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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  9-Plus Car - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By skahikin - April 26 - 7:36 am

  In 13K miles (12K in Houston commute traffic), the 4-cylinder is more than adequate and a fuel saver (27 MPG) from crawl speed to aggressive speeds (5 - 75 mph) in my 9 month ownership. Adjusting to a slower pedal response, it is quite maneuverable with good pickup. As others state, the seats are too sparse for rides above 2-3 hours. Additionally, the ride is less comfortable with Bridgestone Dueler tires. Fortunately, Toyo came out this Spring with Versado CUVs to save those of us with 19" tires with reviews that state the ride is improved with Toyos. Unfortunately, the dashboard glove compartment area is now producing an irritating rattle due either to inadequate fit or sun warping.

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  Quality SUV-But Has Quirks - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By okmarshal - April 26 - 1:53 am

  Have owned this vehicle for 18 mos. and overall have really enjoyed it. Have previously owned 3 Explorers, 2 Bronchos, & 1 Cherokee & this beats them all hands down. The sound of simply shutting a door tells you its built better than the American SUVs. Gas milage is better, the ride is smoother & you just feel safer riding in it. The only drawbacks are quirky things such as; Non-lighted & oddly placed door switches, beverage holders that dont seem to fit anything, only (1)12V power outlet that goes dead when ignition is turned off, so you cant charge anything overnight, Zero foot or storage room under seats, remote that lowers back window but doesnt raise it back up??

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  Great bang for the buck!!! Love it - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Sheri Rosager - April 26 - 12:51 am

  You cant beat the gas mileage and its fun to drive.... Plus you can park it anywhere :)

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Tai - April 25 - 1:13 pm

  I just got this car last weekend. The XLS trim comes with practically everything I want. The only add-on option is the floor mats. Its interior is really spacious but I dont feel Im driving a big car. Very comfortable ride.

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  What a truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Truck owner - April 25 - 8:30 am

  Had several Chevys, one Mazda (really a Ford in Mazda clothing), and one Dodge Ram. This truck is the best of the lot. The fit and finish is amazing. Toyota builds the best. The interior is a little unfrendly, but after 1 year not a rattle or creak anywhere. No other manufacturer can say that, period. Gas mileage is slightly better than claimed, however my wife has a light foot, and we have never towed. Adapts well to the deserts on the west and the mountains on the east.

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  Sleeper - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Squire Squirrel - April 25 - 7:30 am

  With so much horsepower under the hood it’s hard to save money on gas. What incredible acceleration for an SUV. You wont miss this shifting of gears either.

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  Average Mini Van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By tcle2001 - April 24 - 9:40 pm

  Purchased a 2006 CE 7 passanger Sienna new. The vehicle now has 160,000 kms. The vehicle had some early issues. The air bag light came on and took 2 years to resolve. Had to fight Toyota and dealer all the way. Finally replaced main wiring harness. Also had to replace drivers door (yes the whole door) due to broken hinges. All covered by Toyota. Other than that the vehicle has been good. It has plenty of power and is comfortable on long trips. My van is a box stock CE. From what I hear people with the fancy ones have more problems.

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  Great van! - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert M - April 24 - 9:35 pm

  We needed a rental vehicle and ended up with a 2015 Sienna because it was the least expensive. We didnt need a mini van at all. We were actually extremely surprised at how quiet it was. There was no road noise, even through all of the course highways in California. Usually its so loud with every vehicle weve rented due to the course highways but this van was impressively quiet. Im very picky with road noise, Id say this was Lexus quiet. The ride wasnt firm or too soft, it was perfect actually. Very, very impressed. Even the little holding area where you can put a grocery bag under the radio area is perfect, and the area where you can put your drink holder which has some rubber so your stuff doesnt slide around. Overall Toyota did a great job. If I am ever in the need of a van, Id definitely go for the Toyota!

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  Owner - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Ben - April 24 - 4:43 pm

  I have had this truck for about ten months now and I love it. It doesnt surprise me American car makers are going bankrupt. This is one tough truck with a beast for an engine under they hood. It sits back in wait at your beckoning call. If you dont want a real truck then dont buy the Tundra thats for sure. Cant wait to see the 2010 1/2 ton diesel!!!

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  Touring model is the perfect mix - 2016 Toyota Avalon
  By Irv - April 24 - 4:32 pm

  Good handling with looks and luxury. Plus a great price.