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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  Fun, Hot Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shirley Sawyer - June 20 - 2:46 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Solara Convertible. Whenever I drive it with the top down, without fail, I get a positive comment from someone in a parking lot or at a stop light. I love the great take off power and the bonus of good gas mileage. Coming from the era of fabulous "muscle cars" consider it high praise for my "Hot" Solara. Anyone who wants a fun, reliable car the Toyota Solara convertible is a great choice!

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By BartE - June 20 - 12:10 pm

  We are so happy with our 2005 Avalon Limited. Traveling from AZ to ID we tracked 34 mpg at speeds up to 85mph with plenty of passing power at those speeds. The ride is Avalon all the way, smooth, quiet, and very comfortable. The Limiteds features are amazing as expected on this class of vehicle. Overall, a great car for all traveling needs, city or highway.

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  Love my new XLE Camry - third one Ive bought - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Jean Macfee - June 19 - 9:29 pm

  Try out your forward facing child car seat to make sure it fits in the back. The rear headrests arent removable in this years model.

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  First Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Ann - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  Purchased in April 2010. My first Toyota and hoping the Avalon lives up to its name. At the present I am experiencing a problem with the back window shade. It goes up and down at random times. Have no idea what sets this off. Any suggestions before I take to dealer?

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chris K - June 19 - 12:06 pm

  Very happy with our Prius. The mileage is not eactly 60 miles per gallon, but have been getting 50-52 regularly. I hear people complain about this sometimes, but seems rather nit-picky. Im sure if you told me last year that I could get 50 miles per gallon, I would have been estactic.

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  So far, so good - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By skgolfer - June 19 - 11:36 am

  Purchased this car about three weeks ago and have 1000ish miles on it. Have been averaging 39 mpg in mixed driving. The car is very nice. Rides well but a little stiff. It definitely doesnt have the soft, "grandpa" ride of the older Avalons. It is very comfortable and all the electronics seem easy to navigate. Also considered the Fusion and MKZ hybrids as well as the diesel Passat. Chose the Avalon for its combo of mileage, value, power and fit and finish. Have received a lot of compliments on the look of the car. Was also able to negotiate a deal well below TMV and invoice. Very happy with this purchase so far.

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  Solid Truck. - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By roverfanatic7 - June 19 - 5:31 am

  Have the 2006 Toyota Tundra Limited. Best truck. Comfortable, fun to drive, luxury interior, and solid reliability. The truck has 100,000 miles on it and no problems whatsoever. Maintenance is cheap. MPG isnt great, but it is a truck with V8 power. Solid offroader, great for firewooding and hunting. You wont find a better value. This truck defensibly definitely beats the American competitors.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Mary Bull - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car! 115,000 miles and no mechanincal problems

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  Solara Review - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SLCoopes - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I had with this vehicle is that it shakes when you brake. But that might have been because of the factory brakes they put on because I have not had a problem since I changed the brakes.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Vinnie G - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I used Edmunds.com for pricing info and got a GREAT deal. I do a LOT of highway driving and this car is perfect. There is pick up when I need to pass or go up a mountain and Ive never been in a smoother riding vehicle and I have owned Lincolns, Buicks and Caddys. Everyone who rides in it compliments the interior styling then they feel the ride and love it as much as I do. It still turns heads too. Finding a used one is next to impossible so I guess most of the owners just dont want to give them up. I have 77,000 miles on it and I have never had any problems. I take excellent care of it and it looks brand new.