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 this SUV! No Regrets! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Mwilson - October 29 - 9:20 pm

  Overall I love this SUV! I really did my research when deciding on what to buy. Pricing and reliabilty were big factors in my decision making. I was torn between the Honda Pilot or the Highlander, Im glad I chose the Highlander. Ive owned it for almost two years, and the only thing I would change is the rear window noise, EXTREMELY disturbing. I live in Chicago, and trust me winter driving can be a challenge, but this vehicle handled are winter storms w/no problems. You wont regret it.

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  Toyota 4-Runner Rates Top Score - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LVKibiuk - October 29 - 5:00 pm

  My experience with the 4-runner goes back 16 years. My original 4-runner is an 88 with 191,000 miles and still running beautifully. I have never owned a more reliable vehicle. My new 4- runner was purchased as the body on the old 4-runner has started rusting out. When sitting in the drivers seat of the new 4-runner you know you have a product that is very safe and mechanically is made better and lasts longer than most other vehicles. I have owned bmws, fords, chevys, rented dodge, gmc and none compare to the Toyota 4-runner. It is #1 in my book. I have nothing negative to say about it. Nothing else tops the Toyota all around. It wont disappoint you. Buy one

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  Toyota 4-Runner Rates Top Score - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LVKibiuk - October 29 - 4:26 pm

  My experience with the 4-runner goes back 16 years. My original 4-runner is an 88 with 191,000 miles and still running beautifully. I have never owned a more reliable vehicle. My new 4- runner was purchased as the body on the old 4-runner has started rusting out. When sitting in the drivers seat of the new 4-runner you know you have a product that is very safe and mechanically is made better and lasts longer than most other vehicles. I have owned bmws, fords, chevys, rented dodge, gmc and none compare to the Toyota 4-runner. It is #1 in my book. I have nothing negative to say about it. Nothing else tops the Toyota all around. It wont disappoint you. Buy one

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  Great car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DS - October 29 - 3:36 pm

  Dont let the anti-hybrid talk fool you... these cars more than pay for themselves. Between the state and federal tax credits and the improved mileage you cant go wrong with this car.

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  Luxury and quality for less - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By SSoeun - October 29 - 2:32 pm

  I just got the 2015 limited in year end clearance; I got the best price for the best car. I test BMW 3 series, Cadillac ATS, Buick Regal and Lacrosse. I found Avalon limited on the top line in term of luxury, tech, stylish, smooth and quiet on free way on par with Lacrosse but better tech, gas mileage, expect more reliable than Lacrosse. But I was disappointed a bid on free way, I dont much wind but tire sound with the road on the 18 wheel. The Avalon has plenty of power though it has only 268 hp and 248 torque compared to 3 series, regal, lacrosse, ATS are more power and torque but I did not feel much different. The ATS, Regal, and 3 Series are good for quick move and corner but more windy on freeway when Lacrosse on the to ride on freeway-- smooth, quiet, and balance due to its heavy weight 4000lb vs Avalon 3560lb but 18city/28 hwy vs 21city/31 hwy. Quality, luxury, stylish, and bargain price at the end of the year make me to pick Avalon limited over the rest.

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  This SUV rocks! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Nala - October 29 - 10:46 am

  When I first saw this SUV, I knew it was the one for me.This SUV is hands down the most attractive SUV in its class, with its streamlined appearance that resembles luxury SUVs such as the Cayenne or the VW Toureg, but with the low maintenance costs, reliability and resale value of Toyota. The amount of passenger and cargo space in this SUV is amazing! I love to go on road trips and take friends along, and I know they will not be uncomfortable in the back seats.

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  Mostly Great, some problems - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Francis Degnin - October 29 - 1:13 am

  Mostly a love this car. I really wanted the plug in version, but decided it wasnt worth waiting. If you live somewhere with snow and ice, you should also be prepared to purchase very high quality winter tires--I recommended this to a friend of mine with Prius two years ago, it solved the problem of a light car on an icy hill. I have noticed the reported break problem twice in three months--even though it was supposed to be fixed. The bigger problem for me is a very high pitched whine which comes from the engine in warmer temperatures. The dealer wants to say its normal, but none of my friends with earlier models report it. Thats the only really annoying issue I have with the car.

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  See it, Drive it , Buy it - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mnivens - October 29 - 1:03 am

  The retro look of the FJ and reliability of Toyota brought me to replace my 95 4RunnR. My wife, believe it or not, liked the styling as much as I and the fact it has a good safety rating and she sits high enough to see well. She has had hip problems, but the FJ is no problem for her to get in/out. We like the simplicity of the vehicle. The FJ is a different look, but since most vehicles look alike, the FJ is a step above in styling. We are both in our mid-fifties, but feel good in this. Power is excellent, visibility is OK, Blind spot mirrors solved this problem. We had a dealer installed running boards, passenger arm rest, and towing hitch. No, it is not a Lexus, but it fits us.

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  Teenage Driver - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Trent - October 28 - 10:38 pm

  I love this car. My uncle gave it to me after he no longer needed it. I drive it to school and basketball games and everything. I love the commanding view and it is relatively easy to park. Its a stylish and fun SUV and my friends always complement the interior (dashboard). I This car is very very dependable and I will use it in college and probably forever!

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  Gas Mileage - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By nathantundra - October 28 - 6:19 pm

  I bought my truck new in 2010, its a double cab TRD, 5.7liter, 2wd, and it has never got more than 14.2mpg, and thats on the highway with a K&N filter, and premium gas, its the worst gas mileage truck on the market today. I have owned many trucks, but this is worst one yet. I dont know where they get the window sticker information, because its not true.