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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  Very good - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Madhusudan - August 20 - 7:16 pm

  I bought mine used last year and have driven 10,000 miles since then. So far, it is perfect. No trouble at all. My city driving (to work) should not be considered for mileage as I stop 5 minutes in total 10 minutes; even then it gives me 22. However, on hwy with cruise control (or even without) it goes beyond 40! Its amazing. I also like the huge trunk space. It runs smooth even when it is pretty cold (like 10 degrees outside).

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  Great Deal, Seamless Purchasing Process - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Lucy47 - August 20 - 5:02 pm

  After reviewing competitive pricing online for Toyota RAV4s for cost perspective, we visited this dealer with our wish list and were immediately taken to a spotless 2015 RAV4 with unbelievably low mileage. We would describe the car as "barely driven". Anticipating a high price tag for this almost new car, we were very pleasantly surprised at the asking price. We did not hesitate to secure the deal. Our salesman knew his inventory. After listening to our requirements, he understood our needs and simplified the process by offering 2 possible vehicles that would meet our specifications. What we thought would be a stressful search for a "new" car turned out to be anything but stressful. Steve Skolnick, our salesman, was happy and we were happy after a short transaction. We love the car and our pleasant sales experience!

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  First Toyota Purchase - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Janebtalking - August 20 - 7:13 am

  Ive always driven American company cars and this is my first foreign. I test drove seven other cars of the affordable mid-size range. I felt the Toyota was by far the superior of them all. The comfort, the interior layout, the power, the effortless gear change, the exterior and the options is what sold me on this car. I have read reviews stating the Camry is boring. Sure, if you buy the basic edition. The SE is the way to go if looks is your concern. The road noise vs. most others was the most noticeable to me. There is no comparison, the Camry is incredibly quiet. Very happy with my decision for this car!

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  Love this truck. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By michaeldejesus - August 20 - 3:10 am

  Weve been researching and thinking about buying a truck for quite a while now and we finally made the purchase. Electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, 6 speed transmission, 381 HP, etc. Nobody can touch this truck. Toyota has definitely raised the bar.

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  RAV4 SPORT, awesome value, just a glitch - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By gar7 - August 20 - 12:54 am

  Check engine light issue, will be covered by warranty. Excellent ride and handling for the SPORT model ! Does exactly what it says it will !! Handles corners well, hugs the road and toes not tilt in the curves.

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  Love my Rav 4 Sport - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By SteveB - August 19 - 7:56 pm

  Only had this thing a few weeks now, and it is awesome. Traded in an 07 Highlander which I also loved, except for its interior finish. After 2 tanks of gas I am averaging about 26 mpg with mixed highway and city driving in the RAV. Gas mileage going down the interstate is best when I cruise at 65-70 mph. To me and my wife there was not a huge difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder models performance and as such we did not want to fork over the extra cash. The interior on the Sport is far nicer than the base model for not much more money. The only thing I wouldnt mind having is the 4x4 as our Highlander was AWD and that worked great in bad weather. Overall very happy with the RAV.

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  Quiet ride - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By james - August 19 - 4:26 pm

  Just traded an 2007 Acura MDX with a 2010 base 2.7 base Highlander with 3rd row. At first , i regret it. The Acura is so much fun to drive while the Highlanders including the SEs and Limited are sleepers and drove like Minivans. Recently, I installed a much better looking leather than the factory ones called Classic soft and had DVD with live TV called Flo-TV and this van has been amazing. We could watch ESPN, MSNBC, Disney,Nick Jr. ,MTV., abc, nbc, etc. This 4 cyl is high on low range torque and just as powerful as a V6. Great MPG and zero percent deal

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  96 Avalon, nice but boring - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By qwalls - August 19 - 3:10 pm

  I bought the car for my wife in 99 with 36k miles. It now has 168k miles. The car was flawless until 150k miles when it needed a new power steering pump and rack to the tune of $1700. Its now my "bad weather" car since my wife got a 2004 Sienna. The car has a lot of room, and is reasonably comfortable. Performance and gas mileage are good for the size. Handling is adequate for the type of car it is, but nothing to get excited about. I tend to prefer Hondas while my wife prefers Toyotas, but both are great cars.

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  Too bad with the recalls - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By pgklee - August 19 - 12:36 pm

  Car is very easy to drive. Love the Gas mileage Im getting. Comfortable even for a tall person (I am 64"). Feels very solid. Not too worried about the recall, as with the Manual transmission a sticking accelerator would be less of a safety problem. Dealership has been great even replaced the radio after I had a small problem with it.

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  A SAFE FAMILY VAN!!!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Robbie - August 19 - 12:33 pm

  This is our second Sienna. We bought our last one in December of 2004. The van was totaled by a police car chasing a stolen car without his lights and sirens on. My wife was driving and our three children (5,3,2) were in the second row watching the DVD. The front end was totaled by the cruiser. My wife was going 10 mph and was hit by a car in the front going at least 60 mph. The van was spun around an moved 60 feet. This vans front end took one heck of a hit and my family only received minor bruising from car seats and seat belts. We are definitely getting the exact van. Go drive the others and I promise you that they do not even hold a candle to the Sienna. Thanks Toyota design and safety!!