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 family vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bear1 - November 23 - 12:53 pm

  If you need room for a large family, enjoy traveling in silent comfort at barely legal speeds, and do not worry about a high gas bill, this is the vehicle for you. Seems readily apparent that the Lexus engineers had a hand in designing all aspects of this versatile family hauler.

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  Good... but I expected better - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eric - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  I went down in size for fuel economy from a full size Chevy to the Tacoma. For what was sacrificed in power, Im only getting on average 19 mpg. In hilly terrain or in windy conditions on the interstate its work to drive. Having to constantly downshift to make it up hills & then upshift at the top. Ive had to have the springs replaced twice as they become very noisy. Loud squeaking on any bumps or even when getting in/out of the truck. Not quite the quality level expected from Toyota.

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  Rav4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Glenn Sostak - November 23 - 11:06 am

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  Just what youd expect... - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tahoclimbr - November 23 - 10:56 am

  If you are considering buying this car, you are likely looking for something rugged, durable, reliable, and fun to drive. This meets all expectations. I have had my 2012 FJ for 1 month now and couldnt be happier. It gets the same gas mileage as a the Highlander, drives and handles great, is actually just as quiet (or quieter) than my friends Audi S4 (except at speeds over 70mph, then of course there is more wind noise). I get compliments everyday on the car. Its spacious, reliable, rugged, unique, fun to drive, handles snow/ice/mud great, what else do you want? If youre considering buying this vehicle, its just what youd expect.

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  2017 Toyota Tacoma SR5 6.1 bed - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin Kronenberger - November 23 - 7:09 am

  I have owned Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks during my lifetime. I had great luck with my Dodge Ram trucks but decided to buy a Tacoma this year. I shopped around for three months and found the truck I wanted. It had everything except 4wd. I bought it anyway. I love it! It has been a dream to own, is cheap on gas, fits in my garage, has great resale, and can accommodate 4 people. It is just the right size for my wife and I and is perfect for the occasional run to Lowes or Home Depot for materials. The long bed is just the right size for hauling furniture and you can tow a small RV. It came standard with a limited lifetime warranty from the dealership as well. I do wish it had the 4wd capability but in Texas we dont get much snow or ice. It is a great truck if you are like most consumers and dont need a standard full size truck. I am glad that I made the switch to a Taco.

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  I Love What U Do For Me! - 1998 Toyota T100
  By RueVac.com - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My company purchased this truck for me in February of 1998. I have maintained the truck like clock work. It has never let me down. I tow trailers with equipment and materials without a problem. My truck now has 150,000 miles and is still running as strong as ever. I would deffinately recommend the T-100 to anyone who is considering purchasing a mid-size truck. I installed a Fabtec 3" lift kit, 31" tires and stiffer torsion bars. I ordered new rims with a larger backset to correct the sunken in wheel look. The gas milage suffered slightly however the truck looks as mean as ever.

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  Buyer Beware - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By ItsaLemon - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My engine sludged up badly, which is a common problem with many toyota models, and the public is unaware for the most part. Many camry and other model owners have had their engines seize up. It was a miracle that mine didnt fail, and now I only use fully synthetic oil in it, which better resists the high heat in these engines. This is definitely my last toyota.

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  Engineering marvel, comfort lacking. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Wellman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I find this car to incorporate many features all cars should have - variable transmission, smart entry and start, hybrid technology. They need to work on some comfort items. Controls on the driver armrest are not illuminated, multi-function display is hard to read in bright light, blinds - especially when backing up.

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  Happy as can be - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JIm & Linda - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car from the time we purchased it.

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  Thought I was Buying Quality - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NrTsT - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Toyota after only owning Hondas figuring they would be about the same in quality. I was wrong. Since buying this car in December of 03 I have experienced many small problems.First the rear speaker deck rattles at the slightest hint of bass (music or or talk radio).Second the car has small rattlings throughout the cabin.Third the manual transmision is loud, notchy and at times very hard to shift.Fourth the AC fan has a highpitched chirping sound comming from it which means another trip to the horrible dealer to complain. Finally the dealer has been no help in resolving any of the above mentioned issues. Will not buy Toyota again:)