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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  Buy Somethng Else - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotaIsGoinouth - November 12 - 1:23 am

  The reputation of Toyota may have been hard earned in the past but now is quickly waning. The "organic" break pads went out at 36,000 miles. We lost the engine at 40,000 due to the engineers at Toyota putting a rubber piece of hose on the oil return to the top of the engine. Buyer beware! Stay away from this car and dont bank on Toyota any longer!

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  So far...So good - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Gus - November 11 - 7:56 pm

  I must say i like it a lot! Comfortable, easy to drive, and fun. The price is a little hefty... hoping to get a rebate back from Uncle Sam!! I cant believe its on sometimes! So quiet. The only complain is the sun-roof... Cant tell if its completelly closed all the way sometimes. Other than that, My family really likes it! Maybe I will buy the Lexus 400h also :).

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  4 Door Taco Driven Hard - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kris - November 11 - 7:50 pm

  Most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned!! Huge back seat for a mid-size truck. Im 6 tall and I fit back there. Very, very reliable!!! I abuse this truck and it takes every bit of it. 118,000 miles only work done is new brake pads, tires, and o2 sensors. Very usable truck. I drive it on the highway every day, go off-road on weekends, and tow my boat regularly. Great truck period.

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  One of the best vechiles I have ever had - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Sam - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I bought it in Jan as I was very impressed with the interiors in the Detroit Auto Show. I was shopping for a Lexus but settled for the Venza as I felt that I was not losing too much and it does cost a lot less! Drives very smoothly everything about the vehicle is great. The handling is good. However it seems a little rigid at first.

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  Quiet and comfortable - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By albanyew - November 11 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased the 2014 Highlander after owning a 2006 model for eight years and 130K miles, with minimal problems. The 2006 was a hybrid, and I miss the better MPG, but without a tax credit I couldnt justify the additional $12K (2014 hybrids only come in the highest trim levels). Im 63", and the new model is just enough bigger inside to sleep in comfortably with the second and third rows down. Im a conservative driver, and so far (1900 miles) Im getting 20.6 mpg overall; when its time for a tire change, Michelins with lower rolling resistance may add a mile or two. The steering is more responsive than the previous model.

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  Buy a RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Best Vehicle Owned - November 11 - 12:36 pm

  So far, this has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned for several reasons. I got rid of a Jeep Liberty for the RAV4 and now I have confidence about easily getting at least 200,000 miles. The engine build is real quality. Nothing beats RAV4 in its class and the proof comes from owning it. Way to go Toyota!

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  2004 Toyota Celica - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Stoutmeister - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Celica! The handling and acceleration are great making this a super fun car to drive. I like the fact that Toyota doesnt churn out a lot of Celicas and therefore, you dont see many of them on the road. A large person would probably not be comfortable in this car. I have the manual version but test drove an automatic as well -- DO NOT BUY THE AUTOMATIC! It is not nearly as exhilarating or fun to drive.

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  Driving Habits - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By HAF GAST - November 11 - 10:00 am

  If you must be the first away from the light so that you can be the first to arrive at the next, the Prius will usually deliver . . . but youll be miserably disappointed at the MPG. In order for this car to perform as designed, one must adjust their driving techniques; easily done by monitoring the "consumption" screen. Once accomplished, I found that even in hilly Western Pennsylvania, averaging 55 MPG/tank is a fun and easy exercise.

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  Very Happy - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By casterca - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine brand new, and it still drives like I just drove it off the lot. While putting 75K miles on it, Ive had minimal problems. Had to replace power antenna, and the CD player just quit working one day. As for how it drives, no other SUV in its category comes close. If you choose the 4Runner, you wont be dissapointed.

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  2003 Toyota Matrix Review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Elaine Hayden - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned. I have not had one ounce of trouble with the vehicle. It drives well, rides well for a small car and I have traveled from Georgia to Kentucky, from to Kentucky to Texas and back and forth several times. Have spent a lot of hours in this car and the only complaint that I really have is having to use premium fuel. It runs well and drives well.