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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  2005 Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Momof2 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car 26 months now and have had no mechanical problems. Replaced the tires and brakes and regular maintenance. Very fun to drive for such a large car, Im still in my 30s and want something that carries my family comfortably and still has some power under the hood, and my Avalon has it all. Paint seems to be thin though, and has small rust spots in places, even though I wax 2x a year. Only big problem is that when I went to upgrade into a newer model, I lost all of my value due to Toyotas recent problems, and am now stuck upside down. The only good thing to that is at least my car is last me a good long time. Ill be bored of it long before it wears out, I believe.

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  Nice car - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By jeff in ky - June 20 - 10:00 am

  just a great car, I got the v6 which enables it to tow a 16 foot camper.

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  The best truck ever! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By m951 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This truck has great gas mileage, a lot of horsepower, and a big towing capacity. It runs soo smooth and sounds so nice. I use it for towing sometimes and it never gives any trouble. I love the looks. Even after having it so long I still love it. Everyone gives me complements. Ive had several trucks in my time and not 1 has ever came close to half of what the tundra is.

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  Great Truck - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By AussieOkie - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Just got this truck, so this is my initial thoughts. Very surprised with the grunt of the 4.6L V8. Surprisingly smooth ride and very quiet, no road or outside noise. Steering in very light and responsive which I like. I had a 2008 CR-V and very noisy with a lot of road noise.

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By ToyLuv - June 20 - 3:43 am

  It has been more than 2 years since we purchased this SUV and still totally happy with it. No problems to report to date and still runs just like it did when new. More refined and quieter than our previous Acura MDX. Not to mention a lot better on gas. It gets 22 mpg in mixed driving the Acura only got 16 mpg. Only thing I want more is the Lexus RXs styling, maybe in a few years I will trade it in, but for now still happily motoring even after 34k miles.

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  Love the Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Dave Martin - June 19 - 4:30 pm

  We purchased the 2007 Prius in Nov of 2006. At first we were getting 48 mpg. It is now July and we have 6500 miles on the car, and we are getting 52.4 mpg. We are retired and on a fixed income, so the fuel economy matters. We traded in a 2006 Ford Freestyle, which was a nice car, however the Prius is quiet, very comfortable, and a well made vehicle. I would buy one again.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Phil Jones - June 19 - 12:56 pm

  Truck drives like a car and v-6 gets on it like a v-8. The only thing I see is that the passenger shoulder belt makes noise as it hits the side of the door when not in use and you hit a bump or on a bumpy road. You have to take the head rest off the rear seats to fold down but thats only a lazy thing. Besides that, it was well worth giving my 93 Toy truck to my son and getting this 2005 Tacoma. By far the best and most fun vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Fully Satisfied Camry owner - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By stevenzhuli - June 19 - 8:52 am

  I just bought a used 2009 camry V6 LE with 98K mileage, measured 2 days trip, average gas at 7.3L /100km, about 32MPG, Mostly country road driving. I am very happy with the purchase. Good acceleration, excellent commut car. Very quiet. I am hesitating to buy a V6 since the gas price. But the camry really surprise me. So far did not see anything wrong with it.

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  Great Car - 12 yr owner of 15 yr old car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By alexa - June 19 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car in 1997 when it was 3 years old with 40-K miles, I have owned it since and it is at 275-K and running smoothly. I have all the regular maintenance done and recently drove it non-stop 450 miles on one 16-gallon tank of gas. I am not selling it since I cannot get what it is worth, everyone sneers at the mileage and age of the car, but I know that it is a great car, will not be surprised if it makes 500-K miles. No problem at all just change tires, routine maintenance, very little rust, change batteries, etc.

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  Unbiased - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gerald - June 19 - 3:53 am

  Weve had the 4cyl Camry LE for over 2 years. Great car, but a little bland. Ride is floaty, comfortable, and handles reasonably well considering. Interior too light colored to keep clean. Small squeaks under close scrutiny. Brakes without ABS, OK. Opt for ABS for better brake feel and stopping distance. Acceleration light, but buzzy at times. Some interior materials get scratched as do the hubcaps against the curb. Steering is light, but very precise. Stock radio provides good bass. Overall, great car, 9/10. QUIETER than the Accord at highway speeds meaning less fatigue. Reliable. Would purchase again, but with side airbags. If purchasing, go with the alloys and side airbags.