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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  Miles per gallon - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jim - August 3 - 10:30 am

  The highlander hybrid I purchased has a mileage rating of 28 highway and 32 city. This would make me assume the mileage would not average less than 30 per gallon. I have been trying my hardest to "work" the battery for better mileage, although the best I can average with this vehicle in any condition is 27.5.

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  Sure its not a Lexus? - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By corkyf - August 3 - 8:09 am

  I picked up my Highlander Limited AWD on Tue. Thurs my wife and I headed out on a 500 plus mile long weekend (37th anniversary). I had been checking out the Buick Enclave, but couldnt get the price I wanted. Id been to the ACC tourney and Toyota had a couple of cars in one of the tents. Saw the Highlander Limited.......liked the price and looks (especially interior). Visited nearby dealership and drove one. Fairly impressed. Looked online and got a price I liked..and made the deal. On our trip through the mountains of NC, TN, and VA.......it was much better than expected. Quiet, smooth, comfortable.......pleasure to travel in. Enjoyed it as much as my wifes infinity M35.

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  Concerns about quality - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By new owner in Feb. - August 3 - 1:20 am

  We have owned two Avalons previously and liked them a great deal. The 2006 XL we purchased gives us some concern. The transmission hesitation when you want the car to move quickly is a real problem. In addition, after backing out from a parked postion and then moving forward there is a low rumble in the rear. Other than this, we like the quietness in the interior, roominess, and looks, especially with silver pine mica.

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  Moms Car Rules! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By MissMiMi - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in October of 94. Has 103,000 miles on it now, and has only been to the shop ONCE (besdies scheduled maintainence) for a failed alternator. Super reliable car and easy to maintain. Only problem is that I have been plagued with a randomly squeaky suspension for years, though mechanics say theres nothing wrong.

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  Give me a brake!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Davie H - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota pickup. I have had brake problems since day one! I have had 3 sets installed already and now Freehold Toyota tells me this is normal! They didnt even have the phone number for the zone rep! I also have a very bad ticking noise when its cold started and I have heard that its a manifold problem I called Toyota direct and they told me nothing is coming up as far as any recalls are concerened! I know for a fact my problems are also shared with other 2000 Tundra owners. I want to get a new Tundra but im very leary now. Its a shame that toyota doesnt stand by their mistakes! They took my money real fast!

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  Wifes choice - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By aljafljkl - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Lexus quality; Toyota price. Smooth, quiet ride. 3rd row seating has already come in handy. 4 cylinder is a little sluggish, but not a problem. Gas mileage should be good for this medium sized SUV. We went from a 2000 Honda CRV, what a difference! The Toyota just feels more solid and gets better gas mileage, just no comparison between the two.

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  Comfortable but with a major problem - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lskris - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Major Disappointment and problem. I would have been happy with my first Camry XLE except less than one month after purchasing, the car was leaking oil from the transmission/trans oil pan. After many visits and rental cars later the transmission etc. was replaced. Also, when braking quickly it feels like the brakes lock and the car slides without stopping. Scary!

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  This car saved my life! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By explorersaurus - August 1 - 5:21 am

  I was in a crash fast enough to set the airbags off. The car looked horrible, but I walked away with only a twisted ankle. In a frontal crash, this is definitely a class leader in the used car market. And before I crashed it, it was a decent little car. It had plenty of power, and the transmission was geared perfectly. The outside was a little bland, but that didnt really matter. The interior was not cramped, but cozy. Im about 53" and the seat was at the perfect height for good visibility. The backseat was also rather large for a car its size, accommodating two small adults comfortably.

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  Back Again - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By JK - July 31 - 7:56 pm

  This is my second review. Bought it new Nov 2006. Currently have 17000 miles on it. This is my third Toyota. A little disappointed with build quality: had to replace the wiper motor within 2-3 months (making horrible noise), will have to replace the motor near the passenger side blower vent (makes noise at lower speed). Otherwise satisfied with the car. Can get around 23.5 mpg in combined hwy/city, if I drive <= 65 mph. With the fuel cost where they are, I usually try to maximize mpg. I have noticed a deadspace when the transmission shifts from one gear to the other (seems like from second to third), which is kind of weird. Overall though, I am satisfied.

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  Excelent Reliablity - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By evetsv - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Owned since 93. v6 is strong performer. very happy with vehicle.