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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  Happy despite initial problem - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jjdm - June 5 - 5:56 am

  Have read a number of reviews on this car. Some related a noisy engine, mine sounded like a diesel all of a sudden at 1500 miles. The dealership told me they had never had this problem before. They were extremely accommodating, replacing the engine without a second thought. They provided a brand new car as a loaner and treated us very well. Since the new engine the car runs very well with little engine noise. The rest of the car is phenomenal. The car is a huge upgrade from our 1997 Avalon, for only a couple thousand more than we paid for the 97. It is definitely the most comfortable car I have driven. The Touring edition was worth getting with the upgrades in suspension. I would buy another.

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  Sporty Looking Reliable Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott Dimeler - June 5 - 12:26 am

  This is a really good car to drive back and forth to work. It looks really good, but does not have the power to support the sporty looks. It drives nice, but the engine could use some more torque. Gas mileage is good. Reliability is good after the first six months

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  Great ride! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By NBI - June 5 - 12:00 am

  I had owned a top of the line Grand Caravan with little or no problems. But when it was time to replace it so many people said to look at the Sienna before buying another minivan. What a pleasant surprise! I had been used to the luxury of the Grand Caravan EX and wanted no less in my new vehicle. The amenities in the Sienna surpass what I had in the Grand Caravan. (both had leather interiors) The ride and handling of the Sienna is far superior. The absolute selling feature was the windows that went down on the side sliding doors and the huge sunroof.

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  toyota highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By laury krieger - June 4 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car. Before purchasing the Highlander,we owned a Ford Explorer. The Highlander is so much better in every way. The Explorers ride and steering were stiff and truck like. There was no comfort in that car and the gas mileage was awful. I also never felt safe in that car. With the Highlander, it is like riding in a luxury car. The interior is plush and the handling and comfort are top of the line. We have taken this car on long trips and there is so much leg room. The arm rests are great. I have told people that the only problem with the Highlander is that the seats are TOO comfortable. It is like sitting on my couch at home.

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  A fun car to live with ! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By SteveM - June 4 - 4:50 pm

  Ive had my Matrix about a month now and still get a little thrill out of driving it. I chose the base model with auto and the winter package as it really doesnt look/feel like a typical base model. Beware, the ride is too sports car like for some. Ive since realized that the front seats are about an inch too high for me (Im 6ft. tall). I have to slouch if I want to rest my elbows on longer drives. Kinda wish Id bitten the bullet and gone for the XR. Live and learn !

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  Best Kept Secret - The New Avalon Hybrid Limited! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By cd7 - June 4 - 3:05 pm

  This is my first hybrid. I am loving the 40+ MPG I am getting!! This is amazing. The safety extras like cross traffic, pre collision, 10 air bags, etc. are great. I am getting spoiled on the warnings for backing up and changing lanes. This car is comfortable and roomy in the front and the back seats. Love the technology package, and the wireless charger! Love the heated and ventilation seats. Love the leather everywhere. Its an awesome car! I like the tighter drive. I believe they are attracting young drivers too. I had some 20-30 year olds stating they loved how this car handles, and were thinking about buying one. And my parents who are older love it! Best kept secret out there! Luxury!

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  4Runner Limited - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By daveJ100 - June 4 - 3:00 pm

  Purchased the 2007 4Runner because my 2001 SR5 was an incredibly reliable SUV and didnt cost me a dime to maintain other than routine work. The 2007 is better in every way. Handling, freeway ride, road noise dampening, stereo, interior comfort are all improved. As for the storage capacity, what you see before buying is what you get. Most people dont need more or they would be buying a larger SUV. The 4Runner is a perfect size for its intended market. It is not designed to haul 6 passengers. The third row is a compromise for those who need extra seating for small children only. It is bonus space and shouldnt be viewed as Toyotas failure to provide adequate seating for 6 adults.

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  First Truck/Best Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JOG - June 4 - 10:36 am

  I am 47 yrs old, this is my first truck, so you know I have done my home work before purchasing. Very impress to say the least. The new Tundra beat all the other trucks in its class in every category. After owning a 2001 C5 Vette for three years, its kinda hard to give up speed all together. My vette did 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, but imagine a 7000 lb truck going 0-60 in 6.0 seconds. I LOVE IT!! I put some 22" U2 chrome wheels, added side bars, tinted my windows, bedliner and exhaust chrome tip. What a good looking Tundra!

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  An SUV to Keep - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By El Cid - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We just bought one and it is great if you have a large family and are towing a boat. We love the interior space and the dvd is great for long trips. it accelerates very well andhandles nicely.

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  Keeps Going and Going and Going... - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon Martin - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck for eight years now and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. Reliability is great, never breaks down. Replaced the clutch at 145,000. Need a new starter now, but I am able to start the truck if I play with it abit. I have been in two rear end accidents with the truck and have had no mechanical problems. Thus far, I have only replaced the clutch, alternator and battery.