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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  218,000, best car ever! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By morav - April 4 - 5:19 pm

  I bought the car used with 34,000 miles on it and I just traded it in yesterday for a Toyota Corolla. It was the lowest maintenance vehicle I have ever owned and would have bought another one, but w/the increased cost of fuel I wanted something with just a little better gas mileage. I averaged around 26mpg and I drove it pretty hard. I hauled animals to the vet, bags of feed for the horses and about anything you can think of. I have probably spent less than $500 in actual repairs the whole time I owned it. Other than that, just oil changes every 3K. I am going to miss my Rav4.

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  Bobs 2006 Toyota Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob - April 4 - 1:23 pm

  From the very beginning I have enjoyed driving this car. The ride is as good as the Cadillac I traded in on this Avalon. I havent taken it on an extended road trip but look forward to doing so this summer.

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  Best kept secret - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary - April 4 - 12:56 pm

  Bought this X-Runner right off the showroom floor and it has been turning heads ever since. Incredible handling, drives like it is on rails. Fun 6 speed stick, comfortable, roomy interior, great sound system. Control panels easy to use, overhead compartment for garage opener, sun glasses Easy access reaching into bed due to low profile. Even has ac outlet in bed if you need to use power tools, vacuum cleaner, radio, etc. Great idea! Havent had a single issue with this truck. Would recommend factory mud flaps due to road rash on bumped out rear wheel wells. Other than that, this truck is a home run!

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  steaming pile - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike - April 4 - 12:53 pm

  This is the most disappointing car Ive ever owned. Although its comfortable, quiet, roomy and has a great stereo, its had 3 recalls. Other than the notorious gas pedal problem, it also has a recall on a defective oil supply line going to the valves. If this bursts like mine did you may very well destroy your engine and the only warning you will get is the sound of your engine seizing up! The transmission is jerky but no recall for that yet. If you already own one of these cars, call your dealer NOW and tell them you want the oil supply line replaced at once (for free) or youll be very sorry. They will not warn you about this problem ahead of time by sending you a letter so call today.

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  V6 Power - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - April 4 - 11:36 am

  The V6 has power and makes the car fun to drive. It is great on the highway. But there is a lot of wind/road noise in this car. For a car of this price, I was surprised that there was so much road noise that it makes conversation difficult without raising voices and feeling like you are yelling. The drivers seat is uncomfortable during any longer drive. The seat should be more like an upgraded Camry seat instead of an ordinary budget seat. The passengers seat seems to be more comfortable even without all the adjustments. It is a good urban car.

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  A Winner - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill - April 4 - 2:33 am

  Car driven all over New England in all kinds of weather. It runs great, but the mileage is not. Features are terrific and it is fun to drive. Lots of room, lots of storage. Engine is quiet. Turning radius is tight - very helpful. Good visibility. Comfortable seats.

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  Toyota 4 Runner - A Great Ride - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kahuna Bob - April 4 - 2:00 am

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jb3785 - April 4 - 12:00 am

  I have only had it a short time but love it to death. Nice smooth ride and fun to drive. It is a head turner.

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  2006 SLE Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JayAre - April 3 - 4:10 pm

  Excellent "road tripper". Very easy to raise and lower top. Excellent cockpit layout. Satellite radio a must. VSC also a must. Environmentals are excellent (a/c//heated seats) Exterior design: car resembles the Lexus Coupe - gets many second looks. Performance: good acceleration and passing response. Passenger comfort: very good all seats Trunk capacity: impressive - golf bag plus two duffels fit easily Fuel consumption: a bit off the EPA estimates Brakes: excellent Dont likes: owners manual/dealer recommendation to wash the car by hand installing the tonneau (convertible top) cover - tedious and definitely not a quick donning item

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  2009 Camry Struts leaking, other defects - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By miker17 - April 3 - 4:05 pm

  At 52.5k miles struts are leaking. Front seats make noises. Front door panel makes squeaking noises.