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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  My Excellent 07 Avalon Ltd. - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim Chanaberry - July 31 - 4:16 pm

  My 07 Avalon is excellent in all respects. The comfort of my car is far superior to the Camry (longer wheel base) and the leg room in the back seat makes for super comfort. Combine that with reclining rear seats and youve got serious riding pleasure. The trunks a bit small and I thing Toyota should make ride stability control standard on all their autos. Summing up; I think a 9.3 rating is right on point. I couldnt be happier (well, not much).

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  Corolla XRS - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By J. Kinsley - July 31 - 2:20 pm

  Thank you Toyota for a poor persons porsche. This is a great car... takes corners at interesting speeds with no sway and keeps the revs up between shifts due to the close ratio gears. Yes, it is fun fun fun to drive. But, is well behaved, and uses much less gas, at low revs and higher gears.Yes, it is practical as well. (If you choose.) For a 1.8 liter engine, the engineers have managed to elicit a spunky engine with some surprises at the higher revs. At 6000 RPM do not be close to the car ahead of you.

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  Best midsize SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Fred - July 31 - 11:26 am

  I have owned new Explorers, a Mountaineer, a Blazer, Tahoe LT, Avalanche, 2 Durangos, 2 Chrysler minivans in addition to passenger cars. The Highlander is the most fun to drive, has the best handling, the smoothest, quietest drive, the best performance and by far the best economy. My best in town mileage, 215 miles @ 35.5MPG and 31.1 for 496 miles. Since I enjoy the perky acceleration, I usually average 25 to 27 MPG in town - which, to me, is still worth the higher price of the hybrid. Highway mileage at 70 MPH usually runs 24 to 26 MPG, @65 MPH-25 to 27 MPG, @60 MPH-27 to 29 MPG, @55 MPH-29 to 31 MPG.

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  wobbling sound - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By francis sanchez - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Upon releasing the accelerator @30mph to 25mph with windows close at night. You will noticed like a humming sound.Which cant be detected/fixed by TOYOTA.

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  Dream car! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By vamp6006 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Toyota and Ill never buy anything else. It is a good looking car and very comfortable--bought it with 150000 miles and now has 183000. No problems-regular maintainence, good gas mileage. Im sold!!!

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Charlie B. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 10 months now with NO problems at all. This has been my experience with Toyota vehicles since 1992. The domestic big 3 lost me as a customer because of quality and reliability problems. The model owned is an XR 4wheel drive. This car didnt let me down even with the blizzard of 03 in the Northeast! Its very easy to enter and exit with the high doors provided. For people with back trouble its a blessing.

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  Elegant yet aggressive SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By CoolHandLuke - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Have had this for about a month now. No problems to report except that driver side fron wheel was out of balance. Got the SR5 V6 with the appearance packge. Mmakes it virtually identical to the more expensive "Limited" edition but for about 8-10 grand less. I got mine for $25,900 - it is Titanium Silver (Nice!), has the ToyoGuard, Roof rack, fog lights, color keyed bumpers etc. It is VERY sharp looking - looks like the lexus G series.

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  2003 Highlander Ltd - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By LoveOlds - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Lots of wind noise at speed. Watch rear window helicopter effect if rear windows are down. Pebble guard on front hood causes whistle. Other than wind noise, this SUV is a joy to drive and own.

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  could be better - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By camille brooks - July 31 - 4:23 am

  I am not happy with my 2007 toyota Corolla.....Le....Had to replace brakes already...and tires, as well....have 47,000 miles...car bucks upon acceleration......have been a Honda owner most of my adult life...will go back to HONDA...no more toyotas for me

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  Incredible Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By jking63 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the most dependable automobile I have ever owned. I havent replaced anything other then the timing belt because of the schedule. I have replace my headlight bulbs once. This was about 2000 miles ago. I you own a avalon and thinking about trading it in because of high miles...Dont!!!!!! I have owned 15 automobiles. It really out shines my 98 Cadi as far as maintenace issues.