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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  Beauty - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Jackie Stratton - August 31 - 12:33 pm

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  Love it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mack - August 31 - 4:20 am

  This new Camry is a hit by its looks alone. I chose the Barcelona Red and I cant tell you how many times I have been stopped and questioned about this car. It looks far more expensive than it is. The ride and handling is exceptional! I got a feeling this will be the 2007 "Car of the Year." Remember, I said it first.

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  The smooth Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike Torchio - August 31 - 3:40 am

  An absolute pleasure to drive. This car is quiet, smooth, comfortable, powerful, handles well, and is loaded with more features than the Audi A6 I previously owned. It was also 20K cheaper than the Audi and has better features. I would be hard pressed to buy another Audi (had two of them) after owning this car.

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  A Luxury Car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Gil Seidman - August 31 - 1:40 am

  This is truly a luxurious car that makes driving an enjoyable experience. It is extremely quiet and smooth shifting with almost no wind noise. I use regular gas on the highway and can get almost 30 miles to the gallon. The seats are heated and very comfortable. It also has an excellent stereo radio and CD system that you can control on the steering wheel. There is no need to spend more, unless you are a status seeker.

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  Little "excitement" for Interior needed - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Zow - August 30 - 11:56 pm

  Everything is GREAT w/ Highlander Hybrid! I chose Highlander because of its fuel efficiency (which they talk about, and maybe I can come close to WHEN I learnt how I should drive this particular car w/ at most efficiency) The only donw part of this car is Camry-like interior. Theres nothing that excite me about Highlander interior. Top of line model is just about the same so I went for non-Limited one. In general, I love this ride and I feel/know that I made a great choice!

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  Great ride - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Bruce - August 30 - 7:00 pm

  The Van exceeds all of our expectations. Smooth ride, reacts fast, comfortable, with enough head room for my tall frame. Most vans I have to stoop to fit. All kinds of extra inside that you wouldn’t think of but are there. I would recommend this vehicle to any family looking for performance and comfort for the kids. We have been all over with ours. We like to camp and fish so we have literally lived out of the back of it and loved it.

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  impressed - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By chandwerk - August 30 - 5:28 pm

  I have loved driving my 2006 Rav 4 from the day I drove it off the lot! I t has amazing pick up and power..reliability has exceeded my expectations. The dealership played the most important part--outstanding experience in customer service and repair! Thank you Mountain States Toyota In Denver Colorado!

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  Love the truck, but I hate the ride! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Clarke - August 30 - 3:50 pm

  First, let me say, I love the seats, the driving position is perfect, not too low for me (I am 59"). Brakes are amazing, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution really work. Gas Mileage is good, 20 city and 24 highway. No squeaks, tight truck. The Stock stereo is OK. Now the bad news, the ride is punishing! It is jarring even over the small bumps! My wife loves it, I am giving it to her and buying something else!

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  One comphrehensive vehicle of the class - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By excel - August 30 - 5:10 am

  One car that details all requirements for the owner. I love my car. Very stable , transmission is a plus plus ... safest of the class when package 5 (BW) is added, excels its competitors. On top of all, its backed by Toyota. I dont need another minivan for next 10 years. Very good choice and am a happy customer

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  One Sweet Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bev42 - August 29 - 8:46 pm

  I waited from 6/28 to 10/29 for delivery and I received exactly the vehicle I wanted-pkg #6, a 2005 salsa red pearl loaded. I drove home from the dealership on the freeway at 60 - 65 mph and I got 47 mpg! Two weeks later, I filled the gas tank for approx $14! I had already driven my sons 2004 with pkg #8, so I wasnt surprised by the quiet motor, smooth ride, and good pick-up. I sat in the drive the next day with the engine turned on (not a sound) the car in park learning the mapping system and setting up the Bluetooth link with my Motorola V600 cell phone. (20 minutes) The mapping system later guided me directly to a hotel 190 mls away.