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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  Return to LC - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Eric - March 19 - 3:43 am

  Initally had a 2000 LC, went to several other cars and SUVs including Escalade, MDX, RL, etc. This new 2006 Cruiser is simply fantastic, and I am sure I will never sell it. I have driven and owned nearly everything else, and as a whole package nothing comes close. Secure, quiet, comfortable, safe, and you know when you get in you WILL make it to your destination.

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  Great little SUV!!! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave - March 19 - 3:36 am

  This is our 3rd Toyota and I hope this is half as good as our other ones! (2000 4Runner and 2000 Camry). So far we have had the Rav4 about 2 weeks now and it hasnt disappointed us in any way! The V6 is like a rocket. Just a little gas and you are gone! For such a peppy V6 the gas mileage is surprising good. The ride is comfortable and car like. This is my wifes vehicle and she loves to drive it! She didnt want anything too big to drive but she also wanted a large cargo area. The Rav4 nailed it. I hope others enjoy their Rav4 as much as we are enjoying ours so far. Great job Toyota. You did it AGAIN!

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  Goodbye Trailblazer - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By South dakota - March 18 - 11:53 pm

  Tried a GM product after owning imports...big mistake. $2000 in repairs in 1 2/2 years. We needed 7 passenger ability, 5000 lb towing and I think Highlander is the only front wheel dr SUV to offer that combo? Great highway MPG-24-26. Great build quality. Solid, smooth to drive. Easy readable controls.V6 has plenty of power. We purchased the Base model.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By EasyRider - March 18 - 2:53 pm

  Improved over an already good car. Extra power, many interior improvements/upgrades. Very very quiet, smooth ride. Excellent handling, braking. Interior is large and comfortable, including reclining back seats. Many features are included in base price. Best car Ive ever owned in 50 years of driving.

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  My Corolla is still going strong... - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By baba_ganoush - March 18 - 10:43 am

  Bought an LE (Touring) in 1998. 30 seconds out of the showroom, it started making this HORRIBLE grinding noise. Dealer fixed it under warranty (a loose lug nut in the front aluminum alloy wheels), but entire new car experience was compromised. Then, for the first 20k miles, the car made a squeaky old mattress noise -- turned out the Goodyear Integrity tires had uneven wear. Goodyear disagreed, so did the Berkeley, CA dealership. Bought tires (Pirellis) out of own pocket. Noise went away for a bit, but came back at 40k. Bought new Yokohamas, and has been perfect since. Back seat had enough barely enough leg room - - it is a total joke. Auto. tansmission pickup is pathetic. Still LOVE IT!!

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  Owner for 8 years - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Dominic - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 25th anniv GT convert new and have ahd 8 years and 150k miles of trouble free ownership. 5-speed and staying out of the air conditioning = pretty decent performance, but the car would feel a bit slow to me if automatic and 4 passengers.

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  Happy Car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By LCCook - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my little Spyder! It makes me smile when I see it in the garage so I call it a Happy Car. I love the Paradise Blue and hope to drive it for many years to come.

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  Good Buy - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By flyfisherman - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. 6600 miles in 2.5 months. Styling is a great improvement over previous years. Depreciates very little compared to most SUV vehicles (Unlike my Land Rover)Drivers seat is loose in the seat tracks which is a design flaw. I weigh over 200lbs and its noticeable especially making quick turns. Steering shakes between 55 and 70 like its out of balnace but has magically disappeared.???????

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  True SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JP Chris - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Built to perform as an SUV should. This is not a sissy AWD vehicle. Excellent performance for off roading and surprising smooth ride and comfort for the type of frame it is built on. Plenty of pulling power and sports-car- like acceleration. Excellent anti-roll system. Incredibly smooth auto transmission. I wasnt a big fan of Toyota to begin with. Im originally a true Jeep believer that has now seen the light.

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  Really Disappointed -Lost $$$$$ - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Carol W - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Yesterday I traded in my Highlander after only having it for 6 weeks. I was not happy with the ride, acceleration, and small feel to the interior. It was too tight and not at all comfortable to drive. Seats seem cheap and not well padded. Very little leg room for driver. The stereo speakers had poor quality and bad sound. CDs sounded like a cheap radio. It was a mistake to buy and I lost several thousand on the trade, but now I have a 2002 Sienna and love it. It has better acceleration, much more comfortable seats and room! I still wanted a Toyota, but the Highlander really is not a good family vehicle.