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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  I love my 4Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Logan Wild - January 12 - 4:40 pm

  I have only owned my 4Runner for almost 6 months and have only driven it for 3 months but I love it so far. Its so comfy and has no blind spots and the leather seats are so comfortable.

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  Great Car !! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Jasmine - January 12 - 2:19 pm

  I bought this car two years ago with 227,000 miles on it ! Yes I know , a lot lol . This car is very durable . Only repairs Ive made were the brake lights , tires , and struts . My car now has 266,000 miles on it and it and still runs like new !

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  Rugged and Luxurious - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Powrbruh - January 12 - 2:03 pm

  I test drove the 2005 Limited 4x4 V8 last night, and I fell in love. The V8 took off like a rocket and I was very impressed. I will be purchasing one very soon.

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  Just OK - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Denise M - January 12 - 12:45 pm

  Theres a lot of road noise. Too much in my opinion. Rear visibility is poor. Unless I have backseat passengers, I keep the seats folded down. There are a lot of rear blindspots and the backup camera is no help with those. The headrests seem to lean forward, so I removed it. I find the steering wheel to be awkwardly small. I traded in a 2004 Toyota Solara with 210,000 miles. The RAV4 does not even come close to matching that car in comfort or handling. Hopefully it will match in reliability and longevity. Definitely buyers remorse.

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  Plush economy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By buzz127 - January 12 - 12:06 pm

  I have owned this TCH for 11 months and have nothing but praise for it and its features. After struggling with the owners manual for the first week (running out to the garage at 1 am to try a new found gadget), my wife and I now use every gadget in the auto. Our gas mileage has been less around town than advertised, however, on a trip, with the cruise, we average 42. I drive as I always do and have not changed my habits to get a few more m/p/g. We are having a slight problem with the bluetooth, however, I dont know if it is my phone or the car system. This car is a dream to drive and own. I would like memory seats and 2 setting seat heaters (they get mighty hot). Nav system is great.

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  Avalon LTD: A lot for the money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Walt & Betty - January 12 - 7:33 am

  The purchase process was unusually easy and the price was more than fair. However, the allowance for the trade was low. Everything worked the first time; the car had no cosmetic or mechanical problems, even though it came with about every option available. I thought that something was bound to be wrong with so complicated a car, but everything was perfect. The engine has plenty of power; it is easy to speed in this car because it is so quiet. The nav. system works well, but was difficult to learn. The drivers manual is confusing, poorly written, and full of language errors, making learning complicated systems even more difficult. Overall, however, this is a very good car for the cost.

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  2012 highlander - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By kingsford1 - January 11 - 9:39 pm

  I had a 2007 Rav4 which I liked very much. The new Highlander has a nicer, quieter ride it does not has as much power-pick-up as the rav 4. I hope that the reliability is as good as the Rav. I like my highlander thank you toyota.

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  Consumer review 2003 Toyota Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Dr. T - January 11 - 8:03 pm

  Unbelievable handling. Fun to drive, but with some drawbacks. 1) hard to manage clutch. 2) brakes, clutch, steering wheel not real comfortable. Needs to have telescoping steering wheel and more room above clutch as toe hits firewall before clutch is fully depressed. 3) excessive pressure required on clutch to start vehicle is a pain, perhaps can be adjusted. Sound system is great, but requires much difficult reading to master as the owners manual is poorly done in this area. GOOD mileage (33 mpg hwy, 29 city). Decent (not great) power, best over 4,000 rpm. Cargo space is very good, but cup holders get in the way of emergency brake. Basically, Im glad that I bought it.

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  60000 Mile Review - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DanB - January 11 - 5:53 am

  I bought mine new in 2004. I have not had a single mechanical issue with the truck. An improperly tightened gas cap triggered a check engine light several months back, but it cleared itself. This truck has good low range power. I have had 1200 pounds of hardwood floors in the bed and have pulled a 21-foot Ranger boat with it. It pulls better than my previous full-size Bronco, but doesnt have the mid-range or top-end of other trucks. It works well within its rated capacities. I average 21 mpg, but this is because I dont drive hard. If I drove like most traffic, Id get the advertised 18 mpg. The comfort of the seats was absolutely terrible and I have replaced the seats which helped.

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  Great machine - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By bobacco - January 11 - 2:00 am

  After 80000 miles I still love this truck. The high ground clearance is very useful. The engine runs like a Rolex. I have owned 23 cars. This one is the best all around vehical so far.