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 Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 30 - 3:36 pm

  We have a Travel Trailer - about 6,800LBS and do some serious hills Santa Cruz Mountians and such. The ride is very nice - lots of power on demand. I have to say my Jayco G2 - if not for my rear view its like its not behind me. The NAV and Radio are a little bit of a reach. The seats could use more of a wrap around lumbar support. Other then that - I really love the truck. I have every option you can get!

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  Great Safe Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By KarenP - May 30 - 2:03 pm

  I would just like to share that the 07Toyota Rav4 Limited with the third row seat provided excellent Safety for myself and my daughter who was sitting in the back seat behind me. While sitting at a traffic light, we were hit from behind with another vehicle traveling at 50MPH. The Rav4 did what it was designed to do and that was to protect the integrity of the interior while the outside of the vehicle crumpled around us. The vehicle was totaled, but myself and my daughter walked away with only bruising and whiplash. I was so impressed by this, we purchased the same vehicle, 08Rav4 Limited with the third row seat to replace the totaled one. Would highly recommend for safety!

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  Excellent Sedan - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By s56ping - May 30 - 9:37 am

  I love this car. I have had if for two months and have put about 7000 miles on it. Having come from an SUV the last 15 years, the ride on the Avalon is a big plus. I really like the cabin room, smooth transmission and engine, and the overall classy interior. I have been averaging about 23 mpg combined, and have seen 29 mpg on the interstate. The radio and controls are easy to view and use. I have the base radio and its works great and even sounds great for a standard system. The only issue that I have is I could use a little more trunk room.

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  very good truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By murillo1047 - May 30 - 7:26 am

  very strong truck and much better truck than chevy and ford better quality

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  Safe car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By rb - May 30 - 5:33 am

  Bought this car new, and had it til yesterday when my teen totaled it at 50 mph flipping it through a guard rail and into the woods. Both kids walked away from this crash with only minor injuries. Seat belts were on. It is clear that while the majority of the car is destroyed, the cabin is mostly intact. Air bags however did not deploy. Reliability was excellent, only problems were engine gasket leaking, and noisy front suspension that never actually had a problem (but sounded like it did). Anyway, we buy only Toyotas, and this model at least lived its life well.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sunny FL - May 30 - 2:13 am

  Love my 06 Highlander Hybrid. Bought in 08 with 93k miles for $16K. Now have 125K and all is GREAT. NO problems, no issues great gas mileage 29 mpg around town. When and if the hybrid battery goes out it will be no brainer to purchase a replacement.

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  Enjoyments of a Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BBSmith - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my sequoia immensely, I drive it to work everyday and I love the way it handles, I am a previous owner of 2 4-Runners, and I love the experience of owning a Toyota. The reliablity and quality is unbeatable. i would always rcommend a Toyota of any sort to any friend or stranger who asks. I have had numerous good comments on my Sequoia and I am happy that I made the choice. Of course when I decide to purchase again later, I will definitely buy another Toyota.

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  We Love our Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Morgann - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This by far the best Toyota we have ever owned. We travel from MA. to VT in the snow. The Sequoia is by far the best I have ever driven in the snow & ice. The ride comfort is great!

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  Good Buy - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Talis - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine brand new from the dealer, it hasnt been back to the dealer since. (Except for the small fact that nobody in my area sells the air filter yet) I have never gotten worse than 44 miles per gallon and my highest was 50. Only extras I got were cruise control and a CD player. I drive over 35,000 miles a year, so I just wanted a car that would last and got good gas mileage.

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  Excellent - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Anico - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. What else do you want me to say.