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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  Wow - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bhighet - March 27 - 4:33 am

  I thank my wife every day for letting me have this car. I was looking at an Audi A6 and S4 but the cost point was too much. I found this one on of a dealers lot as the year previous demo. Great price for a great product. I love this car. I am averaging 35 - 38 MPG right now on a mix of highway and city driving, heavier traffic in my city during rush hour. I highly recommend this vehicle for those that want a classy edge with cost savings in mind.

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  120K miles and still purring like a kitten - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By cinderella123 - March 26 - 7:17 pm

  Im the 3rd owner of my 06 4cyl 4WD, base model RAV, which had a 110K miles on her when purchased from a private seller. She was well cared for by her previous owners, with the replacement of the rear window wiper motor as the biggest issue. Since owning her, Ive maintained her well and she purrs like a kitten & runs like a race horse. Ive read a lot of negatives reviews here, but neither I nor the previous owners (judging from car reports and Toyota service records) have encountered any of it. I couldnt be happier with the continued solid & reliable performance of my Made in Japan RAV4, and look forward to years with her. Its all in the personal care and maintenance you give them.

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  27,000 miles so far and all good - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Geo - March 26 - 6:53 pm

  We travel a lot and wanted something decent on fuel economy and something that would have some guts when needed (passing trucks, etc.) We really like the RAV4. We have over 27K miles and have not had any issues (I know, still under warranty). We travel at speeds of 80-85 miles per hour, with the AC on and this thing cruises all day....and still has plenty of passing power at 85 MPH. The interior is comfortable (Im not a big guy) and we have plenty of room for our luggage and other items. Seems very stable and has a quiet ride. The AWD is great in the snow. So far, very happy.

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  3 yr. review on 05 Rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By harshad - March 26 - 6:53 pm

  I just had third birthday for my 05 Rav4. With new Michelin LTX tires this car drives well in Minnesota. So far no issues. I am still getting 26 to 27 MPG in mixed driving. I have got 34000 trouble free miles. I like this body style than the new one. Its much slicker and compact.

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  Low cost comfort - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Wayne - March 26 - 3:26 pm

  We bought this car 5 years old and 77000 miles for $10,000, much cheaper than new. It is very comfortable on long trips, a very quiet and smooth ride. Good gas mileage. My wife felt the looks needed some pizazz, so I bought a spoiler online and had a bodyshop paint and install it for her birthday present. It adds a lot of character. A few months later, I bought a 2003 Lexus ES 300 and driving one car is almost like driving the other, although the Lexus has a few more amenities. I am absolutely sold on Toyota quality and dependability, after owning 4 GM cars and one Dodge.

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  very cool and fun on screen display - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bnkhgn - March 26 - 10:00 am

  After 14 weeks to ordered from longest line up. I am fall love to Pruis 04 very nice ride and very comfort seat like Camry. I got 47.4 mpg on computer screen dispaly on 130 mile since I pick new car up last July 13, 2004 and save my money for gasoline! I love to play and touch screen display. Very cool sharp hatchback and big cargo space when rear seats folding down. Only rear window wiper and floor mats that is all I need. I wish all Toyota dealer have Pruis 2004 in stock; because of very high cost of gasoline.

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  I LOVE MY PRIUS! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ms. janet - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never been as excited to own a car as with my Prius. I would love to trade my other cars in and get more...........hybrid is the way to go!

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  MY OPINION - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By DAVID SOKOLOSKI - March 26 - 10:00 am

  All around nice vehicle! Never thought Id own a Toyota due to cost but, after extensive comparison shopping do not and know I will never regret spending the extra time and money. I dont like the drivers side seat belt which can be difficult at times to put on because of location (hard to get a hold of). The clock is difficult to see; to low on console and the temperature controls are confusing to operate.

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  Toyota Solara Converttible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By john r. Perkins - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this newly designed Solara Convertible on the basis of my Lexus and it is (Along with my Lexus) the best convetible Ive ever had, which includes Mercedes, mustangs and sebrings.Fun to drive, but I also enjoy the numererous comments I get.

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  Best car for the money - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Warrencheek - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic.The car gives a beautiful ride & is extremely comfortable. It is very quiet & feels like its built solid. Comes with with plenty of standard features like AC, push button windows, remote mirrors & electric door locks. Also comes standard with cruise control & AM/FM cassette, CD stereo. I have the 4 cylinder & its more than enough for me. I added the ABS brakes which also includes the electric drivers seat.