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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  High Marks For Highlander - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Florida Son - July 2 - 2:03 am

  Looked long and hard at what was available out there, and Highlander Limited is the perfect vehicle if you want a well-built, reliable mid-size SUV that doesnt go off-road. My limited is loaded with lots of options, and it seems Toyota has put just about anything you can think of into the vehicle. Safety features are also above and beyond, comparable with Volvo. Its early in the process for us, but were very happy thus far!

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By katway - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Absolutely the most fun to drive car Ive owned. Ive owned sports cars, SUVs, etc. But this one takes the cake. Im always eager to take the car out for a spin, run errands, etc. It has a nice ride, is comfortable, roomy, and really a complete all around good vehicle.

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  Perfect family vacation Cruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Hicaira - July 1 - 5:06 am

  N/A

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  Happy with my purchase! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By lindseym1 - July 1 - 2:26 am

  I got my 2010 RAV4 this September so its only been 3 months but so far, so good. I traded in my 2004 RAV4, which I did enjoy driving as well. The 2010 is much roomier. I love how the backseat folds down so easily (I had to take the seats out in the 04), there is a lot of room in the back, and the drive itself is great- smooth and not a lot of road noise. My main complaints are the cupholders and lack of change drawer! I drive 50/50 highway/city and get ~22mpg. I wish this could be higher but I have the V6, 4 wheel drive so I guess that comes with the territory!

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  A wonderful Ride - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Commishioner - June 30 - 11:13 am

  When I was looking for a car I was told to get something with a little class and luxury. The 2006 Toyota Avalon, with its heated leather seats and dual temperature controls as well as its beautiful interior as well as exterior fits the bill to a tee. When it comes to comfort the avalon gives a comfortable ride no matter where you sit in the vehicle. I love my Avalon.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael - June 30 - 4:43 am

  I went with the FWD (didn’t think I needed AWD). I’m very happy with my purchase. The ride is comfortable and quiet, and while I may have been happy with the 4 cylinder I decided to go with the Limited V6 model (towing increase). The Highlander vs. Pilot decision was hard as both vehicles were neck and neck in areas I considered important (safety, reliability, and comfort - in that order). I believe there is better visibility in the Toyota. I also prefer the Highlanders "look" over the Pilot.

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  We have two 2007 Touring models - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PLM - June 29 - 2:50 pm

  After using the initial Prius Touring for one week to replace a small SUV, I bought a second one. Now we have two and like both of them. Very impressive once one gets over the macho feelings of driving an SUV or large sedan (Avalon). High tech features, quiet ride, great mpg, fine stereo, and the leather aftermarket seats installed by the dealer, all combine to make for a superb experience. As seniors (66 & 62) we think these are good travel cars, reliable and efficient. So far--wow!

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  On our 2nd Sienna - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By t1no33 - June 29 - 4:02 am

  We LOVE this van. Just got our 2nd one not to long ago. Our only real complaints are: - road noise on the highway is AWFUL - almost sounds like you have a window open - this was mentioned in consumer reports - no arm rest on both sides of the captains chairs Other than these two things this van is great on long roadtrips and just around town. You cant go wrong with it and our 2011 held its value so much we were able to get a 2012 at lower payment cause we had equity in a car.

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  2006 toyota corolla a car made for me - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By lewis.dobkowski - June 29 - 1:03 am

  A solid compact that appears to be bigger than it is. a nice tight solid good feeling drive.

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  97 T-00 SR5 EX CAB 4wd - 1997 Toyota T100
  By whatagreattruck - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The T-100 has proven to be a very reliable truck. It is a little smaller than a full size Ford or Chevy, which is nice if you dont need that much room but want something bigger than a compact truck, it also fits in a small garage a little better.