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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  You must test drive this car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By kirkman - March 4 - 4:16 pm

  Well my BWs volvo was breaking down and she wanted a Lexus. I suggested we check out the new Toyota Hybrids. She made a face, and said OK "we are just looking". Did a test drive and she and I were both shocked about the comfort ride, quietness and awesome hybrid drive technology!! We bought it instantly! It is so much fun to drive. I set the screen on energy and do pulse and glide driving to see what the best gas mileage I can get!

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  Excellent - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By vf - March 4 - 3:26 pm

  I just purchased an FJ Cruiser and I am lovin it. The ride is smooth and quiet. I traded a Toyota Tundra for this and am very happy with the switch. This SUV has a classic look about it. This truck has some pick up and go qualities.

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  Fun, Stylish, and Great Mileage, Too! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Greg MacKellan - March 4 - 11:30 am

  The Prius is a wonderful car, easily the best Ive had in a long, long time. I traded in a 2004 Volvo S40 for it; the primary reason was the mileage which was terrible on the Volvo. To my surprise, the advantages of the Prius -- besides the superb mileage -- are many. Im 62, and the leg-room and headroom are the most Ive had in any car (the back-seat is quite comfortable, too). The "futuristic" design is quite stylish, and the drive -- with the little "tog-knob" gearshift, push-button starter and parking gear, and display screen -- is just plain fun.

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  15K Mile Update - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sheepleking - March 4 - 8:03 am

  15K mile Update - Well the tapping noise is gone but honeymoon is over. I still like the RAV4, but now all the little things are starting to poke their heads out. - It definitely rides more like a truck now than when I bought it, with the suspension sending me jarring messages over all but the best of roads. - There are also little rattles and squeaks coming from the riser by my head between the driver and passenger door. - The drivers side window rattles a little (just a tiny amount but its definitely noticeable to me) - The noise from the rear when doing 25mph or less is horrible. It sounds like a squeaky/rattleing cage. Ive looked at all the seals, made sure everything was tightened and nothing helps. - Gas mileage has been stagnant...still 18-20 city and 22 - 25 highway. Other than that, it does what I need it to do (hauling kids to sports, school activies, shopping runs, etc.) so I wont complain too much. My next vehicle will probably not be another RAV4 but I wouldnt downplay it if someone told me they were considering buying one.

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  A pleasure to own - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Chris - March 4 - 6:46 am

  I was looking for a large car for me and my family. The Avalon has a good rep for reliability (so far well deserved) and is a pleasure to ride in. While it is quick - it is not a sports car - its more of a highway cruser of old. I have had this car for close to two years and still look forward to driving it. What a pleasure to have a car put together and so well thought out as this one. Even with the bottom package, all the stuff is included - the V-6, power windows, locks, ABS, premium sound and comfort. I looked at smaller cars with all the options added - the price is not much different.You want a large smooth comfortable car? Get the Avalon!

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  Not what I expected - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tallbored - March 3 - 11:03 pm

  I got the new Avalon to replace my 1998 Camry. The car has lots of power (268 hp), and a comfortable ride... but it is not very well built. The interior trim looks nice, but it is kind of rattley and cheap. My transmission doesnt shift into overdrive on the highway, which waste premium gas. It is at the dealer now.

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  Great Rig - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bill - March 3 - 10:30 pm

  I absolutely love my 2003 4Runner. Its roomy, comfortable, reliable and good looking, too. I also own a BMW 740 and my g/f comments on the 4Runners good looks more often than the Bimmer. In fact, given the option, shed drive the 4Runner first. Interesting. The Toyota V8 is a beautiful running engine and I still get a respectable 17 mpg around town, 21 highway. Oh, I also appreciate the good ground clearance, 4WD and ABS because I live in snow country. This thing is very sure footed.

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  99% satisfied! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By blo - March 3 - 7:30 pm

  Love it! Handles awesome and looks great! V6 drives with plenty of power and its smooth. Feels safe and is great in snow or/and off road.

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  2005 GTS Automatic Celica - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By .... - March 3 - 5:56 pm

  FUN to drive! Rear Visability for backing up not too great. Seems very safe. Comfortable

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  2002 Camry - Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Sb0004clt - March 3 - 3:00 pm

  I have an early production 2002 Camry. It is a great car, and exhibits the traditional reliability you expect from Toyota. This was the first year for this particular body style/chassis and the 2.4 VVIT engine. There were some minor early production mechanical problems experienced with the car including: manifold issues, belt tensioner issues, and leaking valve stem seals. These all occurred between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. I have since put another 80,000 (170,000) on the car and have had very few issues. Yes the car is boring and is has a soft suspension, but you will be hard pressed to find a car put together as well as this one. The driver-side leather seat is beginning to crack and t