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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  First Class - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stevet - May 17 - 10:00 am

  One test run of the XLE Limited AWD and we knew this was the car to replace our MB ML320. We also swore wed never own a minivan, but Toyota made us converts. Its Features, performance,comfort and ride are exceptional and the vehicle is truly a fun drive. I too say --Best car in the world.

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  Lexus MiniVan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By GCrowne301 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Greeting ~ We traded in a 2000 Lexus RX 300 on the new Sienna Minivan for 2004. One of the better moves I have made. This vehicle is a keeper. I never really loved the RX, and I like the Sienna better than I ever liked the Lexus. Highly Recommend. Good Luck, Greg

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  Prius 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Tim - May 16 - 8:06 pm

  Well it has been almost a month and over 1000 miles. My main concern is the drastic difference in MPG. I am getting low 40s a significant deviation from the touted 51/60. Acceleration off the line is lousy, but when you want to pass on the freeway you can easily, even up hills. Regarding the exterior it would be nice if the antenna wasnt sticking up like gazelle with only one horn. It would make putting a car cover on a nightmare. Inside, there is legroom galore. Seating for 5 and cupholders for 4 is a bit odd, but oh well. It would be nice if you could sit two in the back with the small side folded down but no.

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  Excellent Little Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tommy - May 16 - 11:36 am

  I purchased this "mini-taco" 03-22-2008 as a way to downsize and conserve. Couldnt be happier with this truck. It is the 4x4 regular cab, the smallest tacoma. What a great design, big on features. Driving mildly, now averaging 23-24 mpg overall. Thats not great but consider its a 4x4. It handles the road much better than the older generation. The steering radius is another pleasant surprise. The performance is better than expected. The 4cyl engine will really move if you want it to. I did get the SR5 package which gives the reg cab truck bucket seats. Very comfortable and supportive. Many cup holders, using the 2 on the rear of the center console for reserve water bottles.

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  RAV4 XLE AWD best car for price and value and safe - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Tony - May 16 - 5:02 am

  Looking for safety features, Roof Bluetooth AWD XM no blind spots simple to drive with plenty of pep and almost 30 miles to the gallon on the highway nothing comes close to the RAV4 and for the price its a steal trust me and it had plenty of storage space with the cargo cover factory tiny is amazing for visibility

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  Ponchittas Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ponchitta Bondojia - May 16 - 4:46 am

  The Avalon XL is an outstanding automobile. Its velvety smooth ride and quick response is a sheer pleasure to experience.

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  Poorly designed roof rack - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By edmundsperson - May 15 - 6:26 pm

  The roof rack cross bars can only be installed 27 Inches apart!!!!! There is no other place to install the Toyota factory cross bar for greater spacing. There are no other aftermarket roof racks(Yakima, Thule, etc) that will fit on the roof because of the decorative chrome coated plastic roof rails. The Yakima roof rack(Q-Tower) can only be installed if there are no decorative chrome coated plastic roof rails. You could remove the decorative roof rails. LOL. Toyota claims to have asked the public for input on the design. There is also the claim who uses the rack anyway.

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  Perfect - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lammy - May 15 - 2:56 pm

  The Solara is extremely comfortable, very roomy, it rides very smoothly, and has a very classy look. What more could you want?

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  Outstanding car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - May 14 - 11:33 pm

  This is my first new car and Im happy I went with the Camry. This car has plenty of pick up and go even with the in line four cylinder engine along with good gas mileage and handling. Not to mention the new body style is awesome. Overall everything is great and Im now a loyal Toyota owner.

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  I love my Toyota! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By sfvguy - May 14 - 10:40 pm

  Best car Ive ever had. No problems in 5+ years and 75,000 miles! Would be hard for me to buy anything but a Toyota given the reliability and quality of this car!