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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  Comfort - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By CherryJose - May 29 - 10:00 am

  At first I thought the inside would be small but theres more headroom than if you sat inside a Grand Jeep Cherokee. Theres also plenty of footroom and lots of storage space. Its a great value and it even decreased my insurance payments after owning a Nissan Maxima...overall great SUV that doesnt feel like an SUV at times.

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  My wife and I fight over the Keys - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Ruckus1 - May 29 - 3:40 am

  I bought this vehicle as a work truck/toy to hall various things for the house. My wife saw pictures of it and said it was to big&bulky and that I would not have to worry about her getting behind the wheel. After the first hour she suggested getting an extra key fob wich was priced at $240. She frowned when I folded the seats down and shoved a sink,counter and a power saw in the back. We absolutely adore this vehicle. its a joy to drive. We invite this winter season to do its worst.

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  A Pleasant Green Surprise - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By F1GPRacer - May 28 - 11:20 pm

  I have researched for a Hybrid for sometime, and the 2010 Prius has a good enough balance blend for me to take the plunge. Love the EV, although not real useful because of the small battery capacity (runs out fast), and not so usable 25mph cap before switching to gas. Brake feel is toy like, and not solid, makes lots of noise, probably because of energy recovery. The gas mileage on sticker I can validate to be true. In fact, I bettered hwy/city both. Car stable enough, glass I would pay for factory infrared radiant barrier (more green, less heat), I just wished it had just a bit more power, would make this car near perfect. I noted the seats are terrible. Any extended length makes my back ache.

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  My Best Vehicle Purchase Ever - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ttw - May 28 - 5:43 pm

  Needed a vehicle that could comfortably carry several adult guests, would also provide good storage for items I need to use in work travel (sometimes including 8 ft. folding tables), and AWD since I live on a steep hill in the country with a good amount of snow and ice. This vehicle is filling the bill in every respect. AWD is not continuous, only when need is sensed, but it does the job. Very comfortable for long trips. Previous cars were Ford LTD/Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car. (Im no kid.) Ride and comfort are comparable to those, with better handling. Several people who have ridden in it have made favorable comparisons to Lexus, other luxury cars.

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  Best mid-size truck available - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By iambigdan - May 28 - 4:40 pm

  I replaced my 12 yr old Toyota pickup with an 07 Tacoma double cab TRD Sport longbed. Nothing wrong with my old truck, just wanted something bigger and with more options/power. Only had it a month but I can tell I will be driving for many years. Decent power, smooth ride. Only problem I had was fitting it in my garage.

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  A very good small SUV. - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Dale E Faro - May 28 - 1:50 pm

  After owning several Highlanders, all of which were great vehicles, I traded in a Sienna XLE van for a 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE, silver in color, with a two tone black/gray fabric interior. I have made two trips from Long Island to Rochester, and I am happy with the seat comfort, and how the trucklet handles on the highway. The ride is firm, but not bad for a short wheel base suv, and the steering is superb. It doesnt wander around on the highway. It goes where its pointed without drama, and steering effort is good while giving nice road feel. All the instrumentation is pretty intuitive. My phone paired easily to the Bluetooth, and works well with the in dash controls. With the 2nd seat folded, there is a lot of cargo room, which I have used to good advantage. The 2.5 176 hp 4 cylinder cruises easily, and I keep it between 67 and 72 mph with little effort from the engine. I had reservations about a 4 cylinder, after having many V-6 Toyotas, with around 270hp, but the RAV4 power is sufficient, if not overwhelming. You just have to time your passes a little more carefully. A little disappointed in the mpg, which turns out to be around 24, only about 2 to 3 more than the much heavier Sienna. I specifically did not want a CVT transmission, and the RAV4 delivers with a conventional, very smooth 6 speed automatic. I also considered a Subaru Forester, which I test drove, and has a nice exterior, and comfortable, well designed interior, but did not like the CVT, and did not like how it moved around on the road, unable to hold a straight line without constant little adjustments. I did not test the Mazda CX-5 or the Hyundai Tucson. I drove the Honda CRV, very nice vehicle, but did not want a CVT transmission. That said, I was disappointed that the XLE does not come with a power drivers seat or even synthetic leather. The Sienna XLE had both. I believe every vehicle is a compromise on some points, and I got the RAV4 because its been in production for years, and has great reliability. So far Im not disappointed.

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  2006 Sequioa - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By pam - May 28 - 5:50 am

  this is our second Sequoia..we love it. It is smaller built than our 2002 model, but the gas mileage is a little better. We are averaging 16-17mpg. It is fun to drive and we are Toyota fans. We have a Tacoma also, and drove a 4 Runner for 16 years, and all 4 of our children drove it as they each turned 16.

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  HAVING A HARD TIME PARTING WITH MY CAR - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By meleirs - May 28 - 5:08 am

  I HAVE HAD MY rav4 FOR ELEVEN YEARS, IT HAS BEEN REALLY GOOD TO ME THAT I AM FINDING A HARD TIME BUYING A NEW VEHICLE. I AM NOW A GRANDMOTHER AND NEED SOMETHING MORE SPACIOUS AND MORE NEW.

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  Great, great vehicle - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By CDH - May 28 - 3:36 am

  I bought my 4Runner w/ 54k miles on it and have out almost 50k more on it in 3 years. Excepting regular fluid changes and the like, Ive only had to have it repaired once: I had to replace the AC compressor 2 1/2 years after I bought it. Highly reliable, enjoyable to drive, and very useful when I remodelled my home. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired. Highly recommened unless you have a long commute.

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  Works for me - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Grouse - May 28 - 2:53 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for 2000 miles but so far I am pleased. It rides a little tougher than Id hoped (on a smooth road its great but where are those) but it doesnt jar your teeth loose and its taut and quiet. The 08 fixed all my gripes about this model except the price, I couldnt justify another 25K for fold down seats and that wonderful 5.7L in the 08. Drive 65 for 500 mi, youll be surprised (pleasantly). Having a trained ear, the JBL is simply not worth the money to me, but for R&R Im sure its just fine.