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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  CDD2006Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By CDD - March 13 - 12:20 pm

  High Cool Factor.RAV4 can keep up with cars costing $20/30K more. Blows by BMWs. Requires two hands on the wheel, it will get away from you if you stomp on it, almost feels like the engine will rip out Hauled a trailer to college for kid, couldnÂ’t even tell it was there. RAV is jerky when shifting on its own, hills and passing, not always a smooth ride. True gas mileage is 18-20 in the city, 22-24 on highway. No one is getting 30MPG on the V6. After 7 months, squeaks are apparent as is engine noise Engine light comes on for oil change, dealer instructed me on how to reset myself. RAV is really good for 2+2kids, no more. RAV has blind spots. Max 4 hours driving trips/too uncomfortable

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  V6 power and Stick Shift - Nice Bed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Clyde - March 13 - 5:00 am

  I have owned the new Taco for 1.5 months and in that time have driven it to/frm work on highways, moving 1500 lbs. of rocks, full bed of mulch, the truck is great, the composite material bed is always great and washes out well, my kid said something I wouldnt have even thought of "the bed doesnt get as hot in the sun, like the neighbors truck bed," a Nissan I think, the power coming from that V6 is excellent, the manual shifter is the only way to go, I thought maybe I should get the automatic, but really glad I searched for the 6 speed, no slush box for me, the manual takes a little to get used to but then the real fun begins, only drawback is I am getting only 16 mph.

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  From a Prius to Highlander... - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Otto - March 13 - 4:09 am

  I recently purchased a 2017 Highlander XLE while my 2010 Prius (107,000 miles) was getting an oil change. Call it an "impulse" buy, but I had been researching the Toyota Highlander for quite some time and with 0% financing available & a great deal from the local dealership, I left my Prius in the service department and drove home a brand new 2017 Highlander in Celestial Silver Metallic. Ive now had it a little over a week. Initial impression? Fantastic vehicle. Very quiet. User-friendly. Creature comforts that arent "over-the-top". Entune system is great. Of course, Im putting more gasoline in it than my former Prius, so that will take some getting used to. My biggest surprise? I emailed my insurance agent to change coverage over to the Highlander and it is over $100/year CHEAPER to insure the brand new 2017 Highlander than it was to insure a 2010 Prius!! What does that tell me? This vehicle is safe on the road. The sight lines are much better than the Prius (thats not really saying much) and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is very helpful along with the Lane Departure Alert (LDA). I am enjoying driving a bigger vehicle and will write another review after the "newness" factor wears off a bit. For now, very impressed and confident in this purchase. More to come, later...

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  The Prestigious Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By EF - March 13 - 3:30 am

  As I am a first-time owner of a Prius, I really am enjoying the sleek design, interior comfort, and of course, superior gas mileage. In order to maximize fuel economy, there are certain ways of driving that differ from conventional fuel vehicles. That makes the Prius interesting to learn to drive and fun as well! I certainly feel safe in this vehicle, even though I have driven an SUV for over 10 years. Overall, it is a great feeling going green!

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  I love this car! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Yifang Dang - March 12 - 11:08 pm

  I love this SUV, because it has a higher view for driving than sedans, however, Im a little short for its large space. When I sit in the drivers seat, the accelarator and break and the steering wheel are a little far for me, so I had to sit close, and my space wont be that big, and on my way out of the car, I got be careful not to hit my head on the top of the car. So I would suggest everyone calmly testdrive this vichle and make the decision. This is my only concern about this car, otherwise, everything is great! The driving is great, the price is great, and the safety is great! I love this car!

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  2013 Avalon Ltd Hybrid - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By lewbat - March 12 - 9:11 pm

  Had planned to purchase a Lexus 300H but found local Lexus dealers not buyer friendly. Decided to look at the Avalon as an alternative and made a purchase which I now regret. The hybrid platform performs wonderfully; power is adequate and economy is better than expected. So far with 5000 miles average MPG is 40.1 with 70pc highway at speeds 70+ MPH. My main issue with the vehicle is interior build quality/fit/finish. I have owned many cars over the years and not since the early 70s have I had a car with so many interior rattles. It is unpleasant to drive the vehicle on anything but newly paved roads. Ride quality is firm, but not unpleasant and seats are adequate for long drives.

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  Rav4 9000 mile review - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Smithgang - March 12 - 7:56 pm

  After owning my RAV4 for about 6 months, I can report that I am very pleased with it. I live in the south suburbs of Chicago and have about a 25 mile commute each day and average 24.0 mpg. This does require that you go easy on the accelerator. But its nice to know the power is there with the V6 when you need it. I replaced all the factory floor mats with weathertech floor mats. My kids are in a lot of sports, often riding with muddy shoes and it is really easy to dump the weathertech mats out. I also added my own towing bar to use my hitch mounted bike rack. Very easy (4 bolts), and way cheaper to do yourself in lieu of buying from Toyota.

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  A smart choice. - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By mkyaris10 - March 12 - 3:10 pm

  I expected a simple get-around-town ho hum experience. I have been pleasantly surprised. The Yaris wont win any drag races, but the versatility of the interior cubbies along with the great seats and good ride quality will make up for it. The gas mileage has been good, 30-36 mpg. My lowest was 28.5 mpg on an all city driving week. Id recommend the 5 dr, and go ahead and load it up with all the power options. You wont save that much by leaving them off, and theyre worth it. Edmunds exaggerates the manual vs auto transmission. The auto is fine. The gates are good, and the shifts are smooth. You cant beat the Yaris. Just go test drive one.

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  2006 Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Gym Shortz - March 12 - 12:26 pm

  Weve been driving our van for about 4 years now. We got the 8 passenger model to accommodate our family of 4 and if needed another family of 4. That has worked out superb. The only drawback is the lack of armrests in the middle row had we gone with the 7 passenger model. We put aftermarket leather (well worth It) and all weather mats (we bought mfr, but there are other good mats at a better value). The van has a ton of power and Ive never felt like Im driving a van, I like the ride and the 12 cup/bottle holders around the van. Automatic door on passengers side only is nice but not necessary. Maintenance has been minimal LOF and milestones, no issues. Got new tires at 55K miles.

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  I Loved My Car!!!! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By EbieLover - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove this car for 5 years before it was totalled by a reckless truck. The car was wrecked but I was absolutely fine! I had to replace the alternator twice, but I put 50,000 miles on it and it had 75,000 miles total. It had been across the country 5 times and it never required any major work -- EVER!