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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  BEST OVERALL BUY - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Future Toyota Owner - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Im 16 and this is my parents car, yet they let me drive it a couple of times with them and 2 other people in the car. Handled well even loaded with people and cargo. Awesome gas mileage for a 3.0 liter V6.Gas down here in San Diego is at $2.30 for the regular unleaded, so this is a relief.The on- board computer thing in the dash is great because you can see the distance you have left on the tank of gas, outside temp., direction you are facing, and date and time.

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  One of the best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michael Temkin - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrific convertible for anyone who does not require "name" cars. As much fun as the BMW and Mercedes all of which I have owned .I owned a 2001 Toyota convertible which I traded in. This new model is 100% better & I liked the 2001 model. These are great cars at a fair price!

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  new driver - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ontariotacomadriver - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Been driving it only 1000 miles, but am very pleased so far. All "jittery ride" comments (from any source) should be overlooked... its a truck... I dont want a truck that rides like a car-- it has an excellent suspension. Engine is strong and gives sufficient acceleration. Tranny shifts smoothly. No worries about handling despite higher profile. Good turning radius.

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  Excellent Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jahlove - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my van for 3 weeks now and couldnt be more happy. We also have a 50K BMW and the van is much more comfortable. Its a bit pricy but I drove every other mini van on the market and the Toyota is better by far. If luxery and comfort is what you are looking for, look no furhter.

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  Like a Rock - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By GW - February 4 - 12:30 am

  After 109,000 miles, our Camry has lived up to the stereotypical reputation - a flawlessly reliable car. Basically, nothing has ever gone wrong. Well, the interior dome light didnt work when I first picked up the car - and I was too lazy to bring it back - so 7.5 years later it still doesnt work - my fault! The engine has developed a slight rattling sound, nothing to complain about, and understandable at 109K. The car still looks great, paint is still sharp. OK, one other thing, the rear seat drinkholder is flimsy and my kids broke it off pretty easily. Bottom line: Best $18,350 I have ever spent. What a great car - a no-brainer.

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  road noise - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By stanley stephens - February 4 - 12:26 am

  I relied on consumer reports and thier evaluation of the camrey as being refined and quiet and was disapointed after driving over different road surfaces finding only brand new asphalted roads as quiet. most roads create what I call "road roar", an unpleasant sound. after owning and viewing the camry from different angles its less than eye catching.

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  Exactly what I needed in a Crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By libreez - February 3 - 9:56 pm

  I have had the Venza for over 1000 mi. now and I am impressed with its power, room, versatility, and ease of driving. The fuel economy is good, I average about 21 around town, 27 on the highway. Really like the sunroof and push button start, the power rear door is helpful with the kids and large packages. Yes, the ride is taughter than other Toyotas, and you do sit higher than in a Camry or Avalon, but thats the design. Its not a wallowing, bucking SUV that gets 15 mpg and cant take a turn or accelerate well, thats for sure. And its no minivan that is more of an appliance than a fun to drive vehicle. A few gaps and misaligned seams in the dash, other than that, I really like it!

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  Most Comfortable Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Evan D. - February 3 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my 1998 Toyota Avalon XLS in December of 2005. I loved it from the first day I drove it. Its ride is very comfortable and the V6 gives it plenty of power. All in all, this car is very reliable and a great car to travel in.

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  Siennas: DEPENDABILITY,PRACTICALITY - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By toni parker - February 3 - 2:56 pm

  my toyota sienna minivan is just excellent in all areas. it us especially useful as a high school band MOM MOBILE. it hauls 8 people, all our muscial instruments: including guitars, tubas,sousaphones,baritones,speakers and band uniforms,hats,etc.and our/others kids for local,county,district,state band events.i wouldnt want any other vehicle.i researched vans for two yrs. we are also owners of a 1995 toyota avalon XLE, which i gave to my son on his 18th birthday.It too is a beautiful vehicle.I am sold on Toyotas!

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  Beats the others - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Safetymel - February 3 - 2:30 pm

  We drove the CX-7 - Sluggish turbo engine, the Santafe - no towing package and very heavy, the CRX - overall yuck. The RAV4 beats them all hands down, gets good mileage, doesnt have a turbo to break, runs on regular gas, has a decent towing cap for the size, and just runs great. This is the best deal.