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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  Towing converter - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray Rounds - March 17 - 7:33 pm

  I love my Tacoma; its fun to drive and I think it gets better gas mileage than rated on freeway driving. The styling is the greatest and the power is great. I probably would get better street mileage if I kept my foot out of it, but I love the power response.

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  Not the mileage I expected - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Florence Geller - March 17 - 11:13 am

  I only have 1,700 miles on the car. Love it, but not getting the milage I was told I would get. So far getting between 35 & 40 miles per gallon. The car is awesome, but would like getting better mileage since this is the reason I purchased this car.

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  I Am Loving It!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Debbie - March 17 - 7:10 am

  I love my new Avalon! I had previously owned a 1996...and they have only improved the style, comfort & price. I love the ride and the way it handles... a lot of car for the price!!! Go tes tdrive one...I bet you will be sold on it just as I was!!! I especially like the sporty all leather look of my Touring model.

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  Wow, nice job, Toyota - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By ryecatcher - March 17 - 3:51 am

  This is my initial review of a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Touring model, after three days of driving it. I love this car. Its huge – about the size of the Jaguar XJ VDP s/c it replaced, with a bigger trunk, too. Its the quietest car Ive ever driven, too. How Toyota coaxes 40 mpg out of this size car, and still makes it scoot, is a mystery. Its got gobs of low-down electric torque. Even though 0-60 is around 8 seconds, real-world it feels much quicker than that. In-gear passing is stupendous – no waiting for engines or turbos to spool up, just mash the throttle and watch the mph climb. Styling: all subjective, of course, but I like the new design. Has a bit of Audi A7 in the rear.

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  It,s a Sports Car!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kfoley - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great sports car. Not boring as a Miata has become. Could use 6th gear for hwy crusing. If you want tire wear buy a Chevy Malibu sports cars need soft sticky tires. Clutch a little soft, up- grade, easy fix. Dont see many great for resale. Takes another 7 to 10 grand more to get this much fun and its good for the ego when people ask "What is that? Its neat".

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  spirited ride - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By tb9er - March 17 - 2:00 am

  much fun to drive. handles like on rails. very nimble with ample acceleration. very little back-wind when top down and deflector up. could use better speakers (maybe some behind seats)and more cargo space. but, for the price, i dont think theres a match.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By tpacey - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth and quiet. Like a Lexus

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  Satisfied owner - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Nathan Hollis - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Its an excellent vehicle but I think there should be more cab room in the 4door models and maybe a more peppier engine for spunk.

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  2003 Avalon XLS - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By londonml - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Just came back from a 3000 mile trip. The 2003 Avalone perfomed flawlessly.

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  Best ride on the road! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By SouthernAce - March 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I couldnt be happier with the Sequoia.