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 agree - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Roxy101 - February 25 - 2:20 am

  I agree the seats are very uncomfortable after driving for about 1 hour. I am 57 and I feel cramped. When I test droved I felt comfortable. This is not a good car for long trips. I plan to trade this car. Ive only had it for 1 month not satisfied. I read the reviews and did not believe about the loud noise with the rear windows down. The noise is terrible. So from now on out I will believe and add car reviews from consumers on this post. I have the 4cyc. gas mileage is better than the Ford explorer I traded but gas mileage is not what promised. I will keep checking and adding and dividing my gas mileage. Can not get good epa I have to run the air. Due to noise with windows down

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  It doesnt get any better than this - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Rich - February 24 - 9:46 pm

  This truck is awesome. I pored over every truck out there looking for the right one for me. Once I got to the Tundra, the search was over. Only had it for 2 weeks now, but what a wonderful 2 weeks its been. Im getting 17 mpg in mostly city driving, which I think is incredible. And its got all the power Ill ever need right when I need it. Everyone looks when I roll by, especially people driving those "other" trucks. Like McDonalds, Im lovin it!!

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  Overall: A decent car. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Bigmike1014 - February 24 - 9:23 pm

  I bought this car a little over a year ago. So far, everything has been all right, (at best). Heres the deal, so far my cars been completely reliable to me, but then again any car should be within the first few years. THE BAD: (and I need to take it to a dealer on this: 1.) Leaking water sound EVERY time I accelerate. Sounds like water is swooshing around in dash, 2.) FOUL ODORS, when accelerating fast, and when turning on the A/C. 3.) for whatever reason (especially when humid, the belt squeals constantly. 4.) Interior quality is poor. The "painted plastic" is wearing everywhere. 5.) Gas mileage is not what I thought it would be, Could be due to one of the above issues? Dont know.

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  Very happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By pointpetre - February 24 - 9:03 pm

  I have had this FWD Highlander for less than a month. I have about 2300 miles. Traveled a lot over Christmas and several trips from Fairfax, Virginia to Duck, NC and Virginia Beach. Surprised that the in town gas mileage is better than the EPA rating. Even on the first tank in town when the HL had less than 50 miles on it, the mileage under bad circumstances was over 19. Commuting to metro and in heavy traffic, Ive done about 22 average on a tank of gas in town On the highway, I have been for times as high as 27.6 MPG, but my best tank average was about 26 with 25 being more common so far. Still, that is better than the EPA rating, and Im traveling with I-95 and I-64 traffic at 75+

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  High Marks for the Tundra! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By esox64 - February 24 - 11:43 am

  This is one solid built truck! A few weeks ago, I loaded the following items into the bed of my Tundra: 15 rolls of sod, twenty (40 lb) bags of top soil, and two (50 lb) bags of pea gravel and easily hauled everything home in one trip! The dual hitch plugs on the back of the truck and the extending side mirrors are great features when towing my boat all over the Midwest. The transmission on my Tundra is real smooth & quiet and I had no problems with it while towing a boat through the steep & twisting hills of eastern Kentucky.

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  Solid - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ABennett - February 24 - 11:22 am

  166,000 miles and nothing has EVER gone wrong with the engine. All I have ever done is change the oil every 4,000 miles. Great car if it fits your needs.

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  Camry-Better than you thought - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mk - February 24 - 3:23 am

  I am very impressed with this vehicle. Traded in a lexus ES 300. This is actually a little bit nicer all around. Of course it is loaded, but even a loaded V6 XLE is about $9000.00 less than a Lexus ES 300. As for comparisons to other vehicles in this catagory, I think you need to do a little more work. The Camry is definitely the class of this group.....!

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  Loved it! Buy one. - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By con - February 24 - 1:50 am

  Great car. I just sold one with 140,000 miles on it and I had only only a couple of minor issues. I am 63" and weigh 230. Very comfortable. Test drove the newer model, but I really needed an SUV for work purposes. I love my SUV, but I already miss it.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By David - February 23 - 2:20 pm

  This is my 5th truck and I couldnt be happier with the vehicle. The wider body, fuel economy, and tow capacity make it an excellent compromise to a full size pickup. It offers all of the creature comforts and handles like a car in town. The TRD package with locking differential make it a capable off road vehicle. Performance is surprisingly strong even at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

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  Bumpy and very loud on highway - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By kristina - February 23 - 1:23 pm

  When I drive on highway its too bumpy and too loud. I cant even hear music and get headaches especially the second and third row seats. I dont recommend others to buy especially with small children.