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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  2007 Toyota Tundra 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By lilbigjohn007 - January 11 - 7:56 am

  First off this truck is a short bed not a long bed. Edmunds does not offer a choice for the short bed. I have the 5.7 V8 and it is bad to the bone. I have driven this about 1500 miles. Most of these miles were a road trip from Texas to Florida. I have no complaints with performance or reliability. This truck is Toyotas standard work truck but I plan to make it my sports truck. I am impressed with the options that are on this standard truck (dual zone climate control, mp3 player plug, transmission temp guage etc.). Also this truck is four wheel drive which is an added bonus. By the way I feel I got this truck much cheaper than I could get a Ford or Chevy. Fuel mileage so far 17.3/14.

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  Love that 4runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By ACED 16 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I thought that I should write because consumer reports had a bad review on the 2010 and I thought that this was ridiculous and I read in other magazines that the 2010 4Runner was better than many of the higher priced SUVs. I have had great time driving even through flooded roads and many snow storms and never had a problem.

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  The Fj - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By wakefan01 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute beast. It goes wherever you want to go, and does whatever you want to do. Great off road capability and just really fun to drive. Reliability is great. Have not had one problem with it.

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  Love and disappointments - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By George Zeiler - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2005 sport it had a lot more power, than the 2010 sr5 and it had better gas mileage than the 2010, I though it would have more power, and a little better gas mileage. I like the 4 runner over all, esp. The power rear window., I don; t like the way I have to adjust the steering wheel, that set up has to be in the Stone age, very cumbersome and inconvenient and probably the cheapest way to do it.

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  "Just" What I Paid For - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jdeb3456 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Reviews on this site vary significantly, I thought I would share my ongoing experience with this car. I have 62,000 original miles without any problems at all. Gas mileage averages 32 MPG in mostly city driving, including green light burnouts on a mad dash to work. Highway mileage is usually about 37 MPG, but once again, I am an aggressive driver by Corolla standards. Always careful to perform the service every 5,000 miles, including more elaborate and expensive service at 30k and 60k. I have already replaced the belt. Engine control module recall is pending, but no problems yet. Replaced OEM Goodyear Integrity tires at 40k with Michelin HydroEdge, the tires I recommend for this car.

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  Love my Taco - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By CBI020 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in Jan 2007. Absolutely reliable - less than $700 maintenance in nearly four years, including $572 tire upgrade. (Free oil changes w/purchase.) Not so much as a rattle yet, after 45k miles. Under seat storage in rear is convenient, as are boxes in rear. Got mine with the bed extender; needed since standard bed is only 5 foot. Rides great, especially after upgrading from stock Dunlops to Yokohamas. Mileage slipped down to 20 after tire change, though. Plenty of power from V6 for day-to-day driving and hauling. Plan to keep this for many more years. My only regret is I purchased 2wd rather than 4wd, but traction is more than adequate 99.9% of the time

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  Tall guys will love it! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jason - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic truck! Besides the looks, besides the massive towing abilities, besides the power, this truck just fits. Just driving it you feel in total control. Regardless if your towing a 10,000 lbs piece of equipment or a bed full of whatever, this truck does it with confidence. And I have to say being 63"(ish) I love how much room I have. Not to knock the other full size trucks, but I just felt cramped. If you like everything right in your face then this truck may not be for you. But if you like room, serious power (all available at low rpm by the way), and a great ride all with more cup holders than people can handle - then this is for you. And its built in the US!!! Yes!! Texas

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  My newest Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Janice - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 other used Camrys (1997, 1997 and 1999) and I wanted a newer model. Did some research and lots of test driving, and this 2005 is solid, sturdy and dependable. It is spacious and very user friendly, with all the push button controls. I really do love this car, and am happy every time I get inside to drive it.

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  I have the only Avalon with problems - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By JLG - January 11 - 1:40 am

  OK, I know the Avalon is supposed to be a great car, but Ive had a few expensive problems with brakes. Excessive rust near the rotors caused the brakes to fail after only 35,000 miles, and again at 55,000 miles. Ive been told by two dealers that the brakes will be a chronic problem. Paint on the hood is chipping and peeling, and the CD player had to be replaced after two years. Every other Avalon owner Ive met loves their car, so maybe mine is the exception.

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  Toyota Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeremy - January 10 - 11:46 pm

  This is the most realiable car you can get!!!