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 like this truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By brad - February 21 - 9:13 pm

  This is a great little truck. I included the SR5 package and upgrade wheels... looks really sharp and rides very comfortable. So far, the only thing I have hauled in it is air. Quality, design and workmanship are all very good.

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  Great road trip vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Will - February 21 - 9:10 pm

  Sequoia is great for road trips, can hold lots of stuff, mechanically hasnt left me stranded. Best light duty off road ride of any SUV Ive ridden. However, it is a pig to drive in town, the exhaust manifold noise, I swear gets louder every day, and this is even after I had the "Tundra" factory recall performed on my Sequoia exhaust manifold. The vehicle has never had better than 15.5 mpg avg. Interior is falling apart (like a 90s era GM). Color keyed exterior plastics, like mirrors and spoilers have shedded their clear coat (like all 4yr old Korean cars). Stereo bad. Rear window on lift gate is stuck up, even after warranty repair. A/C clutch went out 92k mi. Resale value is terrible!

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  I Love My Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Karen - February 21 - 6:03 pm

  I truly have never had a car that I loved this much. Its comfortable with ample leg room (we are a tall family) and the gas mileage is awesome! Its attributes are too numerous to list... I just love it!

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  second time around - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By comedybit - February 20 - 4:16 pm

  this is my second toyota corolla, and I like it! I wish the gas mileage was better, its only about 32mph with regular unleaded. It has great power on the highway, I never feel like im going to get runover by the semi trucks.

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  Its All Grown Up... - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jorge - February 20 - 12:20 pm

  The new RAV4 delivers on its promises. The slight increase in length translates into huge increases in cabin space. The ride on the Sport trim is smooth and comes standard with a lot of detail-oriented amenities that make it worth the additional price.

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  Pure fun! - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bretter66 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I just love getting drive this little car, it is so Fun! Almost go cart like, good in turns, smooth on the road. Its a little tough to get out of, being a 6 footer, But worth the drive. Great on the gas mileage for a Summer 3rd car that is economical & trendy also rare its a keeper

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  Fun and quirky - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Raider - February 20 - 10:00 am

  In spite of some minor design issues, the FJ is the best do-it-all, purpose built SUV on the market. If you dont need/want 4 full doors and dont routinely haul adult back seat passengers, it is extremely comfortable and spacious. It is absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned for off road performance and handles winter road conditions with ease (I have had three jeeps - no comparison). The blind spot issue has received too much attention. If you know how to use rear/side mirrors you will not have a problem. Wind noise is surprising low in spite of cool "rolling brick" aerodynamics. Bullet-proof engine and transmission. Interior is simple and controls are well thought out. FUN!

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By D from D - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Originally was going to get an 02 4-Runner but the Highlander had better interior space and ride. Changing my mind was the best purchase decision I ever made. I now have 114,000 miles with ZERO repairs, just maintenance when its due. The check engine light came on once and it was due to a vacuum hose coming loose. Correct that in about 10 minutes. Replaced that original battery after 8 years even though it was still working fine even at -10 degrees, figured I would really be pushing my luck by going longer than that. Still running with original suspension components and rear brakes. Front brakes have been replaced once and the rotors resurfaced. Wish I had gotten auto-dim mirror

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  Good choice, only complaint was cost - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Thomas Mommy - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. I drove 2 dr sport cars before motherhood. I love cars, and this fits me as a woman who loves cars. As good as it gets, always comfortable driving long distance with no breakdown fears. I have drove nine days alone in Toyota models over the years with NO FEAR. I had power door replaced under warranty. Only real problem with 2005 model. I have learned to have general suggested belts, brakes, and other repairs done by local mechanic verse dealership to save on cost. Recently had the two belts for alternator and AC replaced due to loud squealing noise for two months. I believe this only happened because I moved into Mountain regions and ran the AC hard in the mountains.

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  Great overall - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Terrano - February 20 - 10:00 am

  We got this Prius in 12/09. It really is cool how much features you get even on the base model. Yes, it does really get 50 MPG, driving normally. It rides comfortably, decently quiet, and seats are just right. Rear seats are very roomy- pleasant surprise. One quibble about it though, is that the interior rattles. Ive looked it up further, and apparently it is an early build problem- apparently solved on more recently built cars. Dont know why they cant get something like that right the first time. Otherwise, the car is great, no problems whatsoever! Traded our 08 Sonata for it, the Hyundai had many minor problems that made it just irritating to own. It didnt rattle though!