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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  Sporty fun! - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Baz - June 2 - 8:43 pm

  My Toyota Celica is a dream come true. The car is simply a blast to drive. I own a GT (the cheaper edition) and have had plenty of fun zipping around corners and speeding through country roads. The handling is amazing, the speed is good, and the best part is the looks. The Celica looks like a race car of the 21st century. Test drive this car and Im sure youll be impressed. Its the best of the sports cars in my opinion, and Im sad to see it retire.

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  A Great Transportation Appliance - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By teamsc10190 - June 2 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased in June, the car now has more than 10,000 miles while averaging 48 MPG with 95% freeway driving. It is clear that Toyota spent most of their money on the technology platform and it all functions pretty seemlessly. This car offers great economy with few compromises. Wonderfully reliable, the car has yet to be back to the dealer. After the previous seven years driving a Volvo S80 T6 that couldnt stay out of a dealership for two consecutive weeks, reliability is a real treat.

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  Luv It! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Luv it! - June 2 - 8:06 pm

  I was interested in the Venza prior to its availability. The Venza does not disappoint. A Driver of mini vans for several years, I was looking for a change. The Venza is a sleek design with a good performance. It has a very roomy interior and convenient rear seats that folds down at the touch of a lever for plenty of cargo space. With all the bells and whistles, Nav, Blue tooth, JBL stereo, Dual pano roof, this car is not cheap @ $35K, but it is cheaper than a lot of others that are in its class.

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  Total disappointment - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By bjarrette - June 2 - 1:05 pm

  Bought my 2003 Sienna used from dealer, was really excited since I owned a Camry before and loved the quality, first year engine light came on had to change something in emission system, cost me over $400, year later engine light came on again this time rear airfuel ratio sensor, down stream oxygen sensor and lower catalytic converter $1197.62, I bought this mini van because I trusted the toyota brand, total disappointment, next time Honda.

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  Most comfortable minivan - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Tung - June 2 - 10:26 am

  I purchased this van just 2 weeks ago. I took on the first trip to Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas, and almost 2000 miles on it. 6 people and some of the luggage. The handling was so smooth, there was virtually no noise as I speed up to 90mph to check this van out. The stereo sound is great. I had owned a van and SUV before but nothing compare to this van, I love the interior it is nicer than 2005 model. If you want Lexus-like luxury in your family hauler, the Sienna has your number. With tons of innovative features and even more available options.

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  First Truck- New 4.6 - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jnavarro2484 - June 2 - 10:13 am

  Looks great, handles well,and is extremely good on gas for its size. I have not gotten the ability to tow anything yet but; I feel that this new V8 has enough power in it to get the job done.Had I done everything differently, I would of went with the 4x4. Im thinking of trading it at the end of 2010 for a 4x4 due to an issue where I couldnt get out of a little drainage ditch in front of my uncles house in Port Saint Lucie Fl.Other than that, I am in love!!!

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  Great Car But Minor Detail Issue - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Mirage - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Its Great Car with high fuel economy comparing with other same class cars. Nice, Quite, Comfort and you will love all the features. But theres minor exterior detail issues. such as top roof molding is easy to loose and hard to find a dealer for fix well. other body pars moldings are seems like little off from its place. I checked my car and other cars on display at dealers( 3 Places), same... such as end of moldings etc. i think Toyotas quality control legend is burried in the history..

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  First Time Minivan Owner - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By dleininger - June 2 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the new 2011 Sienna Limited FWD in Blizzard Pearl, and WOW am I impressed so far. Were going to have 3 kids under 3 yrs old here shortly. This thing is truly loaded with every feature you could think of. The ride is so smooth, quiet and effortless, and Im LOVING all the electronics for sure. The dealership had two identical Limiteds in Blizzard Pearl, so we got FWD vs. AWD. I was surprised that only FWD has auto fold 3rd row seat (better mpg too). Have received multiple compliments from carpool riders. IMO the interior materials look nice, not cheap as others have said. Just pay a few extra $$ and get the limited with all the fun options. You wont regret it.

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  Large Luxury, Great Value, Good Mileage - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark Eaton - June 2 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with the styling and felt the looks & price made the Avalon a better value than the Lexus. Same classic looks, luxury features, great gas mileage at $15-20k less. Love the car. This car (so far...) is worth every penny.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kris - June 2 - 6:40 am

  I bought this Prius to replace my 2002 Prius, which was a great car. The new 2006 Prius handles well on the road and is very comfortable to ride in. The computer readout is very helpful in optimizing mpg. The new, more stylish design, emphasizes the high tech capabilities of the car, but even with careful driving, I have not been able to match the 54 mpg I was getting on the old Prius. The new one is getting about 49-50 mpg. The navigation system in better than in the older model.