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 Freda the 4-Runner-Limited - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cathy Moore - January 1 - 11:32 pm

  Bought my 4-Runner Thanksgiving of 2011 & I wouldnt trade her for any other vehicle on the road. She has been to Mackinac, North Carolina (twice) South Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, New Orleans & never had her in the shop for repairs. We live in NW Ohio where the winters have been pretty brutal the last couple years & she never failed to get me through deep snow & rough roads. We will keep her till the wheels rust off. My husband has a 2007 Tundra that also is still going strong with no shop repairs. Toyota makes the best vehicles on the road bar none.

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  Best family car in 20k segment - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Sen79 - January 1 - 5:16 pm

  This is my second Camry and have not disappointed with anything so far. Like few others reported, I was able to feel little jolt esp driving below 40 mph in stop & go traffic in the beginning. The new car was not coasting like my old one. But after driving for about 800 miles the tranny has become smooth. The cloth seats were not comfortable for me. So I added leather seats along with Alloy Wheels (extra value package). I looked at Altima, Honda, Sonata and settled for Camry primarily for the quiet ride (that I was very much used to in my old Camry). The new engine is a little peppier than the old version.

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  Best car yet - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By BoB from SC - January 1 - 3:16 am

  First of all I am 6 6" and 320 lbs and find it very comfortable. I took a trip out to the west coast and doing 80 mph I was getting 34 mpg. The engine is quiet and smooth, transmission shifts just fine, maybe Im lucky but I never needed any kind of service except for oil and filters. Its a great car, and Im just waiting for the new model year to get another one. I now have 39000 miles.

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  delivers everything I want - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - December 31 - 11:13 pm

  The Prius offers outstanding comfort, features, and plenty of power, while reducing emissions and dependence on foreign oil. Four-door hatchback design makes it easy to bring along our dog or bulky cargo items. The controls, while unusual compared to other vehicles, are the most ergonomic Ive ever seen.

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  Surprised New Hybird Owner - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Mr.M - December 31 - 9:10 pm

  My Subaru outback was on the way out the door, and I was looking for a replacement. I never considered the Highlander hybrid until I visited the Toyota dealership. I took it for a 30 minute test drive and I was sold. More run, more options, more comfort, more power, more towing, and better gas milage than the Subie. The hybrid Highlander is even faster than its regular V-6 brother. JBL sound system and NAV is a real treat. Incredible passenger room for the size of the vehicle, 3rd seating plus if you have kids. Vehicle is incredibly quite during city driving.

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  Wind Humming - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - December 31 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle from a private owner with 19000 miles on it. The only problem I experienced in the 4 years I have had the vehicle was the windshield. I noticed a humming sound coming from the windshield especially when driving at highway speeds in a cross wind. I took it to the dealer and was told that was normal. I insisted there was something wrong and asked to talk to the service manager. After speaking to him he contacted the area service rep who took a drive with me. We drove on the freeway and experienced the humming. He said it was caused by an improperly installed windshield at the factory. They promptly authorized replacing the windshield which corrected the problem.

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  The best - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rallen - December 31 - 8:23 am

  I have owned over 50 cars over 35 years of driving. This is the best. Average 33 mpg no matter how I drive. Over 125,000 miles and no problems. None. This car is even better than my 1983 300td Mercedes.

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  One year later and still in love - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rscott77x - December 31 - 2:10 am

  This car is still a delight to me every weekend when I drive it (I metro to work during the week). It is a real looker. Folks stare! Build quality is a daily joy. This was my first new car in 30 years and worth the wait.

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  From Luxurious Phaeton to TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By CLFRun - December 30 - 11:06 pm

  The TCH has delivered. It took some getting use to, since I previously owned a VW Phaeton with every feature and a 335 HP engine. Thus far, I have been pleasantly surprised by the way it handles in the rain. I had to adjust my driving style to maximize the MPG capability. I have averaged 40+ MPG overall since obtaining the vehicle. It looks like during the cold months, 37-38 MPG. I have a rattle in the dash currently... nuts! One of the things I like best is the TCH looks like other Camrys. If you want to stand out for whatever reason, this car is not for you. If you want to save money, help the environment and reduce dependence on foreign oil, I would suggest consideration of the TCH!

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  Best Choice I have made in a vehicle! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By James H. - December 30 - 3:10 pm

  I have been a pickup truck buyer for a long time (20 years or more) and I decided this time to look into an SUV for myself and I fell in love with the looks of the 4runner. I didnt know until after I test drove and then bought this SUV how much I was going to love it! The performance, feel, muscular stance and appearance and quality of build is impressive. I will definitely buy another one if I ever decide to trade this (dont know when that will happen!).