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 - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ian - June 13 - 1:40 pm

  Just got the standard XLE two days ago. The car drives great, is very quiet and has sufficient power.

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  RAV4 Limited Review - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - June 13 - 1:23 pm

  The car drives like a dream and is very comfortable. The V6 provides tons of zip - very peppy. Bluetooth works very well. I like the side-opening rear gate. Test drove the car and it rode rough. I found the tires over-inflated - lowering pressure fixed the problem. The car is quiet and handles better than our 05 Highlander. After 1000 mi., Im quite happy with this car.

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  I love my car! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By melinda - June 13 - 3:06 am

  Words cannot express how wonderful I think this car is. The ride is smooth (no jerking from the motor shifting)and I am getting 30+ mpg. After driving the Volvo XC70 the past 5 years the Highlander feels like I am sitting in my living room (very spacious) and the 3rd row seat comes in very handy. It is a bit cramped but adults can fit in the seat for short distances if the middle seat is scooted forward. I am very satisfied with my purchase of this car and love every minute that I drive it.

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  Incredible! Incredible! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By fte - June 12 - 6:16 pm

  Have owned three Town Cars (traded a Cartier). The Avalon is more comfortable than ANY TC Ive owned. Fun to drive, good looking, filled with FEATURES (TC -- essentially zero!). Nav system is amazing and functional. Its quiet. The dash is simply beautiful. The laser cruise is sweet. Ive had three corvettes but Ive never been as excited about a car as this Avalon (The Toyo has 20 less HP than my vettes!). First Japanese car ever and it may not be the last. (Wife just got a Sienna and loves it too!) Were both 59. I feel like Im driving a BMW.

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  Happy Camry Owner again - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Dubrich - June 12 - 3:46 am

  Purchased a 2007 Camry LE in sept 06. New/hot body style and no one wanted to deal. Put 102k miles on in 3 1/2 years. Smooth &very comfortable ride just as good as my wifes 05 E320.When Toyota offered 0% for 60 months, it was a no brainer. Also allowed for me to upgrade to the XLE with all of the bells and whistles.

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  Toyota Land Cruiser - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By stephen king - June 12 - 3:43 am

  This vehicle handles as well as a BMW SUV but is more reliable and less expensive to service. I recently drove through some wetlands in mine and had no difficulty at all. Toyotal dealerships are plentiful (unlike BMW) making service convenient for me. I will definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  Incredible Value - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chris - June 11 - 7:06 pm

  I had a 2004 4Runner and recently crashed it into a telephone pole, then through a large fence (going 40 mph). I walked away with only a small scratch on my finger. The truck was completely destroyed. I was so impressed with the overall performance of the 2004 4Runner, I had to get another one. So far this truck has met and exceeded all of my expectations.

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  Lovin my Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ttboy - June 11 - 10:43 am

  You wont find a better and more equipped car for the money. Good performance, looks, and everything else thrown into one $30k vehicle.

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  Ritas Fun Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Rita Garshak - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a fun car and I got it. It drives like a dream and parks easily. I get alot of attention from other sports car owners and everyone seems to love its appearance, as do I. Even though there isnt much storage, who cares. I didnt buy it for storage. I bought it for the sports aspect and that I got and more. I would recommend it to anyone. My husband is 64" tall and fits in it easily. Even though it is small, it seems spacious and has plenty of leg room.

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  Why wouldnt you!!! - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By woodrmg - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Land Crusher and we just love this vehicle. It has all the bells you could ever need and is VERY safe if you have kids. The Titanium rear and the fact that its almost 6000 pounds, coupled with all the latest safety features to lend you confidence you are driving one of the safest vehicles on earth. It drives like a sedan and handles well in all the elements. I put an extremely high price on the saftey of my family and feel everyday that my wife and kids are safe. The extra fuel cost Ill trade for this safety.