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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  momstoy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By butchie - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Besides the air conditioner being replaced the first year we have had very little problems with the sequioa. Some of the covers for the seat to floor mounts have fallen off and wont stay on but it drives quiet, smooth and we get many complements and inquiries on the vehicle. It pulled my 18ft fishing boat and 3 men with all our gear for a week long fishing trip 9 hours one way without any trouble at all. I had the air on, cruiese set and she pulled the boat almost as if it wasnt there.

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  Outstanding Car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Paladin - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned in 40 years of driving. Ive spent about 1,000 in repairs over 6 years. Keep the oil changed, and I think it will run forever. Even today, it feels like the day I bought it.

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  Love It! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By BOWLPROSHOP - June 28 - 10:00 am

  A nice high profile for a smaller SUV type vehicle. I dont usually like larger cars and when I needed a new car, I was looking for a corolla type vehicle. This allows me much more cargo space without being a BIG car. Mileage is good at about 28.

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  I love this car. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By dtrimner001 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 19 months, and I still look forward to driving it (It is my wifes primary vehicle). I have always owned American cars, and I am very very impressed with the tight fit of everything in the interior, and the curb appeal of this SUV. It has excellent headroom and legroom, 3 adults can sit comfortable in the back seat. Handles like a dream, smooth yet responsive. No, I would not take it off-road much more than I would an ordinary sedan, but it is a solid vehicle all the way around.

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  New and improved - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By happydad - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle so far. It handles well and is so quite that if the kids are talking I can’t hear the van when it starts. The acceleration and handling are outstanding for a minivan. Speed is maintained up long steep mountain passes. The rear seats are very easy to tumble under. The middle row of seats are easy to remove and carry and effortless to flip forward. Gas mileage is impressive. There are plenty of cup and bottle holders. The only complaints are the mirror to look at the passengers is too far back and the glasses holder is in a weird place.

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  The Red Dream - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JAC - June 28 - 9:30 am

  This car is truly fun to drive, rides quiet and so smooth. I bought it as a second car, but am having trouble leaving it in the garage. Its design and look attract everyone but when they have a chance to ride in it that sells it that much more...and even though its a convertible it surprisingly quiet with a nice sound system.

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  Saved my life - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris - June 27 - 10:40 pm

  Two days ago I blacked out while driving in my 2008 Yaris and rolled it twice, landing on the roof. The jaws of life were used to cut me out. I walked out without a bruise. This car body may be small but it is sound. True, it may have some tendency to roll, that could have been part of it, but in the end the car served me.

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  Reliable, safe AWD Vehicle - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By value4money - June 27 - 8:28 pm

  This is an extremely comfortable, reliable, safe AWD SUV that handles well in snow and on the highway. Shopped against two upscale models (Lexus RX350 and Audi Q7) but I didnt feel that the price differential ($10,000 to $15,000 or more) justified the "prestige" of these brands. Closest competitor in price is the Ford Edge, but fit and finish of the Venza seemed better as did the handling and acceleration based upon test drives (admittedly not a full test of driving dynamics).

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  6 Year / 100K Mile Update - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By fido1 - June 27 - 10:22 am

  A quick update... The car is still running great after almost 100K miles. Items replaced - tires, wipers, front light bulbs (I drive with them on all the time), water pump (covered by my 100K extended warranty), and a recall for the hybrid coolant system tank, air filters, plugs, and serpentine belt, and full coolant change out (I do everything early). Live in New England - get 47 mpg in spring, summer, fall, and 44.5 mpg in winter driving. Based on last oil change, estimate that I still have 35% of brake pads left. Will be replacing my floormats soon, driver side wore out.

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  Upgraded my Corolla to a Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By DJ - June 27 - 10:13 am

  This car has been great, on my 5th month of driving it. Literally twice the horsepower of my 97 Corolla, very smooth ride, super quiet, Fantastic! sound system. Tons of room in the back for kids or adults. Huge trunk. Gas mileage is a bit less than I would like, but I sacrificed on purpose to get the V6 power. Still giving me 20+ mpg on my commute.