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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  Nice step-up - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By skipjack47 - May 14 - 2:39 pm

  After driving a Camry Hybrid for almost 4 years, I find the move to the Avalon Hybrid a nice step-up. The Camry was a very good, very reliable car for me and I got good value on the trade-in. The Avalon is more luxurious, and has a smoother ride, and slightly better fuel economy. I am finding that with the car not quite broken in yet, my Avalon is getting very close to the EPA mileage estimates. I do not understand the comment about "grabby" brakes. Contrary to the test review, I have found Toyota has done a good job of integrating regenerative braking with normal braking. The new Avalon has improved on this aspect of performance.

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  Great everyday car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By jba888 - May 14 - 11:23 am

  I bought this car because I drive a total of 60-80 miles a day, stop and go, on and off engine city driving. My first choice was a Prius but the wait period is up to 6 months. It is overpriced plus marked-up price by the dealers made me change my mind. Then I saw this beautifully designed S. It is very easy to drive, has roomy interior, less road noise, comfortable sport seats, and my 2 boys think its a cool car. With my daily driving pattern of 95% city driving, gas mileage on my first fill up was at 26 mpg. Computation was based on total miles driven from last fill up divided by total gas pumped, and not based on mpg computer on the dash board. Im expecting mpg will increase later on

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  1977-1987-1997-2002-2007 Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By curticool - May 14 - 10:40 am

  My Long String Of Tacomas Started When I Was 16 Now 41 Ilove These Trucks I Work long And At Night I Like To Take My Truck Out To The Off-Road Rally Track In NH My Long Time Neighbor Bought A Nissan Frontier He Is Always Sorry When We Go To The Off-Road Track Cause he never wins My Favorite Tacoma =The 1997 Toyota Tacoma

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  8Legger is awesome!! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jess Materne - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven pickups all of my driving life and my fiance owns a Miata MX5 and I must say that this vehicle is unbelievable. Every time I get behind the wheel of my Spyder I think Im a Formula Racer. The Miata aint no slouch, though. That little tiger will tangle with the best of them but the Toyota MR2 Spyder is just a step above, in my opinion. With a limited production of only 5000 per year youll have the entire neighborhood asking you what the hell youre driving. Its a rocket that handles like a go-cart but gets the attention of a Ferrari. Need I say more?

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  Excellent small SUV!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike B. - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is one of the few that I have driven that is fun to drive - it drives more like a car than an SUV. The handling is amazing. Im averaging 25mpg right now. It also provides a perfect unobstructed view of the road ahead. If your looking for a small SUV you owe it to yourself to test drive this vehicle - it may surprise you - the more powerful engine this year makes a huge difference. With the seats folded up I can fit 2 mountain bikes inside!!

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  Love the new Solara Convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JR SSlawyer - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 Volvo and lease was up - traded for new Solara which I had seen at the Chicago Auto Show. The car rides smooth, has much more space and plenty of pep. For the few little "creature comforts" you got with the Volvo, the additional space and $10,000 price difference are worth it.

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  Great Vehicle, Absolutely outstanding - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roland Gutierrez - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck is absolutely a joy to drive. I would definitely recommend it to anybody. Very comfortable, roomy, enjoyable and fun to drive.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By lilwahine - May 14 - 10:00 am

  By far the most car for the money. Handled better than the MDX or the Lexus and cost thousands less. Drives like a dream - my sister-in-law calls it "the space shuttle."

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  Wished I purchased it sooner - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Casey - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Highlander is fun to drive and very comfortable. It does not ride like my last SUV - Jeep Cherokee, which was like being in a truck. This is just like driving a car. I drive 36 miles a day on the highway and if I didnt know that I was driving a SUV, I would swear I am driving a car. I purchased the base model that had a lot of extras on it. The only thing that I dont use is the Home-link remote on the visor. It will not work on the garage door opener. It handled very well in the snow and ice this past winter. I love it and wish I bought it sooner.

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  highlander review - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rolrhokmom - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Have owned Toyotas for 15 years and this SUV rides like a high quality car. Very easy to drive, park, roomy in the drivers compartment (especially compared to many other SUVs we looked at), and has the reliable toyota name behind it,