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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  09 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Billy Bob - March 5 - 4:30 pm

  More car for the buck! I was pricing a couple of cars at the time, Honda civic and Mazda 3. Ive got to say that the new Corolla by far is the best mid size car out there for the money, I have been driving it know for a month and totally love it! Great on gas and great to drive handles awesome. I also own an 05 Corolla and got to say that Toyota did a great job on the new design, a must to test drive.

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  Great car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Paul - March 5 - 8:20 am

  This is as nice a car as I ever need to own. The interior is roomy for its size. The ride is very comfortable, though it does not have a European road feel. The engine and transmission are very smooth and quiet. The interior is also quiet. I almost never requires repairs, mostly just routine maintenance.

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  Solid Toyota - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By ReviewRR - March 5 - 2:43 am

  Safe, reliable vehicle. Transmission optimized for fuel economy. With foot off gas, engine cuts fuel to fuel injectors (engine braking) to save fuel and slow vehicle. Fuel cuts back in around 20 mph, which some complain as a "surge" upon deceleration. Excellent in snow! Handles potholed CO roads exceptionally well. Bland, comfortable ride. (Note Sport and Limited models have lower profile tires which are poor, at best, in snow.)

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  Highlander just gets better - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By RDL - March 4 - 11:13 pm

  After having my 08 Highlander Limited, I must say it is one of the best I have ever had! After having many Toyotas, I wanted to try an SUV, and Im so glad! The Highlander has all the luxury I was looking for, and a price at the top of my list. The ride is very smooth and quiet, and the V6 is so smooth and quiet, especially in warm climate. In the winter, it is a little loud until warm up, but that is normal as my Avalon was the same. The Highlander has plenty of room, nice dash, and the premium radio is a must! The bluetooth is great for the cell, and is safe while driving. The navigation is easy, and works well. The Blizzard Pearl is a great exterior color. Great SUV. Awesome !

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  Winner - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Montana - March 4 - 4:56 pm

  Not sure what car some of the other reviewers are writing about, but our Camry has been a joy. One of the very few products weve purchased that we are as happy with 4 years later as we were on the day we bought it. We ordered it fully loaded, and everything works like new. The quietness, smoothness and plush ride always makes us feel like we are in a luxury car. It so good, we dont slow down for speed bumps. Long trips - 34 MPG at 85. Around town, 26 - 27. Plenty of power, shifting so smooth we are rarely aware of it. Pulls large hills at speed without complaint. Nice audio system, flawless sun roof, great cruiser. Much prefer our 2002 design to the funky 2007

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  Best Toyota that I have owned - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Chester - March 4 - 9:03 am

  This is my 8th Toyota and 2nd Avalon (last in 1996). Liked the way the car "sat". Like the comfort and interior "bells and whistles". I have never had a Toyota in during the initial warranty period. Luck I guess. I dont like the transmission trying to find the right gear at slow speeds, sometimes causing abruptness in the change of gears. Perhaps this is the nature of the beast with 5 forward. Everything else is absolutely first rate. Best Toyota yet!!!

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  Wow! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paul - March 4 - 2:16 am

  I just bought this truck a few days ago and have already put 200 miles on it simply because it is that fun to drive! Excellent build--just a monster on the road. Came w/ a 3" suspension lift and AT tires that only magnify the rugged look and feel. Recommended to anyone looking to have reliability and an overall fun time with a new vehicle.

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  Dont Believe the Negativity - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix09lover - March 4 - 1:12 am

  Ive owned my 2009 XRX Matrix since the 1st one came into the local showroom in Feb 2008. Positives: I get 27mpg in town & 30-35 on the freeway with the 2.4L engine. Im 63" and have plenty of headroom. I love the smart gears which allow me extra power going up hills or lower gearing for the heavy snows. The storage is great and Ive gotten lots of compliments on the rear seats. I love the peppiness and get up and go the car has when getting on the freeway. Cons: Yes, there is a lot of road noise and performance tires needed for the XRS trim are more expensive than regular tires and only last 36K-40K miles at the most. This is a great car. I plan on keeping it a long time.

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  Raymond Avalon I love it! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Raymond Coultas - March 3 - 11:23 am

  Of all the vehicles Ive ever owned I have enjoyed the Avalon Limited the best. Its comfortable, classy, and has all of the features I most enjoy in an automobile. I particularly enjoy the GPS tremendously.

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  previous ford truck owner - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom in Virginia - March 2 - 3:50 pm

  Excellent truck. Very smooth transmission, motor is very refined. Seats are very comfortable. Just bought truck on 7/16/05. Liked the truck and was able to get a good deal.This truck is much more refined then my 2000 F150. When you drive the Tundra it handles and drives (very nimble) like a much smaller truck than it is. Like the shallow bed (easier to reach over sides to get cargo out) I only have about 160 miles on it at this time. I have owned Ford trucks all my life. I had it narrowed down to the Tundra,Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline. The Tundra was the only one I ended up test driving. My wife agreed that it is all around the best looking of the three.