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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  Im going back for another this fall! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By badassjen - December 10 - 8:30 am

  This has been by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned. As an avid convertible fan, this being my fourth, I find the top up ride to be quite noiseless. You dont hear the wind noise, and no rattling. When the top is down, it is a head-turner. I was surprised that I am constantly stopped by people in parking lots or even at traffic lights so they can tell me how gorgeous my car is and ask me how I like it. As for the reliability, I have only had to have regular oil changes. I havent had a single issue. The interior is gorgeous and flawless. The leather is great quality and the stereo system surpasses that of comparable cars. Overall, a great purchase!

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  Overall Great Vehicle - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jack - December 10 - 8:00 am

  I bought my FJ in July to replace a piece of junk Land Rover Freelander (also purchased new in 2002). I wanted to wait until I had some time in the vehicle before writing a review. This is an outstanding vehicle. My wife didnt want to get it initially, but now she says she would buy another without a second thought. I immediately changed the oil over to Full Synthetic, and am getting an average 20mpg city/highway, and plan to change the drive train over to full syn in the near future. It is outstanding in the mud and snow. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle, and Ive owned Fords, GM products, Nissans, Land Rovers, Mazdas and Subarus. Toyotas from now on.

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  2000 Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By ckeene - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Toyota. I have owned this vehicle for 3 years and have had NO problems with it. The only work that has been done with it is routine maintenance. It is able to accelerate rapidly and stop just as fast. The ride and spaciousness of the car is difficult to duplicate. I am now looking for a new car and have found the following to be acceptable replacements: Audi A6, Lexus. I would highly reccommend this vehicle.

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DHare - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt wait until the 03 style came out because I had heard it woud be great. Well, I was not disappointed . I had to have it. Only had it one week but it is a super machine-great improvement.

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  My Girls Love This COV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By dirtraven - December 9 - 10:16 pm

  So far so good with the HL Sport AWD. The back door access to the second row defintely has more access width than my previous Pathfinder. The power is there, but I havent quite opened it up yet since Im still in the breaking-in mode. The brakes are very firm, but even with the Sport the steering does feel a little light. The interior fit and finish quality is much nicer than my 05 Odyssey. The backup camera with its separate screen is a nice feature especially since most of the information that I saw before hand almost never mentioned it. MP3 player with the standard radio setup. Im hoping in 2-3 years down the road that there will be some nicer all-season tires available.

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  Love my ragtop - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lori - December 9 - 10:06 pm

  First new car I have ever purchased. Totally pleased with the comfort, performance, ride, gas mileage, and stereo. Extremely quiet, for a convertible, and love driving with the roof down. Thoroughly enjoying my new car.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - December 9 - 5:23 pm

  The Prius has been flawless so far and is fun to drive. Navagation system is excellent. Steering wheel controls take some getting usedf to. Keyless entry and starting ver handy. Fold down seats privide a supprisingly large cargo area.

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  Hooray for Camry 2007 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By esfesq - December 9 - 12:40 pm

  I am very happy with the 2007 Camry XLE. It performs well, is stylish, and has quite a few upscale features for the money. It is an excellent value. Well done, Toyota!

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  Love My RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By allura - December 8 - 8:50 pm

  Purchased my RAV4 two weeks ago and love every aspect about it, very very roomy, classy looking on the outside, back seats are like a sedan for leg room, love the new storage area, I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a small SUV, Go out and take a test drive you will be sold

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  Nice car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By sam - December 8 - 1:10 pm

  Smooth as silk on the highway or in town.. Acceleration numbers to 60mph just 2/10s off the pace of a Chrysler 300C. Mileage numbers only 6 mpg less than Honda Accord hybrid. Delivered 30.9 on recent hwy trip and is delivering true 20 mpg in town. Good value. Lots of nice unsolicited comments from people in parking lots. With Nav and headrest DVDs, grandson calls it the spacechip car.