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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  ALL AROUND BEST IN ITS CLASS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By DAMIAN - November 14 - 8:00 pm

  After 48,000 miles / 2yrs of harsh commuting through blazing hot summers and freezing cold winters my car still drives, feels, and looks new. Equipped with a 4-cylinder which only packs 130- hp my car has plenty of power, even when fully loaded (5-PASSENGERS + CARGO) to keep up with all types of California commuting (80mph freeways, steep mountain climbs, stop and go city driving, beach/ocean cruising and long stretch highways). This compact sedan is spacious and has plenty of head, leg, and arm room both front and back as well as a large trunk. Also comfortable while traveling long distances. I’ve found this car to be safe, reliable, fun to drive, and economical. You Cant beat a TOYOTA!!!

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  I love my Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jan - November 14 - 10:26 am

  This is my second Highlander. My first one I have passed to my daughter so she has a reliable car. Did not have any trouble with the first one, and my present one is even better. Just a little disappointed that the gas mileage is not as good. Yes, I have a 6 cyl this time, and most of my driving is city driving. Maybe it will be better on the highway.

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  Fun Car for less - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Anuj Dhingra - November 14 - 7:03 am

  This is a nice car....I ahve had this for over 6 months and havent had any problems whatsoever.

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  Most fun ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rhoward - November 13 - 5:23 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. I cant ever remember having as much fun with a car. AND it so much fun passing all of the gas stations. Best mileage in a tank so far has been 54 mpg,

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  07 Rav4 Sport V6 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Russ copping - November 13 - 5:13 pm

  Wife and I love the vehicle. To nit pick anyway: V6 offers fierce acceleration. Needing work... tranny has disconcerting habit of being "between gears" when braking to about 15 or 20 and then accelerating... races a bit before engaging proper gear. Pass gear engages too easily. No postings seen on this. May be adjustable by Toyota. Mildew smell from A/C vents at start up but dissipates quickly. Bit noisy at hwy speeds. White paint fairly fragile and nicks rather easily. Driving with one rear window down causes causes a 2 or 3 cycle "bup-bup- bup" pressure oscillation which is no fun on the ears. Dont push anything or front cap will crack. I still love the car and would buy another one.

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  Love it ..so far - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By rj - November 13 - 4:23 am

  Just bought a XLS with Nav 1 week ago. Love the car, fun to drive, smooth and comfortable. The nav system is not at the same level of features or usability as some others, but it will get you there, once you figure the functionality out.

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  Great & powerful SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By fortyniner66 - November 13 - 12:12 am

  I love this SUV .Have had 3 4runners, Acura mdx among many other vehicles. Last year We sold our dodge mega cab 2500 diesel and bought a crv. Last year we bought a boat and with several vehicles in our family already with kids driving we decided a used Tahoe or Yukon might be a option. We checked out the older sequoias however the power & towing stats on the 08 sequoia were impressive. We found a used sr5 with nearly all the options we wanted and fell in love with the car. Dream to drive..be realistic about the mileage ..it is what you would expect with the size and power..if mileage is your hang up you will want to pass. If you want power,space reliability and pure fun then give it a shot!

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By JP - November 12 - 9:43 am

  I stumbled into this car and whoa, I love it. The best of both worlds... sports car mixed with reliabilty, utility, and fun. This car utilizes Toyotas 2zz-ge engine, and boy does it go. The 6-speed takes some getting use to, as does the tighter suspension, but once you feel comfortable, look out. I have a hard time no wanting to push this car everytime I drive it. Its perfect for me because I can haul my kids, my band equipment and still be able to feel like a kid putting the pedal to the metal every once and a while. I love it!!

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  Awesome minivan! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By toyotaboyesl - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Well we have a silver LE, and let me tell you, it is da bomb! Everybody loves it and it is very comfy and cozy inside. Has the best performance you can get in a minivan. The thing accelerates and handles almost as good as our Camry. It has the most comfortable smooth ride I have ever felt, more comfortable than Lexuses and BMWs I have ridden in! I love the interior setup, the stereo system (which is in one word awesome!), and the front/rear climate controls. It is very reliable too. The only thing is, after a while, the exterior gets really boring, almost ugly.

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  MR2 6 speed Sequential - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By mr2ard - November 12 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion this is truly a fantastic little car. The handling is wonderful and the 6 speed shifts acceptably quick if not lightning fast. The engine while not having tons of power is rev happy and with the light weight is very quick. A lot of negitive comments have been writen regarding the style, but in all honesty I like it and most people who see it like it to. It turns heads where ever I go and someone is always checking it out when I come out of a store. Fuel mileage has been over 34 highway miles per gallon so far. Really nice car!! Way to go Toyota!!