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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  Nice car, Major oil leak... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Freezer - September 5 - 12:30 pm

  Purchased in 11/05 as a pre-owned "certified" vehicle. We have the blizzard pearl with black interior. Purchased with 8,000 miles on it. The vehicle handles nice with plenty of horsepower. Noticed an oil leak the first day we brought it home. Brought it back to the dealer and they performed a TSB repair, oil lines etc. To make a long story short we went back to this dealer at least 3 times to fix and to another dealer about 4 additional times to finally get this resolved. We had to involve the Toyota Corp rep to get satisfied results. The engine had to be pulled to find the leak which was a void in the seam sealer near the cam saddle. Lets just say that I never expected this from a Toyota.

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  love my Avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Kathyjj29 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  In the four years Ive owned the Avalon, it has not needed a single repair. We bought it at 20,000 and besides oil changes, the only money weve put into it was at the 60,000 mile check-up. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Best SUV owned yet! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By DSkeet - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have always heard of the uncompareable Toyota quality. Well after selling my wifes 97 Accord we bought a 2000 4Runner Limited 4wd. Performs very well offroad, pulls our Sea Doo jet boat well. I will be buying a Toyota Land Cruiser myself as soon as my BMW is sold. Again, an awesome vehicle, highly recommend!

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  4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By bchbum03 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this suv drives, handles like a car !

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shane Barber - September 5 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV..It was a great dealership and was min. time to purchase and Toyota has a REP> for great cars...

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  Camry is a Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By calkid - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My review may not be very objective since Ive had the car for less than a week. But Ive wanted a Camry for a long time and this car doesnt disappoint. The ride is quiet and smooth and the LE comes with all the bells and whistles I wanted (power windows, locks, mirror, seats; CD and Cassette players; good A/C; keyless entry.) Last but not least, the reliability is legendary.

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  RAV4 Seats & Head Rests - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By ann - September 5 - 5:33 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 RAV4 and love everything about it except the seats and head rests. The seats have very little support and the head rests tilt so far forward my neck hurts every time I drive. I have read many complaints about the uncomfortable seats and head rests and dont understand why Toyota cant change them. I wont buy another Toyota until these features are changed.

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  Reliablity is #1 - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By gkkano - September 5 - 4:40 am

  No problems, fuel economy is as close to a hybrid as possible, needs power window and tachometer options like the Japanese models [its pictured in the owners manual], if youre just looking for a runabout car that is easy to park in small places, sips fuel, wont attract to much attention, not on anyones major stolen cars lists--this is the car. Reliability is the key, if it doesnt start and go--who cares what it looks like.

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  LessThan Perfect - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Phillip - September 5 - 1:10 am

  After 65,000 miles, I have become to like the car more now than when first purchased. Bad interior rattle near top of back glass. It took tree trips to dealer to get fixed. Has lots of other little rattles in cold weather. Transmission hesitation and jerkiness at low speeds is a definite design flaw to me; however, Toyota will not admit to this of course. The hvac system is very hard to control, especially in cold weather. Once automatic system acclimates, warm air comes from floor vents and unwanted cold air comes from dash vents. Toyota will not admit to this design flaw either. The laser cruise control in concept is great; however, it doesnt work as should, waste of money.

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  Yay Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jenny - September 4 - 11:13 pm

  I love this car! Mileage is great. I drive about 80 miles a day and its great. I am averaging about 45-50 miles per gallon! And with these gas prices thats super good. I like the way it drives pretty fast for a small car.