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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  Not One Complaint! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By srogers50 - August 26 - 7:46 am

  Bought used in 2005 w/72000 miles, now has 141000, i had both a Chevy and gmc light truck, both were junk compared to my Toyota. Waterpump only thing Ive had to replace, did myself saved $600, Extremely reliable, love the ride, cause it rides like a truck. Regular maintenance done and it still runs like the day i bought it. Only problem i wish it had 4wd, other than that i will keep this truck until they tell me that there is literally nothing you can do to fix it. there is nothing i havent been able to do with this truck.

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  My Yota - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By My Yota - August 26 - 5:30 am

  Simply put, this is the best SUV in its class. Nearly perfect. It easily beats the pants off the rest. The V6 has tons of power and runs smoothly. If you didnt know better, you would think it was a V8 by the feel. It is very responsive and easy to handle. It feels more driving a sedan but make no mistake about it, 4Runner really shines off-road. Does fantastic in the snow and ice with traction control, ESC, and a ton of other features. I feel very safe in this car because it is so solid. Gas mileage is great for an SUV this size, I usually average 21 mpg in town and about 24 hwy. I would recommend 4Runner to anyone.

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  Satisfied and pleased with the Toyota RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By VONYC - August 26 - 4:43 am

  Had a hard time deciding between the 4x4 Toyota Rav4 and the 4x4 Honda CRV. Test drove both vehicles and Toyota won by features, performance and price. Honda has a smaller cabinet and smaller engine lacking performance. As far as price I was quoted similar price on both vehicle but Toyota now includes the Extra Convenience Package, which includes 17" Steel 5 Spoke Style wheels, Privacy Glass, Roof Racks and Floor Mats as for the same.

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  Great niche truck - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ed - August 26 - 3:46 am

  I absolutely love this truck. Styling is a matter of taste. The retro theme is appealing to me however, and I like having a truck that doesnt blend in. The engine is very powerful with a lot of low end torque, great exhaust note too. The suspension is made with off roading in mind and is a bit floaty with some body roll in the turns. Regardless though it is surprisingly fun to drive. Also very smooth/comfortable on the road/hwy. Was worried about wind noise w roof rack but no more than my Explorer had. Gas mileage avg 19 mpg mixed. Not bad considering: 4200 lbs, powerful engine, big tires, and styling sacrifices some aerodynamics. Back seat tight getting in/out but dont really ever use.

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  Not Satisfied - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By tagll - August 26 - 2:00 am

  1996 & 1997 only us aftermarket wheels that cannot be balanced correctly even by Toyota . The Toyota dealer where I purchased the car new told me the wheels were discontinued because of complaints. I agree! I will not return to Toyota for my next vehicle because they did not take care of this problem on my present one.

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  ITS GREAT! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By JENNIFER - August 26 - 2:00 am

  WONDERFEUL TRUCK! I WOULD BY IT

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  Make Ford owners jealous - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By SGT A - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had a Ford and a Chevy, and I know two many dodge owners to get one my self. In the short time, I have owned my Toyota it beats the others without trouble. The ride is great and the placement of the controls is right on.

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  my 4th toyota - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By NAT.C - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is my fourth toyota,1990,1992,1999 and now a 2002.my only complaint a thumping sound coming from the rear suspension on bumpy road.took it to two different dealers and they cannot find anything wrong with it.maybe they hear it,but dont know how to fix it. except for this problem everything else works like a charm after over a year of driving it.

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  4 months of research pays off ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Ted - August 26 - 1:00 am

  I have owned the 07 Camry SE V6 since May, and I must say that it was worth having to do 4 months of research to buy this car.I test drove and compared similar 4 door sedans like the Maxima, Accord, Mazda6, and noticed that none had all the features,performance,comfort ,safety,and looks that the Camry has.Plus to get the great MPG for a 268HP engine is amazing! The ride is quiet-takes bumps smoothly.The acceleration is not the best, but once it gets going it GOES! Plenty of leg and headroom all around the car.Gauges are well placed and well lit at night.I would highly reccomend this car If your looking for a sporty, roomy, 4 door sedan with good gas mileage

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  Keeps on trucking... yea ya! - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eric - August 25 - 9:36 pm

  This was my first truck I have purchased on my own, when I was 18. Great truck!! It now has 270,000 miles and keeps on going. Things I had to replace or repair: U joint in drive shaft (80,000 miles & 120,000 mi), Powersteering pump (100,000 mi), starter (120,000 mi) and thats all that comes to mind. Right now, I do have a an oil leak, need to replace spark plugs more frequently since there is an oil leak there too but the truck keeps running fine and it passed smog (CA is a big deal). The car, in my opinion is very reliable. Toyota trucks, compact size, are great cars!