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 Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By blunoz - August 19 - 10:10 am

  I had reservations about buying a hybrid. I was concerned the engine wouldnt have the pick-up-and-go power when I needed it. I took the Camry Hybrid for a test drive, and I was pleasantly surprised. The ride is smooth and quiet, but when I stomped on the gas, it really picked up a moved! Im a little spoiled and I like creature comforts. I love the leather seats and as the temperatures have been in the mid-30s in the mornings lately, I like having the seat warmers. I like having the auxiliary jack to plug in my iPod. My one complaint is that they didnt offer seat memory. Gas mileage is between 30-35 mpg driving around town, and 37 mpg on the highway with the cruise control on.

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  I love my Avalon XLS! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Gwen - August 18 - 9:33 pm

  This is the first time that I have owned this type of vehicle. It is a lot of fun to drive, climate controls are easy to read, the vehicle handles well on the road. Engine acceleration is quick to respond. The JBL system with 12 speakers gives you that luxurious sound and feeling. No mechanical problems to date. I really enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  Camry 2010 - Must See - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ToyoFamily - August 18 - 2:13 pm

  Excellent on-road manners, draws enough and more attention in the parking lot, what with cool exterior looks. Good MPG as against segment competition, generous features and interior room, great value for money. Problem areas-few, as listed below 1) Bluetooth: Conversation echoes on the other end when using Bluetooth Car Kit. 2) Cant use Navigation when playing music from phone viaBluetooth, can do only 1 at a time. 3) Extra storage space by gear shift is a waste, cant accommodate a standard sized PDA device or a Blackberry, the door gets jammed and wont close, causing clutter {charging wire and phone}, they should be away from the gear shift. 4) Standard speakers are "so so", could be better.

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  New Toy[ota] - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JOEY - August 18 - 1:20 pm

  This SUV is sharp looking, in and out. It drives beautifully, is responsive and perky. I love to drive it.

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  LOVE HIGHLANDER - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By HIGHLANDER - August 18 - 5:26 am

  Runs great and is very comfortable. Excellent handling on both wet and dry roads. I think the interior looks more expensive than the Lexus RX 330, with the total Limited options.

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  A Great Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By JDR - August 18 - 4:53 am

  I have put 1200 miles on this car and I love it. I looked at several similar cars and it came down between the Corolla S and the Civic EX. I have driven a 95 EX for fifteen years and it has done an excellent job. Being 6Â’ tall I need good legroom. I drove 3 new EXÂ’s, a very good car but who decided to put the park brake handle where my knee rest, this was unacceptable. The legroom Corolla S is fine the seats feel great. The mileage has been 36, 37 and 38 MPG, wished it was 48. I read that some did not like the electric steering, but I think it is fine. I also drive a Miata, the Corolla just goes where I point it and does not wander. Bought this 2010 at dealer invoice, no extra fees.

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  First week impressions - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob - August 18 - 4:20 am

  This is my first truck. The ride is car like with just a bit more engine noise and vibration. Excellent comfort makes this truck easy to drive. Tons of torque while maintaining smooth shifts. No rattles and an excellent AM/FM CD with four speakers. Great visibility front, rear and sides. The tilt wheel is a must have because it allows for a comfortable driving position as well as making it easy to enter and exit the cab.

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  Greatest car I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John Bilodeau - August 18 - 3:03 am

  I have a 2004. I have driven it 11,000 miles. I get 52 mpg in the spring , summer and autumn. In the winter months I am averaging about 47 mpg. Its fun to drive.The climate control is great. There is plenty of passenger room in the front and the back. There is also ample luggage storage in the back. Every thing works well all the times. No problems.The controls are user friendly and easy to use.It has plenty of muscle on the highway. No trouble passing.You cant feel the transmission shifting.

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  Great van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill - August 18 - 2:53 am

  We bought the Sienna to replace a 1998 Caravan. Looked at the Odyssey too but my wife like the drive and feel of the Sienna better. The price was a little bit lower too. We are very happy with this van. The kids love it! I highly recommend it.

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  Consistent Quality - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By kkl - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I am on the road 35 hours a week for work, I needed a safe and reliable SUV for back road, side road and expressway driving in all Michigan weather conditions. I had previously owned the Toyota Highlander, while was a good compact SUV, just wasnt enough truck for my needs. I LOVE THE SEQUOIA!!! My Father purchased a Suburban at the same time and wishes that he got the Sequoia. Lots of room, enough HP and umph for most practical uses, very comforable and controlled ride!