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 Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Mark, NJ - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first non-American car, and I am extremely pleased. The 2.5L four is very smooth and quiet and suprisingly peppy. The interior layout is simple, logical and comfortable. Great rear seat and trunk. The car has a very smooth quiet ride. Standard stereo is decent. Handling is decent, but dont expect sports car performance. If your looking for all around good transportation, this is it.

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  Superb minivan on the earth - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Israel Thavasikani - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Honda odessy & Ford Winstar. But this minivan Sienna is excellent to drive & saftey & feeling. there is no other minivan available to compare. Very Smooth riding. Excellent sound proof.It has Best features of all minivans available.

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  Proud and Happy owner!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mvh_888 - June 1 - 1:40 am

  ever since I got my 4runner, ive never enjoyed driving as much as i have. Its the best suv so far and its from toyota.As a 27yr old prof. female, the 4runner is my ever reliable friend day or night!

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  Excellent vehicle - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Dennis - May 30 - 8:43 pm

  Despite all the media hype on Toyotas, this Rav4 has got to be the best. I have always owned American made vehicles but none of them made now can beat this Rav4. I love everything about the vehicle except the remote start. The vehicle shuts down when you open the door.

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  Great little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ucmoyaris - May 30 - 5:50 pm

  I am going to write this for what it is, one of the least expensive cars on the market. I am really impressed for the price. With the first fill up, got 42 mpg. A/C, AM-FM stereo/CD with MP3 plug in. ABS, 15" wheels, drives nice, plenty of power to weight. I bought a car that is much quieter then my Ranger XLT, gets better mpg then my RAV4 and is fun to drive. Unlike those who want all kinds of standard features, I am happy that they arent loaded as I had a lot more choice in the price. I understand that I didnt buy a Lexus, I bought an economy car and am very happy with it. I look forward to years of Yaris miles.

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  Converted domestic buyer - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By borquezmike - May 30 - 3:13 am

  I have read a few negative reviews and feel some buyers will not be happy with any vehicle they buy. I actually feel bad for any manufacturer that does sell them a vehicle. Inherently all vehicles will have some kind of type weird annoyance and as long as it doesnt keep me from enjoying my vehicle, I dont care. No car is silent inside and a V8 does suck down gas. But you will find tons of negative comments as if no one knew this getting in to a 381hp monster. This truck cleans up well and I never go a day without people checking it out. The Crewmax is simply the best solution for people with children who do not want a SUV.

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  Gentle Giant - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By JohnnyD - May 29 - 11:33 pm

  I moved up from a 2004 Honda Pilot to this dream car. I wanted a vehicle that would effortlessly tow my boat and at the same time offer a smooth quiet ride during family road trips. This vehicle does both and how. Although it barely fits in my garage (!) it handles like a vehicle half its size. One thing that stands out is the turning circle. At first approach to a tight space in a parking lot, you have to fight the urge to back-up to straighten out the vehicle because of its size, yet it pivots nicely into any space.

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By baseball mom - May 29 - 10:20 pm

  Had 2 Camrys in the past. All base models. Wanted to upgrade and got this one loaded. V6 is great. Has great get up with no hesitation. If you are going to buy a Camry, go with the V6. So much fun to drive. I have to hide my keys so my husband, who has a 2008 Chevy HD diesel, wont take my car. Also get an average of 31 mpg.

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  Toyota Sport AWD V6 - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Justin - May 29 - 10:46 am

  We traded in a Nissan Pathfinder 4WD V6 Limited Edition for a 2009 Highlander Sport AWD V6. The Highlander provides a much nicer ride than our Pathfinder and does not have a truck like ride even with the stiffer sport suspension. We drove the Base, Sport and Limited models and the ride seems the same in all 3. We liked the features that the Sport model gave us that the base model does not provide but finding a Sport was hard to do. The dealers said this was due to Toyota cutting back on production. The middle section of the 2nd row seat that can be arranged in ways and the roomy interior sold us on this car. The V6 power also provides a very powerful driving experience.

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  Ten years ahead of my tahoe - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By joe - May 29 - 9:53 am

  the "most fun to drive vehicle" I have ever driven.the gps is a must,the screen displaying the drive/MPG is amazing.I really feel good about the milage i get after driving my other boats (tundra, sileverdo3500, and tahoe.I think it would run about a hi 15 second quarter mile too.I love it.I only wish that it came in a newer body style