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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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By jerk - June 15 - 3:43 am

  I have had this truck for a liitle over 2 weeks and it is great. Took a 4oo mile each trip with the wife and 2 teenagers. No complaints at all from the back seat passengers. Milage is 16.9 mixed Highway and city, 18.3 highway driving the speed limit. Build quality is exceptional and power is very good. When the doors or tail gate is closed it sounds solid. Comfort is great for a truck. Only complaint is no lumbar support on drivers seat, this is cured by a lumbar roll.

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  Solid Rig - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Leon Kowalski - June 15 - 3:04 am

  I bought my 2003 Sequoia in 2013 and still have it. In that time Ive only had to replace two o2 sensors and some minor front-end suspension component. Great, reliable vehicle. Quiet, too. 3rd row seat not horrible and accommodates two adults or three kids okay. Crummy gas mileage, though.

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  Why buy a Lexus ES 330? - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rocky2 - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  If you are secure enough to live without the Lexus nameplate on the ES 330 you can have essentially the same vehicle with the Camry XLE 6 cylinder. The Camry body style is a bit more subdued but the same creature comforts and driveline components are there for your enjoyment...along with the $6,000 to $8,000 you save.

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  Pick something else - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jill - June 14 - 10:06 pm

  This car is decent but with all of the blind spots its not reliable for someone who is short like me. Plus the seats go out too far. I have only had the car a year and Im already looking at trading it in. Its not for me. I hope some else has better luck.

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  Love this SUV! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Will - June 14 - 3:46 pm

  33 yrs old and having baby #2 on the way, I had to sell my 1998 4Runner. Got the Highlander loaded with everything I wanted all for 8K less than the MDX. Great styling interior and exterior and love the acceleration and not to mention the gas mileage for a larger vehicle. This is the ultimate family friendly SUV. 2nd row seats have massive amounts of room and still plenty of space for cargo. Like Toyota and the quality and reliability that comes with it, dont think you can go wrong with this vehicle.

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  2009 Aqua Metallic Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By freedie - June 14 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Aqua Metallic Venza on 12-05-09 after researching this vehicle for several months on the internet. I bought the 6 cyl. This vehicle is definitely a head turner. People stare at it and ask what it is. I get a lot of good comments about it. As far as the ride, it is a little rough on bumps, but I think this is due to the 20 inch wheels. The interior is very roomy. Even with my grandsons car seat in the rear seat, we have plenty of room. I just love the heated seats, bluetooth, satellite radio, and all the extras I got with this vehicle. It handles beautifully, sort of sportslike, which I also love.

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  Love everything! (Except the gas mileage ...) - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By vogongirl - June 14 - 10:59 am

  I mean it - the MPG is the fly in the otherwise stellar ointment here. I drive conservatively but with a mix thats heavy on hwy miles vs. city, Im straining to get to 23 average. As the MPG rating was what initially drew me to the RAV4, Im disappointed, but I still love to get into it each day and drive. It practically drives itself, feels like a car, and doesnt lack power with the 4-cylinder. Youll want to go with the air deflector if you get a sunroof; I regret it and will be looking into after-market, since theres a lot of wind noise.

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  Best 4WD Iv ever had - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By BobbyK - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a really nice vehicle. In fact, its the best SUV Ive ever owned and Ive owned Fords, GMCs and Chevrolets. It definitely is much stiffer than any of the above noted vehicles. It is also designed to out last the others. It is fun to drive and has all controls within easy reach. It pales in comparison the my Suburban in size and towing capacity, but excells in safety appointments and its ability to brake surely and quickly. I look forward to lower annual maintenance costs and the ability to trust that my vehicle will be ready to do what I want it to do.

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  The Real Deal - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By desertrat - June 14 - 10:00 am

  currently own a 99 Landcruiser. After owning a Jimmy, 2 Jeep GC and a 97 Landcruiser, I cant imagine driving anything else! 45k miles and other than oil changes, no maintenance needed.

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  I wouldnt have it any other way! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By JRR - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Camry with 46,000 miles, and now it has 146,000 miles. Aside from tires and oil changes, the car has been nearly maintenance free. I keep thinking about buying another car, but this one doesnt have a thing wrong with it. It is roomy enough to throw all of my stuff in, and comfortable & reliable enough to drive anywhere anytime.