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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  My 4 Runner rules - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By mike777 - August 30 - 5:29 am

  I purchased my 4 runner in 06 with 117 K on it , it was a 1 owner trade in with all service receipts ( lots of them) all service performed by the book by Toyota , (main reason I bought it) that and the reviews by owners. It has proven to be the best most reliable vehicle Ive owned to date. I currently have 350K on it with no major or minor problems, I do my own service /maintenence, no breakdowns, everything still works, and I have the LTD with power everything! all I can say is wow, pretty much original everything. runs like a swiss watch. still drives like new and looks close to new. made in Japan with top quality parts, seriously whose alternator lasts 350,00 miles,500K here I come

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  Still Love It - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By teryev - August 29 - 7:33 pm

  Other than the radio control button being too small and tires that are not up to the braking and corning ability of this vehicle, it is still awesome. I have averaged 51.4 mpg since taking ownership.

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  Camry Hybrid in Northern NJ - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jefff S - August 29 - 4:16 pm

  I have had an excellent experience. I have been averaging around 35 MPG combined city/highway driving. In contrast to what is reported, my best mileage is coming from open highway driving vs bumper to bumper city traffic. I recently took it on a 500 mile trip of open highway driving and averaged 38 MPG. In the city when it is in electric only mode, I average about 35 mpg. This is probably because the electric motor is too weak to drive the vehicle unless the grade is completely flat or downhill.

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  A reliable driving machine, tucked inside a grandmother’s bonnet - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By garnoth - August 29 - 2:44 pm

  This car has been reliable and then some; it got me though college without needing any major work. It just wont die. I was told 3 years ago that the transmission was going and to expect a year out of it. Its still shifting away. Ive wanted to upgrade but nothing sounds better than "paid-off". It has had some engine work done on it but this thing has hit 230k and is still running. The suspension is on this car is terrible for going over any driveway, it bottoms out like nuts. That being said Ive smacked into countless city drive-ways and many bumpy mountain roads and rocks yet never actually had any problems. The bottom of this car might be made from Nokia phones

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  Best van Ive owned - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By David Loria - August 29 - 9:40 am

  I owned the Sienna 2004 and opted for it again. This time, the Limited rather than the SLE. I enjoy the extra bells & whistles and feel the price difference is justified. I plan to continue buying the Sienna Limited. Anyone interested in a minivan should test drive the Sienna. Not to do so would be unfair to the prospective buyer.

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  This car fits me fine! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By DS - August 29 - 8:20 am

  This was my first SUV. I fought with the Camry; Im tall & that car was too low and hard getting in and out. The Highlander just "fits" me. I love being above the sedans and eye-to-eye with SUVs. It is very comfortable to drive. I had some windows limo-tinted providing privacy and better interior temp in summer. Pump sticker shock, yes, but I watch the useful realtime mpg indicator to gauge how Im driving. Drivers see you when youre coming and dont pull out in front of you as often. Opening rear windows w/o front open = weird noise and eardrum pressure. I plan to have this car 10 years or more, even with the gas prices.

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  Prius rocks for emf protection - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Yssa - August 29 - 7:00 am

  We were not crazy about the design (little more room in the trunk please! - and low rear view visibility) BUT if you are concerned about exposing your kiddies in the back seat to high - quite arguably harmful levels -of electromagnetic radiation and you want a hybrid, then Prius is the car for you. We measure very safe levels in all parts of the car - with only slight raise (several seconds) while breaking. We found very unsafe levels in other hybrid cars we tried and thats why we got a Prius. Toyota obviously has taken precautions to minimize a health risk - even one not generally talked about. Wow. How often can you say that about a big company! Way to go Toyota!

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  Love my 4 Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Richard Johnston Jr - August 29 - 3:36 am

  I have owned many Toyotas and value their reliability, low cost maintenance, and wonderful features. This model has all of those benefits and incredble power of the 8 cyl. engine. Gas milage could be a little better but the power is worth the slight difference in milage.

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  Great and Reliable Family Sedan - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Vinaay - August 29 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2004 and drove about 45000 miles so far. No problem. Excellent in driving. Only drawback would be gas consumption compared to hybrids. If you are not planning to buy a new hybrid, this would be a excellent choice. Peace of mind.

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  Incredible - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gregg - August 29 - 12:40 am

  I have owned this truck for just over 2 years now and have loved every minute. The Tacoma is an all around fun truck to drive. Ive been on sand at lake powell, mountains all over, mud and snow, and the thing just keeps going. I love how this truck performs. It has never disappointed me.