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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  2nd 4Runner - 2016 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alex Staines - December 28 - 11:59 pm

  Toyota keeps it simple a few improvements in the last ten years but a terrific car that holds its value

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  Excellent at what its for, but.... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By George - December 28 - 9:20 pm

  We have had the van since new, excellent all round child taxi, summer stuff transporter, animal taxi, etc.

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Chris - December 28 - 7:00 pm

  Overall we like the Prius, buy it does not get the gas mileage promised. It is comfortable. It has reasonable pick up for a 4 cyl. It left us stranded on the freeway only 4 months after we bought it. The dealer didnt have the necessary equipment to find out the problem, so we were without it for 4 days. Seems it was a computer problem. The car "thought" the battery was discharged, but it wasnt.

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  GOOD BUY - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Gracie - December 28 - 11:09 am

  Overall the Avalon is a big roomy vehicle. I just wish the finishes where a little more high end. A good example would be the floor mats - at first i thought they were some cheap mats someone just put in there but when i went to purchase new ones they were the exact same thing that was in my vehicle (I was not happy). The other issue i have with my vehicle is that Im 5 tall & its difficult for me to see over the side mirrors without something to lift me a little higher in the seat which of course I already have it set at its max height. The navigation is just ok - it takes too long to get the information I need therefore making it easier to use my iphone. Other issue with navigation is that the way it sits on the dash when the sun hits it you cant really see anything on the screen. The ride is not as smooth as I had expected. If I sound picky its because i previously owned a Lexus GS300 and got spoiled. Other than that it’s a good purchase.

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  Keeps on Going, No troubles - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By FreeDeez - December 27 - 8:06 pm

  Buying a first year production SUV scared me a bit and I questioned my decision making process. Boy, was I wrong! Over the last 9+ year our Highlander has never failed or given me any reason to curse the brand. Outside of regular maintenance, out highlander has stood the test of time. I will say that tires wear out faster, due to AWD, but outside of that and the pathetically weak front cup holders I am glad with my decision. If you do a lot of highway driving this car is a pleasure to drive.

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  2011 RAV4 4X4 4-cylinder - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By windman3 - December 25 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my 11 RAV4 for 2 1/2 months. There are many things about this vehicle that I like, but two things that I really dislike: first, the gas mileage is less than what I expected. It will give me 27 mpg on the freeway--but only if I keep my speed under 70. If I go 75 the mileage drops to 26 mpg. If I go 80, it drops to 25. City driving it gives me 22. The other issue I have with this vehicle: the seat is set as far back as it will go and I still cannot stretch out my legs. (Im 58"). This isnt an issue driving locally, but out on the freeway the seating position Im forced to maintain gets old fast. If I had to do it over I would not have purchased this vehicle.

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  Matts 4Runner Review - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By loumatt - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, very reliable and sturdy. Uncomfortable ride on poor road surfaces which are common in the US. Rather thirsty on the gas, but great engine. Poor seat height adjustment. Cheap stereo, with speakers occasionally shorting. Some noises from front left suspension bushes over bumps since new. Minor brake problems not able to be rectified by dealer in New Orleans, with 2 attempts(Lakeside Toyota). Will purchase other Japanese brand next due to ugliness of new 4Runner model. Overall, however, 2002 4Runner Sport is a great vehicle.

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  Its Great - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - December 25 - 9:56 am

  This car is nearly perfect from the standpoint of build quality and fit and finish. I have not found a single flaw in it.Power and performance is more than adequate, and ride is certainly good for a car of this size.

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  Nice car, but uncomfortable - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By master_pate - December 24 - 3:39 pm

  This was originally my wifes car, but as I am now the one who needs to save on gas millage, it is now mine. I do not mind the look of this car at all. The LE actually has a pretty nice interior. The 5-speed manual also allows me to get a little more power than I would expect from a compact as well. Note, I am 5 7". What kills me is that the steering wheel does not telescope. This is important because its position is basically right on the dash, and the pedals are pretty high up, close to the seat. If I move seat closer to the wheel, my legs are cramped. If I move to where my legs are comfortable, my arms are completely outstretched. Worst seat/wheel design Ive ever used.

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  TAS - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By TAS - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Like all eraly 4Runners, its underpowered, but other than that... kudos to Toyota.