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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  Taco Review - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Harry Nonnemacher - January 4 - 12:43 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, overall good quality, very user friendly. 21 MPG average with a v6 5 speed. Excellent safety features as well. Plenty of power, very responsive acceleration. Overall good price. A good looking "beefy" truck!

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  Great all around vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Alan - January 4 - 10:53 am

  Rides just as well as our Camry XLS and has cargo space to boot. Driver position is good, not too low or too high. Good compomise vehiclem with best features of a sedan and a SUV. Good gas mileage for a SUV.

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  Super Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By B Whitcomb - January 4 - 9:43 am

  Performed extensive research to find economical vehicle with a 5000 lb towing capability. No competition. Best economy with 5000 lb towing. Excellent economy achieved 24.8 MPG on first 1000 miles round trip to NC mountains, 5000 ft elevation. Exceeded EPA mileage estimates on first tank. Quiet at 60+ stereo super, love auto rear opener. Sport suspension stiffer than base and Limited. I prefer stiffer. Able to select transmission gearing, a plus for towing. Second seats can be moved forward and aft as well as folded flat. Rear auto door is a real plus for convenience.

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  Happily owned - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By first hybrid - January 3 - 8:30 pm

  Just purchased 200 miles ago. You must drive in eco to receive better fuel economy. Bought it to replace a Odyssey. With our family of 5 the room is good. Cargo space is smaller than van but leg room is equal. Lots of power, options and comfort. We are getting 23 mpg but expect to do better with experience. Good replacement of a bad gas mileage van.

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  Great car! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Roney - January 3 - 7:10 pm

  We have a 2006 HH Limited 4wd-i really fun to drive, handles well, and its a solid ride. Our current mpg is 23.3 (the average increases over time). The interior is very nice, and has great features like a JBL sound system, DVD/navigation system.

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  5 Star Used Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By TK - January 3 - 5:54 pm

  I was fortunate to find a 2007 Camry with great maintenance records that was in great shape. We have thoroughly enjoyed the Camry and it makes an excellent family sedan. One of the most comfortable rides we have been in next to a Lexus.

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  Had to get one. - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rle1875 - January 3 - 3:33 pm

  I thought about the fj for two years, and then in a matter of 5 hours went to Larry Miller Toyota and bought one. Silver with White top. Looks fantastic. Runs great. Lots of power. Very quiet when cruising. Great unique styling, nothing really like it. Smooth ride. Very stable. Safe on snow and ice. Sits up high. Long trips are very comfortable. Plan to keep it forever.

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  Outside side mirrors should be bigger - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Eddie - January 3 - 12:16 pm

  My little Echo is great, however there should be an inside control pad for the outside side mirrors. I noticed that this feature would be great as backing up or changing lanes you want to see the whole picture, the outside mirrors are small so I find that I have to look over my should a lot more especially when changing lanes. I looked into having a control pad installed and they informed me that it would cost me a bundle as they would have to redo the computer chip set and wiring.

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  Best of Class - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By magfer2 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon is a great car when price, build quality, features, and size are key points. The Avalon boasts a spacious interior (especially rear) has a large trunk without looking bulky from the exterior. It is a great highway cruiser with plenty of power while getting great gas mileage. The interior is excellent with awesome materials and great placement of all instruments etc. Best of all for some reason its second hand value seems to be on par of that of the Camry or other comparable autos while it is in fact a far superior car.

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  BUILT TO LAST - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By GUY B - January 3 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HAS GOOD POWER, GOOD PERFORMANCE AND IS GREAT QUALITY...IS A SURE BUY...