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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  2008 Rav4 - rough ride - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Lee - August 13 - 10:03 am

  Just bought a 2008 Rav4 4cyl fwd, base model with a few extras. A friend has an 05 and loves it; another has one of the original Ravs and loves it. Something must have changed. You can really, really feel the road; very rough ride. Seats are very uncomfortable. The interior is new milenium plastic. The car has an unexplained "clink" on shifting, exceleration and braking. Burned plastic smell (like I picked up a plastic bag on the muffler - hope that goes away). Really disappointing ride

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  Good Reliable Transportation - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By George McIntyre - August 13 - 5:03 am

  This is my second Prius and I am sold on the reliability and economy. I enjoyed my 2005 Prius so much I decided I would get a third generation one. I have only one complaint and the rough ride of the tires that came on the car Yokohama Avid S33. I believe different tires would make a big difference.

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  11 DC Rock Warrior - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By mason467 - August 12 - 11:41 pm

  Bought brand new about a year ago to replace 05 GMC 1500 which we use to tow our 30 foot camper. The GMC was a little on the light side...great truck but we needed more. Test drove 11 crew cab f150 xlt first. Nice truck, but both my wife and I agreed that this was just not the truck for us. Next, we drove an 11 Tundra with Rock Warrior package. Unlike the F150 this truck comes with load range "E" tires, perfect for towing. Also, the suspension is nice and firm. Power is exceptional while towing our camper. Stability is also excellent. The transmission always seems to be in the right gear, and it gets anywhere from 8.5-11 MPG pulling out 7500 lbs brick of a camper.

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  Interstate Cruiser - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By navintel - August 12 - 11:36 pm

  The Sequoia is a great interstate cruiser, comfortable,easy to drive and plenty of power when you need it. Plenty of room for people and cargo and got 21.1 mpg going from Delaware to AZ. I have taken it off-road several times with no problems.

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  Love it but ... - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Krystyna - August 12 - 8:10 pm

  My 2000 Honda Civic was stolen and completely stripped and I was forced to purchase a new vehicle. I looked at the Chevy Aveo, the Nissan Versa, the Honda Fit, and the Yaris. The Yaris was the most affordable and I was able to get the options I wanted (i.e. alarm, car starter, ABS, power package). I enjoy driving this car and it is very comfortable for me. The only thing is, this little car can be quite noisy when switching gears and the ABS feel a bit "mushy" for a lack of a better word. I have 1,300 miles on my car right now and I am concerned I need to have the brakes checked. People have said that I am just use to a Honda which is a much quieter car with smoother braking.

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  Not Cool - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By hmmmf - August 12 - 7:33 pm

  Handles like it is three times as heavy as it is, underpowered, interior could use some refinement. Overall unpleased.

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  Overstated performance - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe G - August 12 - 4:28 am

  The new V-6 engine coupled with the new 6 speed transmission is an ill fit. The engine struggles to maintain highway speeds without a lot of transmission downshifting. Small hills and overpasses strain the drive train to the point of frustration and distraction. After breaking the engine in according to Toyota specifications, I towed a 12 trailer loaded with a 1500# ATV (total GVW of 3500#) 800 miles. The trip was torture for the truck and myself. Fuel consumption is disappointing. Pure highway mileage is 20.2 mpg. Combined mileage is 18.1 mpg. Towing mileage was 11.8 mpg. Toyota did not get the engine/transmission properly tuned. I dont want to leave the impression I am down on Toyota in general. I have owned three Toyota trucks in the past, and they were great trucks. Toyota seriously missed my expectations on the 2016 Tacoma.

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  No problems at 177,000 miles - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By dsper - August 12 - 12:18 am

  Bought our 2001 Avalon new. Replaced the timing belt at 100,000, replaced the alternator at 170,000 and the struts at 175,000. Otherwise, nothing but tires and brakes. Large comfortable four or five passenger car with plenty of zip. My other car is a Corvette when I feel the need to act like a kid.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By ocnfront - August 11 - 10:10 pm

  A bullet proof truck!! This is the best truck that I have every driven. I use it daily to drive to work and it always a great ride. The prerunner crew cab is the only way to go! My wife will drive it in a hot minute.

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  New purchase - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Rob - August 11 - 12:36 pm

  I currently own a 1992, Toyota, Camry, 4cyl, with 228,000 miles. My friends Camry has 530,000 miles. I recently purchase a 2009, Camry, se. I will let you know how I like the car. And no I do not plan to sell my 1992 Camry. It is in perfect interior & exterior condition.