicle. Great steering that handles well.

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  Be wary - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By owner in wisconsin - October 12 - 10:56 am

  I have read many positive reviews of the Sienna but ever since I bought this car in 2003 it has been a money pit. I have replaced the tires...twice! Also, last spring replaced the radiator and now the auto shop tells me I need to sink another $500 into the axle shaft. I hate this car.

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  Top Quality do everything SUV - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By dgallina - October 12 - 8:11 am

  Purchased a new 2014 4Runner and absolutely love it. Toyota did a fantastic job with the interior upgrades on the 2014 Limited. Exterior still has that bold yet classy look. Super comfortable interior, seats are the best Ive sat in and ventalation/heat in them is great. 2nd row space is generous and storage area in the back is much larger than our old 4Runner. Power is adequate, however a 6th gear would be nice. Other than that love everything about this vehicle. Highly recommend.

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  Sporty eco drive. - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Pwagon - October 12 - 6:31 am

  This car is fun to drive. It gives feedback and rates your eco driving on the go. Actually, it teaches the driver to proceed with economy. The cars driver visibility is a tremendous improvement over older models. The screen is a great improvement over the previous generation. We are impressed with the economy of this vehicle.

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  Great Reliable Camry... - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Smith - October 11 - 4:03 pm

  I upgraded from a 2006 Corolla to a 2010 Camry and after driving the Camry for about 10 days I feel that I never want to drive the Corolla again. The overall ride quality is great, very quiet, very reliable, acceleration for a V4 engine with 6-Speed Auto is great, Felt like you have a V6 engine when you step up on the gas. Brakes with ABS is good, the stock sound system is pretty adequate for my needs. Overall very happy with the car. So far the only thing I dont like is the mileage, I was used to the Corolla mileage so it might take a little bit of time to adjust to the mileage drop with Camry, but I dont regret the drop in mileage any bit.