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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  YOU JUST CANT BEAT IT - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By xsideoutx - October 11 - 10:33 am

  While in the market for a new vehicle I test drove all the competing trucks. When it came to quality, and that crucial "fun to drive" factor, no one came close to the Toyota Tacoma. With the TRD SR5 Off-road package this baby makes my morning commutes fun, and it turns heads. The engine has plenty of torque, the truck is built like a tank, it drives great in the snow, the interior is modern and quality built, and most important of all, my pregnant wife feels safe inside. I recommend that anyone in the market for a new truck test drives a Tacoma before making a final decision. You wont be disappointed! Cant wait to take this Bad Boy to the hills! TOYOTA ROCKS!!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By garyp - October 11 - 4:03 am

  I bought this 3 weeks ago and have enjoyed every minute I have spent in it. It is really quick, very nimble, very roomy and very comfortable. The ride is very comfortable and secure, both at freeway speeds and on curvy country roads. The first 2 tanks of gas are averaging over 25 mpg and should only get better. I traded a large Buick Rendezvous for the Rav and am much happier with the Rav. Plenty of storage and easy access. Easy entrance and exit to/from both front and rear seats also.

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  A Great SUV!! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By csholmes123 - October 11 - 2:53 am

  I purchased a 2008 Toyota 4Runner this past summer and overall, I am totally impressed. I am also surprised at the fuel economy and the features; everything is pretty much at your fingertips so that you can stay focus when driving. Toyota 4Runner, "I love what you do for me."

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  Not what I expected - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By golddog - October 10 - 8:13 am

  We previously owned 2 Chrysler products, 1 T&C Limited and 1 Grand Caravan ES. These were both solid performers. We "upgraded" to the Sienna and so far have been only minimally impressed with the vehicle. Acceleration is lacking, body lean is major, steering is light, sunroof rattles and the JBL radio is terrible. Mileage has not been that impressive. Removal of center seats are demanding. Several minor issues were also noted upon delivery of the vehicle. Missing screws in wheel wells, loose molding etc. Quality and reputation brought us to the Toyota. However, based on our past two vans, it is no better than the competition.

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  High end SUV at mid range price - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - October 10 - 7:50 am

  Vehicle handles well and feels solid. Cabin is well designed (other than cup holders and LED clock). Plenty of storage space and room for rear seat passengers. Fuel consumption beats all competition and with the V6, this vehicle has more power and better acceleration than many other vehicles on the road.

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  I bought two yarii this week! Woo hoo! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Cassandra - October 10 - 7:33 am

  For a subcompact car, this one delivers. Awesome fuel mileage is the deal on this car. It wont burn the tires off with take off, but youre gonna get at least 42 mpg with cruise and a/c on! Turn off a/c and cruise, and youre getting 50 mpg. The car is zippy, and contrary to opinion, big trucks do not blow you off the road. The thing will turn on a dime. Park anywhere.

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  Excellent Daily Driver - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bears Fan - October 10 - 12:20 am

  With 310,000 miles on the 4Runner, it has not had one problem with reliability. I did only routine maintenance and changed all fluids and oils regularly. This car has gotten me from coast to coast in the US with no worries about reliability. Ride is very comfortable for long trips, and this car is amazing to drive in harsh snow conditions. I have not been stuck once.

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  Nothing can touch it for the money - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Superlara - October 9 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased my Solara about five years ago when it had 74,000 miles on it. The timing belt/water pump had just been replaced. Since then I have put an additional 70,000 mile on it and have only changed the oil and filter, the front struts and strut bearings, and one set of tires. Brakes have over 70K on them and are still not totally worn out. This cars continues to amaze me with the build quality. I have owned 6 Hondas and 4 other Toyotas and this car is the best by far. Since it is coming up on ten years old, I want to replace it, but cannot justify that when the car runs as well as it does. Averages about 20mpg in the city and 25-27 on the highway.

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  Feature filled with economy plus - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By mitchell goodman - October 9 - 3:30 pm

  This is a great car. It has multiple safety features and unbeatable economy. If you drive it correctly, one can expect to get 52-55 mpg in the city and an easy 50 mpg on the highway. With the tax credit, it makes it a wise decision to buy, saving considerable fuel and putting virtually no pollutants into the environment. Although it technically is rated at 110 horsepower, this vehicle can really move on the highway if you need to "punch it".

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  Engine is worthless - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By BF - October 9 - 11:46 am

  Toyota sienna engine is worthless. Miss an oil change and it will sludge up fast and Toyota will not help. Trade yours in now before it the engine goes out. Toyota dependability & reliability is a myth. Just plain lie-ability.