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 Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By arvida - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun and versatile. Fit and finish are superb. It is comfortable and I can pack all my camping and biking gear in the back. Pleanty of room. The 6 is peppy and I never have problems accelerating to pass. Only problem has been the door to the glove box rattled. The dealer found a way to insulate the door and now it is as quiet as can be. Sound system is good but not great. Also, They should redesign where the lever for the gas door is placed. It is currently on the floor and sometimes my heal catches it as I am exiting the car. It is not the cheapest in the market, but the quality and reliability are worth every cent.

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  Lexus??? Pleeasseee.... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By h74l - March 22 - 10:00 am

  For those of you who thinks this cheap car drives like a Lexus? Ha! Go drive a lexus and then come back and compare, theres no comparison! This car attracks grooves in the road and starts swaying. It has no handling and is way too high off the ground to be stable. I drive a 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE now and it has 15 alloy rims, rear spoiler, more torque, fog lights, 7 (SEVEN) speaker sound system (180 watts) w/ subwoofer, cruise control, in dash cd, AND keyless entry w/ panic/pop trunk...all for the price of $14,200!!! (it is also incredibly fuel efficient)

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  Problems Galore! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By toycar - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for less than a month and it has been to the dealership 5 times to fix problems. First one tire had 45 psi pressure then the wheel alignment was off. Tires are noisy. Why cant they check the vehicle before delivery?

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  Oh what a feeling? - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Brad - March 22 - 9:36 am

  We purchased the RAV specifically for gas mileage when the price per gallon was near $5. It has delivered high 20s on the road and around 20mpg in town. Ho-hum. The engine pulls like a freight train and easily tows up to the 3500# limit. Unfortunately, the engineers didnt sort out the torque steer problems under heavy acceleration, it can be very darty. Also, notice the acceleration rate keeps coming on even after I stop pushing on the gas any harder (like a turbo). We bought the Sport to get the darker interior, but the ride quality is too harsh for commuter style driving. And, worst for last, the AT has an irritating whine at 25-35 mph that is louder after warmed up.

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  2nd Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Wildbill - March 22 - 8:06 am

  Bought new one based on my sons experience with his 06. Bought TRD package. This is my first Toyota as I have been a very loyal Honda fan for years. This is just one great truck, well built, and fun to drive.

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  White Rider - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By TT - March 22 - 7:13 am

  I have had my car a little over a week and I couldnt be more pleased. Last year I bought a Honda Accord EX-L that I could not sell fast enough. Before the Honda I had a SAAB for 9 years that I loved. Since SAAB wagon was out of the question this time I looked for a wagon to replace it. The only thing available last year was too big for me. This crossover is perfect. The drive, the JBL, the Panoramic Roof, and over all comfort. The driver and passenger seating is roomy. I have all the features on the car except the NAV. and DVD. I have enjoyed all the features. The brakes are stiff but that is better than too sensitive. I am looking forward to low maintenance unlike the SAAB.

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  18 days and 2 tanks - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Initial Impressions - March 22 - 4:23 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about 680 miles and two tanks at 23.5 and 25.5 mpg. Not bad coming from a V8 Grand Cherokee @ 13 mpg. Ride is comfortable but a bit soft according to my preferences. Body roll and motions are controlled but nevertheless a bit too active for my taste. Steering is light which is good in parking lots but overly sensitive on the highway. Hybrid system works well but requires much attention to use effectively and optimally. Overall, the vehicle is quiet and suits my family needs well albeit in an unexciting and uninspiring way. If not for the hybrid system and the need for a SUV, I would have looked elsewhere.

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  Venza Demographic - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By MichiganMike1 - March 22 - 4:16 am

  We are empty nester, baby boomers that wanted easier entry than our former Acura MDX but with creature comforts, decent performance, good reliability, upright seating, cargo capacity for our dogs and stuff and some style. The Venza suited us better than any of the alternatives we tested. We were seduced by a loaded Venza in Blizzard Pearl. The price was still less than our Acura MDX in 2001.

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  The best car yet! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By T.M - March 22 - 12:43 am

  The Highlander has the "get up and go" I need for the mountain roads. The interior is "homey" and comfortable. With a quiet engine, you feel as if you are floating on the road. Traction is great!! Safety features that outweigh anything else I have owned!! A prevous owner of like vehicles, the Highlander is by far the best SUV I have owned.

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  Sequioa LTD 2004 - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By erparf - March 21 - 9:23 pm

  A really nice, but slightly underpowered, large SUV. Comfortable inside but a bit restricted when one needs to move backwards. Rear-looking visibility is limited, backing up.