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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  Love My 4Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By DoomerMan - June 7 - 1:30 pm

  This is my fourth 4Runner by my first one with a V8. Traded my 2001 4Runner in for this one because I purchased a new camper. Love the V8, a lot of power, very smooth and comfy. Pulled my 5500 lb camper in the mountains with no problems, went up some steep mountain passes. That V8 is a beast. :)

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  Excellent small truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - June 7 - 1:13 pm

  The new styling is outstanding and larger than previous models. Power is excellent, and room inside the cabin is very good I am 75". Not very good gas mileage and engine makes lots of noise under heavy acceleration. Overall I love my truck

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  GREAT Car! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By jen - June 7 - 12:13 pm

  I cant really say anything bad about this car. It looks Great, handles Great, is wonderful on gas. I have had this car for almost 5 years and I still love it!

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  2011 Red Camaro to 2012 Pruis V (3) - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By briansp - June 7 - 12:11 pm

  Prior to the 2011 Camaro I had a 2009 Camry Hb which I really liked. Of course I loved the Camaro, 6 speed, Red tinted windows but with fuel prices moving into the high 3 dollar level I went shopping. The 2012 Prius V (3) caught my eye and after a test drive I was sold. Purchased in Feb 2012 and already have 3500+ miles and to date everything has been great. Tinted windows a carbon dark grey which makes the White color pop. Made a gate like car separator out of PVC for $13 to keep my K-9 Shepard in the back behind the rear seats and he has plenty of room. Overall, I really like this car and enjoy driving it as much as I can... did I mention my 17 son was not happy..too bad..Oh Well

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  I love it, but... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Misty - June 7 - 10:56 am

  I got this car fairly early in the year. I love the color of the exterior and interior (although Im not fond of having a light interior having kids). Im pretty content with pretty much everything the car offers except the common issue of the transmission that doesnt want to seem to work when you need it. I often find myself stressing when the car wont accelerate when I need to go fast in certain situations. After reading other reviews, I have found out that there is a "fix" for the problem. I called the dealership and have an appointment for an oil change, tire rotaion and they say there is a "fix" which may not show much change. Im hoping it will for my familys safety.

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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Paul Sagert - June 7 - 7:40 am

  Great car, using 89 octane getting 33 mpg. Ride is smooth and very quiet. Radio/CD system is very good and easy to use. Traded a 2005 Ford Escape in for the Toyota as it was to small and had no power. Love the Highlander and would highly recommend it.

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  Not a minivan gal till now - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By lisa - June 7 - 3:40 am

  I have the Sienna LE AWD. My mileage is not the best compared to the LE, but I also take my van places most dont attempt. Having AWD I feel much more comfortable with my sons friends and their moms out in the woods, or in the snow, or on sand!! Its smooth, fun and safe to drive. I was disappointed with the fact that there was not any bargaining room with the cost - I was told that only the LE, I could have bargained with. I went from driving small cars to now a vehicle I swore Id never drive (minivan). I love it, and my son really does. And gosh - hes now extremely safe. Thank you Toyota.

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  Corolla L 6 speed manual update - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By schooby - June 7 - 1:59 am

  My 2014 Corolla 6 speed now has 23k miles on it. At 60 MPH I get 43 MPG, at 75 MPH I get 38 MPG. This car is slow to take off and hard to pass at highway speeds unless you drop down a couple of gears and grab some higher RPM. I had to have my head lights adjusted lower, on low beam other drivers constantly flashed me thinking my high beams were on. Cruise control works nice (installed after purchase) steering wheel does not move in and out, only up and down. No SAT radio on this model, Wife complains that the head rest is uncomfortable in front seats. Engine is quiet, only heard at high RPMs. Collar on gear shift unlocks reverse option, reverse is to the left and up, (next to first gear)

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By buerkletucson - June 6 - 10:59 pm

  Im one of those people that need to research everything to the nth degree before I purchase. I researched and test drove many small SUVs....... For the price, features, ride quality, performance, and overall bang for the buck you cant beat the newly designed 2013 RAV4. I honestly could not be happier with my purchase and absolutely enjoy driving this vehicle. The XLE trim level has the most bang for the buck with many standard features youd have to either pay more for or purchase the top trim level to get it in other SUVs. Completely happy with purchase.....you cant go wrong with the 2013 RAV4!"

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  97 Toyota Camry = Bored Mechanic - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  This car has been in the family since day one in august of 1997 being my Moms, then my Sisters and now its mine. With 173,000 miles on it still running purrrrr-fect, still riding like a new cars this car has with- stood the test of time and still have lots more life in it. Repairs made have been typical maintenance, rear strut assemblies, a few light bulbs, an egr sensor, a battery, a power steering hose, and.... thats all I can think of being done in a 173,000 miles so we have 1 bored starving mechanic. Its a great ride high quality even used pick one up put about a grand in it and enjoy timeless reliability!!!