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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  High Marks For Highlander - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Florida Son - July 2 - 2:03 am

  Looked long and hard at what was available out there, and Highlander Limited is the perfect vehicle if you want a well-built, reliable mid-size SUV that doesnt go off-road. My limited is loaded with lots of options, and it seems Toyota has put just about anything you can think of into the vehicle. Safety features are also above and beyond, comparable with Volvo. Its early in the process for us, but were very happy thus far!

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By katway - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Absolutely the most fun to drive car Ive owned. Ive owned sports cars, SUVs, etc. But this one takes the cake. Im always eager to take the car out for a spin, run errands, etc. It has a nice ride, is comfortable, roomy, and really a complete all around good vehicle.

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  Perfect family vacation Cruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Hicaira - July 1 - 5:06 am

  N/A

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  Happy with my purchase! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By lindseym1 - July 1 - 2:26 am

  I got my 2010 RAV4 this September so its only been 3 months but so far, so good. I traded in my 2004 RAV4, which I did enjoy driving as well. The 2010 is much roomier. I love how the backseat folds down so easily (I had to take the seats out in the 04), there is a lot of room in the back, and the drive itself is great- smooth and not a lot of road noise. My main complaints are the cupholders and lack of change drawer! I drive 50/50 highway/city and get ~22mpg. I wish this could be higher but I have the V6, 4 wheel drive so I guess that comes with the territory!

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  Interior Improvements - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Teresa - June 30 - 7:40 pm

  I adore the look of this vehicle and the ride as well. Its the interior design that I feel needs some changing. I have a 1999 SR5 on a 3 year lease. The seats, compared to other vehicles, such as the Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, are very small and uncomfortable. Also, the material used on the SR5 is very hard & scratchy.

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  A wonderful Ride - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Commishioner - June 30 - 11:13 am

  When I was looking for a car I was told to get something with a little class and luxury. The 2006 Toyota Avalon, with its heated leather seats and dual temperature controls as well as its beautiful interior as well as exterior fits the bill to a tee. When it comes to comfort the avalon gives a comfortable ride no matter where you sit in the vehicle. I love my Avalon.

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  Not A Bad Drive - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By MCavallu - June 30 - 7:36 am

  I bought this vehicle mainly because of an earlier family purchase of a Celica back in 1985 when my 2 brothers & I beat the heck out of it. This version however isnt exactly what I expected. First, the paint had chips at delivery, then one fog light was out & EVER since I owned it, the automatic shift isnt so fluid & the city gas mileage isnt near the "average" at all. A/C on a hot day just doesnt get cold enough! The car is indeed fun to drive but the drivers seat seems to tilt too forward almost making one feel like theyre falling off the seat. Having said all of these things, I still feel its a good, highly rated, vehicle.

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  Engine Oil Problem - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike Herlihy - June 30 - 7:26 am

  AC light began flashing and I smelled burning oil. All of the engine oil had drained. I took it to a dealer who informed me that they needed to replace the oil line. This is a defect with this engine that really needs attention. I would not recommend Toyota or purchase another one since the quality is not there. This is the first time in 35 years of owning and driving cars that I have ever had such a problem.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael - June 30 - 4:43 am

  I went with the FWD (didn’t think I needed AWD). I’m very happy with my purchase. The ride is comfortable and quiet, and while I may have been happy with the 4 cylinder I decided to go with the Limited V6 model (towing increase). The Highlander vs. Pilot decision was hard as both vehicles were neck and neck in areas I considered important (safety, reliability, and comfort - in that order). I believe there is better visibility in the Toyota. I also prefer the Highlanders "look" over the Pilot.

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  Good truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ericm - June 30 - 12:16 am

  Bought brand new in 02. No mechanical problems, only issue was rattle in dash. 4WD is great! Decent MPG for a v6 4WD ~19 overall.