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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  My 2006 Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ROBG9 - November 13 - 6:53 am

  This is my third consecutive Avalon. First 1995 second 2000 and present 2006. I find the Avalon to be a safe, reliable and comfortable car. Guests who ride in the car for the first time always comment on the design and interior room, luxury and comfort. If my present Avalon proves to be as reliable as my previous ones then I will be buying another when that time comes.

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  My Car!!! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By G Dot Muri - November 13 - 6:20 am

  This car is my favorite car yet. i test drove a Chevy cobalt and was somehow and in someway digusted by it. But this car is great. I get about 32 miles per gallon on it everytime i drive it. I fill up the tank once a month and thats really all I need. The clock could have been in a better position and the speakers arent really great but i do love my moon roof and the automatic headlights. Steering is going good for me, I like it so I dont know what these other people are talking about. This car even looks good from the outside. better than the cobalt and civic in my opinion, but thats just me. my wife likes it too!

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  Prius Proud - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By ennas - November 13 - 5:46 am

  Having driven everything from a Porsche 944 to a Pontiac GTO (66) and some of the fastest gas guzzlers one can drive, I am now an impassioned convert (arent all converts impassioned?) to the low-emission, high-mileage-per-gallon world of the Toyota Prius. This car is incredible. First off, the mileage is great, even better than I thought it would be. Second, and now just as critical as ever, is the emissions. Very low, negligibly low, which means great things for the environment. Third, this car is FAST. Gets you on the highway very quickly and (dont tell the state troopers) Ive had this car up to 95 mph; the car didnt even hiccup at that speed. Thats plenty fast for anyone.

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  Undecided - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By PhillyGirl - November 13 - 12:03 am

  I bought my 08 Yaris sedan in May after trading in my 01 Mustang. Going from a Mustang to a Yaris was a little scary. But the savings in insurance and gas balanced out the decision. Right now Im undecided on the Yaris. I love that its fun to drive and packs a good punch for a car with a 1.5L engine. However, in the month and a half Ive had it, its now been in the shop twice. When the car was 3 weeks old the keyless entry stopped working. Now, after the car shuttered violently, a bearing broke in the AC compressor, causing the AWFUL noise. I got it home, limping. The car was towed yesterday (how embarrassing for my brand new car!) and Im now waiting for it get done at the shop.. again.

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  We went back for seconds!! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By financeman2 - November 12 - 8:36 pm

  The lease on our base model 08 AWD Highlander concluded this month. We very much enjoyed the 08 and decided to purchase a replacement. On 12/18/2010 we picked up a 2011 with the tech package. We especially appreciate the upgraded stereo/sat. radio, blue tooth, back up camera, and rear window hatch in the new vehicle. The drive is identical to the 08. No signficant problems noted following delivery...just a minor rattle from the rear hatch that we will have the dealer address at some point.

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  Great Car, Poor Hybrid Display and Audio Manual - 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By davechem - November 12 - 7:04 pm

  I have had this 2013 Highlander Limited for about 6 weeks and really enjoy it. It has been cold (25-35F) so it takes 3-5 miles of driving to get close to the 28 mpg--but this is acceptable. Handling, smoothness, all features work well together. Very comfortable with nice upright seat position. My only disappointment is that the upgraded JBL audio system does not allow display of any of the hybrid operations or MPG records on the large screen, but only a small display on a small screen. The 2013 owners manual claims to have these great displays--that include minute to minute graphs of MPG. A call to Toyota confirmed the lack of display features and the need to update the manual.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Zanella - November 12 - 6:56 pm

  Couldnt be more happy with my Yaris. It drives well, and is very comfortable and reliable.

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  I LOVE this truck - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By beats1234 - November 12 - 6:16 pm

  If youre thinking of any SUV under $40,000, buy this one. For looks, its obviously beautiful (I prefer the sport edition with the hood scoop, spoiler, and roof rails). It is AWESOME offroad and feels more like a truck designed for offroading than cheaply made American SUVs or "road only" Japanese and German SUVs. On road, it is average and takes a little getting used to. The sport suspension is excellent for treating it sorta like a sports car, but braking has to be done earlier. The V8 eats gas but the truck is POWERFUL. Not only fast, but like heavy fast (maybe torque?) It just feels like its a beast. Feels very solid for a Japanese car (I had a Benz) Cant recommend it highly enough!

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  Greatest Car Ever - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Yurka - November 12 - 4:53 pm

  This is the best car that Ive seen on the market in years. It has a 215 horsepower engine that just blasts thru roads and highways. My friend owns a 96 prelude and he says that he will burn me in a quarter mile race. After we found a cop free zone. We started a steet race he got a 19.6 I got a 15.7 in the quarter that shut him up real bad.

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  Only so-so - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mary Short - November 12 - 2:20 pm

  I would like this car more if it were built better and the seats were more comfortable. Ive had several problems with the transmission and the electrical system. Ive had it at the dealer three times since buying. Plus, the seats are too hard.