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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  2006 Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Hollywood - July 27 - 4:36 am

  I bought the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4x4 and have not looked back. This is an exceptional vehicle with room for 7. The Navigation is not totally accurate, but it is as good as any. The ride is great and the fit and finish is extraordinary. The battery operation is fun to watch and I find myself trying to use the battery as much as possible, especially in todays high price gas world. I recommend this vehicle to anyone except 4x4 extremist.

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John - July 26 - 6:16 pm

  I average 55+ MPG with my Prius. I find that I have changed my driving habits to achieve this mileage. Im slow off the line and use the cruise control regularly. These make the biggest difference. Im 6 6" and the ride is roomy and comfortable.

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  comfort and style - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By paul - July 26 - 6:16 am

  This car does a lot of things well. Its 4 cylinder engine with AWD is more than adequate. Passing on the highway is a breeze. Cruising at 60 mph (100k) at only 2000 rpms... the trans and engine are well-matched. You get a lot for the price.

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  If you want to be Green.... - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JR - July 26 - 5:50 am

  We bought this car for my wife (but of course I had to get it with all of the toys for me). We looked at the GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and the Toyota Highlander. None of the above really compared to the highlander in terms of style, options, and reliability. Initially we were not considering a hybrid, but one came to the lot in our area. With gas now approach $3.50 a gallon, I am beginning to think we made a good decision. With our 3rd tank of gas, we are averaging about 26.2 mpg. This should improve as we break in the engine. The navigation takes a bit of practice to master, but after taking one evening to sit down and learn it, it is quite simple.

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  Toughness, Reliability, and Quality engineering - 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Daniel - July 26 - 2:42 am

  This truck isnt fancy, it isnt going to have the latest tech, but it will out last any truck out on the rode in comfort. Purchased this new truck after 2 years of research on the SUV market. Looked at the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Range Rover, Mercedes GL, Infiniti QX, and others. Great tech in the Audi but all data on reliability and the data was was limited to 7 years. Great tech in the Volvo XC90 but when you think of a 4 cylinder with a turbo charger and supercharger it is still a 4 cylinder engine pushing out that power and the strain it puts on the components is high. Range Rover also beautiful and technologically advanced but I own a Jaguar already and dont need 2 high maintenance vehicles (dont get me wrong I like the smooth V8 but I keep my trucks a long time). I had a 1999 Isuzu Trooper and it finally gave out after 18 years. The Toyota Land Cruiser delivers smooth power quietly and the ride absorbs the bumps without jarring occupants, but keep in mind it is a truck. Cabin is well insulated and keeps out the noise. The fuel efficiency is less than desireable, recent 1200 mile road road trip I averaged 17.5 mpg (I-5 through northern CA). In the city if I adjust my driving style can get 13.5 MPG. Only maintenance I have had done is get the windshield replaced, on the road trip got a rock chip. I have $0 deductible (lucky I switched), OEM glass is $900 and install another $200-300. Then you have to get the sensors and cameras calibrated at the dealership which is another $130-180. I have had OEE (Original equipment equivalent) glass and always could see imperfections, also with the tech I wouldnt go with anything but OEM glass.

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  No other truck comes close - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By libraryguy85 - July 25 - 9:13 pm

  This truck is the most complete and downright solid truck I have ever owned and probably ever will own. I bought this truck used because I liked the second generation body style better than the new ones, and it has not disappointed in any way. Ive wanted one since I was in high school, back when I drove a 96 Nissan hardbody pickup, and about 8 years later, I had a TRD 4 door in my driveway, ironically almost the same color (Impulse Red Pearl) as the Nissan. I never thought Id find a better truck than my first, but I was wrong. This truck is perfect in every way and never lets me down. It has about 108K on the odometer and many miles to go. Keep up the good work, Toyota!

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  Light as a feather and a lifesaver - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Ethan - July 25 - 6:03 pm

  "Wow its zippy!" were my first words when I first drove this car. The acceleration is very responsive, the small engine was more than enough for this featherweight (just beware strong wind and rain), and it got better mileage than most hybrids. Its certainly stylish, and although the interior is lackluster, the high instrument panel to the right of the driver allowed for better eye contact with the road. For eight years, with regular oil changes and diagnostics, I never had a single problem with the car until I drove the car into another. The front crumpled, saving my life, but it crumpled far too easily and the car was totaled while the other car barely got a scratch.

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  Great all around SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By EEC - July 24 - 6:26 pm

  Drives like a dream come true. I am very surprised at the drive ablity / size. Make no mistake this a big, smooth and powerful SUV. It is smooth in parking lots as well on the interstates. Its power & braking are great. It is quiet. The sound system, backup camera, & GPS are great. The reason the driver has a hard time reaching the dash is because the cab is so roomy. This is a great ride if you want luxury w/ plenty of pulling power. For almost 6,000 lbs. & the power it has, it gets great gas mileage. Thanks Toyota you did a great job.

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  Winshield Wiper Controls - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By David Kosik - July 24 - 3:13 am

  Positioning of windshield wiper switch mechanism is too low down on the steering column. At times I inadvertantly hit it with my knuckle while shifting the gear knob causing the wipers to activate.

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  Our new 2005 Camry LE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Camry LE - July 23 - 7:23 pm

  This Camry is an excellent vehicle with air conditioning, automatic, beautiful leather upolstry, and tinted glass. While it is only a four cylinder is suprisingly peppy and very comfortable.