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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  Great Buy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By shaft45 - November 28 - 5:20 am

  This is my first SUV after driving an Accord for years. The horsepower is fantastic as well as the dual zone auto climate control. I have received so many compliments on this car. I got the dark blue exterior with beige leather interior and it is beautiful. The fuel economy so far is about 22-23 mpg in a combo of city and hwy driving and I am still breaking the engine in so expect this to improve a bit.

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  4Runner owner review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Art Hyde Jr - November 28 - 1:03 am

  Highway mileage varies from 28 w/ 4 studded snows to 32 with 4 summer tires. Corrugated shifter makes vehicle feel like a sports car on mountain pass roads. High ride height allows one to be on eye level of other SUVs. Stability Conttrol w/ ABS prevented me from hitting elk that jumped out on icy road in front of me: vehicle did not flip. Bought optional XM radio which souds great w/ factory sound system. Not spongy off-road: enough ground clearance. No repairs if one follows factory mtce. Have owned a 4Runner (4 cyl & V6) every 3 years since 1990 & love the electric rear window.

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  A New Owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By esmuda - November 28 - 12:53 am

  This car is fun to drive and so very quiet. I love the technological advances Toyota has built into this. I especially enjoy the smart key system.

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  07 highlander - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By gmh1013 - November 27 - 11:50 pm

  Bought it to move across country, the only complaint is tires are showing wear very fast. Just rotated at 6k, but should last till 15k or so and replace with BF Goodrich tires. With 4 cyl I get about 24-25 mpg average. Cruised across west Texas at over 80 mph loaded with stuff and still got 24mpg on hwy.

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  Best Gas Mileage V8 SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By jj - November 27 - 7:13 pm

  After searching for the right sized auto with regard to value, we chose this beautiful 7 seater suv. Plenty of power for passing and hauling. Comfortable for everyone on long drives and the average gas mileage is 15.9, which is amazing compared to others in this class.

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  Like the truck but has problems - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JLP - November 27 - 6:16 pm

  First Toyota truck I have ever owned. And probably last! I use it to pull my horse trailer and it does that well. But so did my Chevrolet and the Chevy would hold an alignment. Tundra wont. Had 4 alignments done in less than 2 years. Still wearing tires out way to soon. Dealer blames it on bad roads. Chevy was able to hold up to roads. Thought Toyota was supposed to be built better. Also, radio turned off and on by itself. Got it replaced, but lite still goes off and on. Really disappointed dealer cant fix alignment problem. Even took it to another tire place. Thought problem was fixed. After 3000 miles, tires are cupping again already and can feel it pulling. Ridiculous!

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  05 prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By drpgville - November 27 - 5:56 pm

  I have had no problems with this vehicle. Fun to drive with options that are usually only available on much more expensive cars.

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  Car I will Drive for 10 Years or More! - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By OOwl - November 27 - 5:46 pm

  After owning a 4Runner for the past 6 years, we needed a bit more room (we travel with show dogs to dog shows and needed the space for crates), we upgraded to the Sequoia. I wanted the 07 version since I like the body style better than the 08s. I love the vehicle but it does ride louder and a bit "rougher" than my 07 4Runner. This vehicle is WAY too big not to have a backup camera, so we are having that added immediately. I also like the a/c and heater controls more than in my 4Runner. LOVE the universal remote to open my garage and dont know how I ever lived without the heated seats! I really overall love this car and expect to still be driving it in 10 years!

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Alicia Gailliot - November 27 - 4:50 pm

  I think the Rav4 is GREAT!!! Fun to drive, comfortable, my first SUV and I am glad that I made the switch!! Always been a Toyota owner and will continue to be!

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  Great Ride and Mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sean - November 27 - 3:43 pm

  I test drove several hybrids before settling for the Camry, and what won me over was the handling, the ride and the smooth transition from gas to electric. I currently have about 2900 miles on my Camry and have even taken it on a road trip and my fuel average is 39.9 miles per gallon. Much better than the EPA estimate for the 2008 model. Coming from a VW suv that got 16.5 mpg this is a god send, since the prices of gas keep rising. I got the fully loaded Camry with leather and navigation. This is the best car I have ever owned. Thank you Toyota