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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  Love my 1994 Corolla! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By elgaelf - December 14 - 4:50 pm

  This was the first (and maybe only) car I ever bought brand new off of the car lot. So far I have logged over 111,000 miles, and its still going strong. Lord willing I will get another 100,000 miles on it. Replaced the timing belt 50,000 miles ago, and also recently replaced the starter and alternator. Didnt need new brakes until almost 100,000 miles. Other than a couple of batteries, multiple tires, and a CV boot and muffler, Ive not had any real issues/replacements, etc. This car still looks good and runs great and I would recommend it to anyone who is more concerned with safety and reliability than whether or not they are driving the latest and greatest sporty vehicle.

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  Consider your purchase wisely - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mick - December 12 - 4:23 am

  Great car for resale and possible reliabilty. V6 is peppy but hard to handle when flooring it to get up to speed or pull out into traffic, the steering wavers. Very choppy bouncy ride. Has had loss of power when accelerating onto freeway twice. Shifts late at times, just enough to be annoying. Have actually had to give it gas to go down hill. Dont let the fancy controls of the Limited sway you, simple dials are easier to use. Seats are hard. Tow package does not include wiring, you cant do it yourself, because it has to be wired from the dash to the back. Rear suspension cant handle 1200 lb. tent trailer. Snow/rain gets in through the door controls and freezes.

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  Sienna XLE - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Woody A - December 12 - 2:00 am

  A smooth-riding, tightly built, versatile travel machine. Great leather seating and the Camry engine make the best value.

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  Would Recommend Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By J David - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable and Reliable, would recommend a test drive.

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  Expected Much More - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By whale2 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I probably shouldve test drove the car a couple more times and I probably would have realized that while driving the foot pedals are not in the most convenient location...maybe its just my height--6. Its just not as comfortable driving as I wanted. The most disapointing though has to be the gas mileage. We only get 20 city and 22 highway...(should be 22 and 27). Took it to the dealer and found out that is within their specifications somehow and basically have to deal with it. Quite unfortunate and very disapointing.

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  POOR FABRIC ON SEATS - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By R L Whyle - December 11 - 10:50 pm

  The material used for the seat trim is dark gray in color and reminds you of suede or soft leather. It is very nice to look at when clean, the only problem is it does not stay clean. It collects any dust, lint, fuzz etc. that is in the air. And requires cleaning every other day or so just to look decent. You will have to carry a lint roller with you. The dealer only offers new seats for sale at full price.

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  Overall great vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By L.w.batchelder - December 10 - 12:13 pm

  This is second Highlander for us; the first (2002) is still going strong after 120,000 miles. Have 4500 miles on this one and other than the recall have no issues. Rides well, great visibility, great for towing a 3500 lb boat, and rides well on long trips.

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  wouldnt drive anything but a toyota - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By KarenMac - December 10 - 6:26 am

  I love my toyota, little pricey but worth every penny. The solidness of this vehicle is remarkable. Suv that gives a ride like a car

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  Id buy it again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Patie - December 8 - 7:20 pm

  I affectionately call this my golf cart since at slower speeds, cornering, it feels so easy to drive and is so quiet. Like no other car Ive owned. It has good pick up on hills which are abundant where I live. It accelerates to acceptable speed quickly when getting on the freeway. Its a fun car. Speakers/sound isnt that full or great so if you want great sound, go buy a new sound system. If your phobic about fingerprints, this car is not for you. The dash area and touch screen always look smudgy no matter how many times you try and keep it clean. The handling is excellent though and Ive overlooked the other areas because of this.

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  2001 Sequoia Quality - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ray - December 8 - 4:40 am

  My 2001 4WD Sequoia has 110K miles and is driven in town by a soccer mom who does not go off road. So far these parts have failed: both front wheel bearings, the rear differential, rear window motor, LF window motor, A/C (compressor, evaporator, and something else- been to dealer 5 times for a/c problems). Engine has had oil replaced every 4K miles and has a knock in it. All failures due to faulty parts. I am thankful I invested in the platnum 0 ded bumper-bumper 100K mile warranty. The driver side seat is designed to wear a hole in the side (90K miles) from getting in/out. Gas mileage avg 12-18 mpg. Toyota Corp customer service not helpful. No problems since last major repair ~80K mi