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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  Civil Engineer - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By c. Hodges - September 8 - 4:20 pm

  Truck is five years old and is in perfect condition, no dents or scratches. I use synthetic oil throughout ... with K&N filters. I have never had one thing go wrong with my Toyota Prerunner.

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  Suspension concern... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Derek - September 8 - 4:06 pm

  Although this vehicle is fun to drive, I am hearing a suspension noise almost like the rear tire is loose and bouncing in the trunk. I had the dealer check but no resolve. It may be the way the vehicle was built but I dont think so. Please let me know if anyone has had a similar problem.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Laper - September 8 - 1:50 pm

  Our family has owned the 4Runner Sport 4WD 4.7L V8 since late 2002. We were one of the first to be driving the new model in Calgary. I remember pulling up to the Banff Springs Hotel and having the Valet ask if we would mind leaving it in front of the hotel. He thought it belonged next to the BMWs. Its been 3 years now and I havent had 1 thing to do other than oil, regular maintenance and tires. The traction control is exceptional, loads of power. We used to pull our 23 trailer with a Z71 and the Runner pulls it with greater ease. The off- road gadgets (DAC, Locking Diff and 4W Low) all work very well together when crossing streams or driving up Quad trails.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By MSS Chicago - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I would recommend the Highlander Limited to anyone looking for a SUV, drives like a car and a Lexus only less money. All the options you want. Get the premium sound system, the best. Now I know why its rated so high!!

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  Prius: best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By L.J. - September 8 - 6:50 am

  Greatest technology you will find in a car. I love the smart key, Bluetooth, sound system and hybrid technology. I am looking into buying another.

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  Satisfied Sienna Owner - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim S. - September 8 - 5:36 am

  My wife and I bought this Sienna new and every 3,000 miles have it serviced. It has over 132,000 miles and for the exception of an alternator has never required any repairs other than the usual brake linings, tires, batteries, etc. It has a lot of "punch when you step on the gas; almost like youre driving a race car! This was the first non-American vehicle I ever bought and for reliability beats all the American cars Ive ever owned hands down! This is a great car for a family who doesnt want to shell out a lot for repairs.

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  Excellent Ride! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jtr903 - September 8 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Toyota 4Runner since 1999. I have used it in blizzards, sandy beaches and it has never let me down. Althought I have low milage and ti give an example of the quality parts used when building thew truck, I have never replaced the brakes, I have tuned it only one time and only kept it in normal maintance. Its a very smooth ride, one I will never get rid of!

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  Fantastic for the price - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jimbo - September 8 - 2:20 am

  The fuel mileage is wonderful. Its great fun to drive. I love it.

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  Beauty and Durability... - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By maggie2012 - September 7 - 9:31 pm

  We have been a Toyota family for over 20 years and recently purchased our 7th Toyota. We were pleasantly surprised when we test drove the 2012 Toyota Corolla "L" base model and found that it had power windows and doors. The price is affordable and with current incentives and low interest financing, it makes it good buy even better. Beauty and durability, thats what Toyota offers...

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  It really is as good as it looks - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By VenzaBuyerIL - September 7 - 4:10 pm

  We spent a long time deciding between the Venza and the Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, Infiniti EX35 and Volvo XC60. While the Venza is a crossover, these others are small luxury SUVs and are priced similarly-equipped at about a $10K higher sticker price. We have not been disappointed by the initial quality, ride and features in our vehicle. My only serious complaint about the vehicle is the quality of the plastic used in the lower half of the dashboard; it says "Corolla" more than luxury and this is about the only oversight I have found. Otherwise, I suspect we have as much a car as the ones listed above, but at a significantly more economical price. I am very happy with my choice.