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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  Bargain matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By jack - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Design of metal sometimes looks like something hit it. Only difficulty is pulling coins out of secondary coin holder because its directly under hand brake. otherwise comfort and roominess, driving characteristics are a bargain for the money. Too bad didnt come with standard tape cassette player.

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  DISAPPOINTING - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian - January 28 - 4:09 am

  I am a bit disappointed in the 2016 Tacoma. Tough to climb into; acceleration is not great in the V-6; the 6-speed is constantly shifting; shifting could be a lot smoother; engine noise is bad; road noise is bad; front seat is way too low and too soft - very uncomfortable and cheap looking; heater is ungodly loud on high. It looks great and rides fairly well. Given all that, Id still take it over any mid-size US truck. But Toyota has a lot of work to do if they want to keep the Tacoma as a best seller.

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  Decent Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - January 27 - 10:26 pm

  Overall its a nice truck. Very comfortable, good power and lots of features. The stock suspension would bottom out with a load (400 lb motorcycle in the bed) but there is a service bulletin out to upgrade the suspension if you actually use it as a truck. Gas mileage could be a little better. I average 16-17 MPG, mixed driving and topped out at 20.

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  Fantastic Little Truck!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - January 27 - 5:36 pm

  Great truck! Kinda small, but I bought a standard cab so its my fault anyway. 2.4L 4Cyl has as much power as most domestic V6 models (at least it feels that way). Get the stick shift, much more fun to drive and easy to shift. Light clutch. Gas mileage could be better but isnt worth griping over. 24mpg is the best youll get. Has hauled a couple fairly heavy loads (well, heavy for a 4 cylinder!) quite well. Upgrade your headlamps with Sylvania Silverstars. I abuse mine and it doesnt care. Great little truck. Easy to work on (general stuff like plugs and wires, etc...). Highly recommended.

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  Just OK - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Randy - January 27 - 3:38 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have owned. I drive a lot of miles each year plus tow a 3000lb camper very frequently. This truck has not let me down at all. I love the comfort and style. The navigation works flawlessly and the JBL stereo is very nice. I have driven this truck through all types of climate and coast to coast and not experienced a single problem. This truck brings me joy just to get in and drive it. I simply love my Tacoma. Update...after driving it for 3 years now it has not gone smoothly. I have had consistent issues with the air conditioner not working properly and at 60000 the rear differential went out on the truck, this was a known issue with Toyota and there was a TSB for the problem. That being said makes my opinion of Toyotas reliability not as good.

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  Tundra 08 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By DB - January 27 - 12:26 pm

  The new Tundra is an excellent vehicle for multiple applications. I use the vehicle for powerline and cell tower construction activities. All in all the 08 Tundra has what it takes to get the job done effectively!

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  Great SUV - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Richard Ceccatti - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This model does not have memory seat positions for the driver. My wife and daughter also drive the car and im annoyed when i must fix the seat positions.

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  Great car bad seats - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve Smialkowski - January 26 - 3:50 am

  I have enjoyed my Toyota Avalon 98 for a couple months, and then I discovered that the seats are getting progressively less comfortable. Finaly, I was in pain. I opened the seat to find a steel seat pan underneeth the foam. My bottom was hitting the edge of the steel.

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  rulez - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By akwalk - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Very well made, very comfortable, the quietest ride of any car ive ever owned. The engine is also quiet, and the interior is well-thought out.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike_M - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Very difficult to find the bench seat version. XL not even an option. Finally we found car in storage lot with dead battery and nearly flat tire. After these were fixed, car is excellent. Comfortable and well built.