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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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Vlad - December 19 - 12:36 am

  I bought this car two months ago. Great SUV. Has a lot of leg room for the driver (I am 63), has plenty of room in the bask seat. Lots of storage. Great in snow (I live in Cleveland). Great gas mileage for SUV. I recommend the 6 cylinder as the 4 cylinder is somewhat underpowered (driven the 4 cylinder also) and not much better fuel economy.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner Lover - December 18 - 5:10 pm

  I have had this car just a little over a year and I absolutely LOVE IT as much today as I did when I bought it. It drives so easily. I say it drives "electric" because thats the only way I can describe it. I have not had any trouble with my 4Runner at all except for that stupid tire pressure light coming on, especially when its cold outside. However, its been on ever since I took it to the dealership 2 weeks ago. That seems to just be some problem Toyota cant seem to fix.

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  Janies baby - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Janies baby - December 18 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my MR2 for my 50th birthday as I always said that I would have a sports car by the time I was 50. I love my spyder! My only fault is the storage space but never the less I have been amazed at how much I can load into my car when going to the grocery. Everyone still stops to stare at my car. I probably need to sell but have not been able to do so yet. I just hate to give it up! I drove this car to work and back for 8 years and it has been parked for two only driving it when I want to feel special. It has been a joy and delight to drive and own.

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  Nicer than the 1st - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By 9 year owner - December 18 - 5:13 am

  I bought my 2001 Sequoia SR5 when they first came out, put 210,000 miles on it and was sad to trade it in on my new 2008 Limited in May of 2009. With gas prices going up we were actually looking for a smaller SUV but kept saying "we could get another Sequoia for that price". We bought our 2008 off the lot for the same price we paid for our 2001 SR5. We have already traveled 600 miles to 2 Lacrosse tournaments with 3 young men, gear and everyone loves it. We didnt like the new design at first but with the optional 20" wheels it is really starting to grow on us. The ride quality and the quiet interior are in a category of a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Smooth Ride - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By CMGB - December 18 - 2:10 am

  The Camry SE V6 rides like "buttah". I shopped Honda Accord V6 and Toyota Camry SE V6 and was sold on the Camry for the quiet, smooth ride and comfortable seats. I found the Honda Seats very hard, which is a chronic complaint in customer reviews. The SE is classy and sporty looking in one package and has plenty of pep for highway driving. It doesnt feel as "zippy" as my previous car (Maxima), which is ok, because Im loving the luxury feel.

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  7,000+ word review - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Markus Allen - December 17 - 1:14 pm

  I have owned (or leased) 5 RAV4s... This is (by far) the best RAV4 I have ever driven. [non-permissible content removed]

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  fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By score - December 17 - 7:33 am

  It is smooth and fun to drive. Very thouthful options. Best value in any minivan for 2005, only tricky honda minivan came close. Toyota has far superior intrumentation quality and reliablity compared to honda because i own both vehicles.

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  Love This Truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By J Love - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck in late 2003, and it just turned 100,000 mile last week. It has not needed anything other than normal maintenance (brakes need to be replaced, tires too). The worst thing is that the accelerator squeaks. I travel about 30 miles to and from work daily and it gives me a comfortable ride. The V6 helps passing the big trucks (I am glad I did not get the 4 cylinder). This is a great truck! I hope my next Toyota is just as reliable (whenever that happens).

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  Went back to Toyota - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Brian N - December 17 - 2:00 am

  After a bad decision with buying American, I went back to Toyota. Had for 15 months now and all is well, no problems. My drivers seat is starting to fray, did not expect that problem. I dont have any complaints except for the low resale value caused by the recalls. Wish I would have waited a few months to buy and take advantage of the savings. Get about 25 mpg on average. A/C gets cold in the HOT AZ desert during the summers. Love it.

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  Rav4 Rocks - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By DonnaHappy - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more happier with my Rav4. At the price point of the Base Rav4, I feel I got a reliable vehicle with lots of great features for my money. Really like the side opening rear door, full size spare tire on the back, ease and location of controls, nice radio with XM Satellite, attractive exterior and lots of cargo space. Also, quiet motor, no road noise and a smooth ride. I have the extra value package which was worth every penny. My Rav4 is a blast to drive and so far is trouble free. Im a satisfied customer and very happy with my decision to purchase the Rav4.