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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  Lexus like - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gene - February 20 - 11:30 pm

  The test drive in the rain with the top up impressed me. The quietness and the solid, confidence inspiring handling were very impressive. Love the gauge illumination at night too. The 6s performance seems fine to me and great gas mileage too! Car trip with only 200 miles on the odo got 30+ mostly highway mpg at 70. Top down on the highway is fine too- not too much wind and able to talk in a normal tone w/o windscreen. The nav system is not as intuitive as my Garmin Nuvi but does have its pluses. Voice activation commands with the top down is iffy. Luckily this can be done manually. Radio is nice, rear visibility is ok with mirrors and seat adjusted properly. Tilt & tele wheel is great.

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  Better Trade Than I Thought - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stephen - February 20 - 8:46 pm

  I traded down to an Avalon Limited from a BMW 330I. As it turns out it wasnt that far down. Im actually seeing more and more that this car has a lot going for it. Better gas mileage, no premium gas, its pretty quick and a good sound system.

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  Outstanding value and fuel economy - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Ed - February 20 - 5:43 am

  The Toyota Corolla was a fine purchase. The engine is rather peppy when you need it and the LE trim offers some nice features and gadgets. A roomy trunk and back seat was a nice suprise and my car seats four adults comfortably.

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  My Dream Car from the moment I test drove - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By brandoshido - February 20 - 4:50 am

  I was in love with this vehicle from the moment I test drove it OVER A YEAR ago. So it took me a year to buy this vehicle. I am so glad i did (although my payments are wayyyy more than what I was wanting). It drives like a dream, has plenty of space for my mid-large size dog, and my workmates who I carpool with once a week. I am consistently getting 30.5 - 32 MPG off of my first 4 tanks so far. My buddies have all said the back seat is "cavernous" compared to my 2008 rav4 (I traded it in for this car). They also said the seats were "very comfortable". Get this car if you plan on keeping for 10+ years, the fuel savings wont catch up until then because of the price premium. I LOVE it!!!

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  Great Reliable Family Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Whazupgolf - February 19 - 11:43 pm

  We bought our Sienna in 03, and had for 6 years. We just recently sold to a family of 5. We were sad to see it go, but ready for something more sporty. Only issues were A/C motor, window off track, and tires wore down quickly. There was a weird noise when windows were down, and the drive by wire technology caused a jerking motion sometimes upon acceleration. These are minor to us considering 126,000 miles and no major mechanical issues. Has lots of room, and rides unbelievably smooth. We just bought an 05 Highlander, and hope to have same experience.

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  Love my Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kim - February 19 - 5:36 pm

  The Avalon has a beautiful luxurious interior with an unparalleled smooth comfortable ride. Great horsepower at 280.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nancy Meyers - February 19 - 11:03 am

  Toyota is the leader in small trucks. From the molded truck bed (not metal) to every feature right down to comfort. I have a very bad back, and have never been in discomfort after a long drive. The handling is superb. I can get into and out of small parking spaces with no problem. The truck is built sturdy. Rides like a dream. Takes heavy rain/snow slick roads heavily and safely (a reminder to readers: Careful driving in any vehicle is the main key factor). Fuel economy is excellent. The service by Toyota has been beyond excellence, right down to the personal reminders I receive when maintenance is due. Safety features built in give me peace of mind.

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  Happy but disappointed - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By PC - February 19 - 9:40 am

  Overall generally pleased with this vehicle and hope it is as reliable as everyone says, but... After driving for a few months I am disappointed in the lack of some basic features one would expect in a $60K luxury SUV. Very basic and bland vehicle and becoming extremely dated in its offering. I have nicknamed it the dinosaur.

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  Shocking Experience - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Raymond - February 19 - 12:50 am

  Purchased the car on a Monday; found over 20 significant/serious defects such as front end misalignment, severe vibration, chipped paint, misaligned doors and many others. Dealership manager graciously exchanged the vehicle the following week. Second car is a lot better; smooth like a Toyota should be.Still has a poor paint job, misaligned doors and an annoying rear suspension "clunk". Fuel economy is 32 highway. Quality is a lot lower than my old 98 Accord, but acceptable. The engineers did an excellent job with the design but the factory floor (made in US) rendition of the design is deplorable.Options are over priced.

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  Tacoma is a Winner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By DollarbillTX - February 18 - 11:50 pm

  Whats not to like about the newest generation of Tacoma . I love my CC 05 ! Plenty of room ,easy exit level,great interior and quiet. Plenty of power from the v6 and you can smoke lots of other trucks and cars with the power to weight ratios ,can be very quick for a truck. After driving Ford F150s and Rangers -I am totally sold on this truck ,to me it is the perfect size (no longbed with the CC style-please!) I would highly reccommend this truck -it deserves the sales numbers it is getting .